Police Shoot Escaped Tiger in Germany After Attack

On May 18, 2026, police in Germany shot and killed an escaped tiger. The animal, reportedly owned by a woman who calls herself Germany’s “Tiger Queen,” had attacked a 72-year-old man in its enclosure. BBC News, partnering with CBS News, reported that the incident took place northwest of Leipzig in eastern Germany.

Local media outlet MDR informed that the man was authorized to be in the enclosure. After the attack, the tiger escaped but was swiftly tracked down by armed police to a garden. Due to the presence of many people in the area, police acted quickly and shot the tiger, as confirmed by their statement to MDR.

The tiger originated from an industrial park in Schkeuditz, directed by Carmen Zander, who once trained circus tigers. As of last year, Zander lacked a permit for housing big cats, stated the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The enclosure held eight tigers, and a local rescue center has since offered to take in the remaining animals.

The police received an emergency call at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, as cited by the BBC. Officers acted to eliminate any risk to the public by shooting the tiger once it was located.

PETA representative Peter Höffken commented, “This incident was a tragedy waiting to happen.” He added that PETA had previously warned authorities about Zander’s negligent treatment of her tigers. “This has to be a wake-up call,” Höffken urged.

In 2025, PETA had alleged that Zander’s tigers were confined in tight spaces, within barren wire cages, lacking a species-appropriate environment. Zander did not respond to CBS News for comments.

Thomas Druskat, the local mayor, expressed concern to the Leipziger Volkszeitung, stating, “The enclosure has to go. It’s unthinkable what might have happened if other people had been injured.”

On her website, Zander offers a chance for people to book an “exclusive tiger petting event.” She describes her animals as “tiger mice,” promising a thrilling encounter. “Touch my beautiful Bengal tigers … you are standing right next to my 250kg [550lb] powerhouses. You will be speechless!!!,” the website advertises.