Zookeeper Mauled to Death by White Bengal Tigress in Mariupol Zoo Incident

Zookeeper Alexey Melnikov (pictured) has been mauled to death by a rare Bengal tigress at zoo in Russian-occupied Ukraine

A zookeeper was tragically mauled to death by a rare white Bengal tigress at the Mariupol Zoo in Russian-occupied Ukraine after a critical error during routine feeding procedures. The victim, Alexey Melnikov, reportedly entered the tigress’s enclosure without relocating her beforehand, unaware that she was hiding inside a wooden den.

The tigress, named Lucy, attacked and fatally mauled Melnikov, reportedly gnawing on his head during the violent incident. According to zoo officials, Lucy was likely acting in defense of her four cubs. The incident unfolded swiftly, with Zoo Director Savely Vashura confirming that the tigress came from behind and attacked suddenly, leaving Melnikov no time to react.

The blood incident took place at Mariupol zoo

Vashura remarked, “She came out from behind, and bam – the man was gone. Maybe he got distracted, maybe something else happened – he was only human.”

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the deadly mauling. A representative from the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that an inquiry is underway and preliminary findings indicate the attack occurred while Melnikov was entering the enclosure to feed the animal. The injuries sustained in the attack proved fatal.

The zoo says the tiger was likely defending her cubs when the violent attack happened

Graphic evidence from the scene, including blood-splattered walls of the enclosure and bloodstained clothing, was withheld from public release due to its disturbing nature.

Melnikov, who previously worked at the Yalta Zoo in Crimea, had expressed deep passion for animals. In earlier statements, he said, “I love animals very much – I can’t live without them. I clean, feed the predators. Mostly I work with predators. I move them from one cage to another, keeping things in order.”

A rare Bengal tigress mauled keeper Alexey Melnikov to death

This tragic incident adds to a string of recent fatal attacks involving zoo animals. Last year, a zookeeper in Uzbekistan was killed by lions after filming himself entering a cage to impress a partner. In another horrifying case, a 52-year-old zookeeper at Pitesti Zoo in Romania was fatally mauled by a tiger after being bitten on the head during enclosure entry.

As investigations continue, questions remain over safety protocols and human error in handling dangerous wildlife in captivity.