On May 18, 2026, police in Germany shot and killed a tiger that escaped from an enclosure after attacking a 72-year-old man. The tiger belonged to a woman known as Germany’s “Tiger Queen,” Carmen Zander. The incident occurred northwest of Leipzig, in eastern Germany. Police confirmed the man was authorized to be in the enclosure, which is managed by Zander.
After the attack, the tiger was tracked by armed police to a garden, where it was killed. Given the area’s population density, police acted swiftly without waiting for a veterinarian. The escape site was in Schkeuditz, within an industrial park run by Zander, a former circus tiger trainer.
Local media reported Zander lacked an animal welfare permit for keeping big cats. At the time of the incident, eight tigers were in her enclosure, posing a risk according to the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
PETA highlighted the incident as a “tragedy waiting to happen.” PETA’s Peter Höffken stated, “Carmen Zander treats her tigers negligently, especially regarding safety.” He emphasized the need for urgent changes due to the conditions in which the tigers were kept.
The local mayor, Thomas Druskat, stressed the importance of dismantling the enclosure. He remarked on the potential danger if others were injured. Zander’s website offers “exclusive tiger petting events” and describes her tigers as “tiger mice.” Her promotional message invites visitors to touch Bengal tigers, boasting their majestic presence.
The incident sparked calls for authorities to reassess and enforce animal welfare regulations to protect both people and animals.
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