Tiger Kills Palm Beach Zookeeper; Guests Shelter In Gift Shop

PALM BEACH, FL — A tiger at the Palm Beach Zoo killed a zookeeper Friday, a zoo official told reporters, sending parents and children scrambling to the gift shop for shelter.

The tiger attacked the female zoo worker inside its habitat at around 1:45 p.m. local time, West Palm Beach Police said. The attack happened in a "behind-the-scenes" area, away from public view, zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter told reporters.

Zoo guests were "frantically shuffled" into the zoo's gift shop while the tiger was tranquilized, the Palm Beach Post reported, but police said the public was not at risk.

The zookeeper was identified as Stacey Konwiser, who was remembered for her love of animals.

The tiger was a Malayan tiger, an endangered species.

The zoo will remain closed through Saturday.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for updates as they become available.