According to Channel NewsAsia, the White Bengal Tiger, one of two that escaped from Sinka Zoo, Singkawang Town, west of Kalimantan Island, Indonesia, was found wandering in a forest surrounding the zoo on 6 February. The other tiger was shot dead before.
The local police chief, Prasetiyo Adhi Wibowo, informed the media: “We have found and captured the second tiger by shooting anesthetic at it.”
The escaped tigers were once thought to resemble Sumatran tigers, but Indonesian authorities have confirmed that these are two 18-month-old females, belonging to the breed Bengal tiger. The two tigers escaped from Sinka Zoo, after heavy rains created a hole near their captive area.
One of them caused the death of a 47-year-old male zoo worker and several other animals. The escape led to a large-scale search involving police, military and conservation officials. Locals were told to stay at home and avoid going to tourist spots near the zoo until the authorities took control of the situation.
The orange Bengal tiger had previously been shot dead, after several attempts to neutralize with anesthetized gun failed. Conservationists said they were forced to shoot and kill the animal, which belongs to a highly endangered group, because they had no other choice. The tiger is no longer obedient to orders and is too aggressive towards humans.
Indonesia’s zoos often do not have a good reputation for the treatment of wildlife, with some even being accused of cruelty towards them.