Hwange man killed by tiger in New Zealand zoo

Published: May 30, 2009

A NEW Zealand-based Zimbabwean foundation is appealing for help to repatriate the body of a zoo keeper killed by a white tiger last Wednesday.

Dalu Mncube, 26, was savagely mauled by the animal at the Whangarei Zion Wildlife Garden in Auckland.

The senior tiger handler suffered serious “tearing” injuries to his abdomen and lower legs.

Japhat Ncube from the Zimbabwe Foundation says they want to send Dalu’s body back to his parents’ home in Hwange, Matabeleland North.

“For Dalu to be buried in New Zealand would be upsetting for his family,” Ncube said.

The Foundation is appealing for donations to cover transportation costs which could amount to $10,000 (£4,960).

Staff shot the 260kg tiger to recover Mncube’s body. He was originally said to be from South Africa in earlier news reports.

It has emerged that in February, Mncube saved an Australian colleague from the same tiger’s jaws, prising its teeth apart using a fire extinguisher.

It is the third major animal attack at the zoo since December last year, authorities said. (Source:New Zimbabwe; ZimEye)

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