Veterinary report says tiger was starving when it killed owner

Veterinary report says tiger was starving when it killed owner

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS – The Bengal tiger that attacked and killed its owner last week was starving and only weighed about half as much as it should have, according to a report from a University of Minnesota veterinarian.

The male tiger killed Cynthia Gamble, 52, inside its cage at her property east of Sandstone last Thursday. The tiger was euthanized and taken to the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for examination.

The report said the tiger was "cachetic," meaning it was emaciated, and that it weighed 118 kilograms – the equivalent of 260 pounds and about half of what a 10-year-old tiger’s normal weight would typically be.

The report said the tiger had no significant injuries, and tests for rabies were negative.

The report also said the tiger’s teeth "were markedly worn or had been intentionally trimmed down."

Gamble held an exhibitor’s license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which permitted her to show animals at public venues.

Her services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church in Kroschel, west of Hinckley. The family asks that memorials be sent to the Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Columbus, OH 43065.

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

an Educational Sanctuary home

to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL  33625

813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition here:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/344896451?ltl=1140270431

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above.  You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.