Rare tigress kills mate in US zoo

Officials at a zoo in the US where a rare Malayan tiger was killed by his mate have said there were no warning signs of violence.

Steve Marshal, director of El Paso Zoo in Texas, said three-year-old Seri and six-year-old Wzui seemed to have bonded during their two-and-a-half months together and had even mated.

He said the animals were seen playing and being affectionate with one another just hours before Seri bit down on Wzui's neck and choked him to death.

Minnesota Zoo conservation director Tara Harris said tigers sometimes fight but very rarely kill one another. She said it is even rarer that a female would kill a male.

Mr Marshal said the zoo hopes to find another suitable mate for Seri soon.

http://news.uk.msn.com/environment/rare-tigress-kills-mate-in-us-zoo-10