A campaign has been launched to save a tiger that mauled a zookeeper to death from being put down.

Fears have been raised the beast will be destroyed after it killed Rosa King, 33, at Hamerton Zoo in Cambridgeshire yesterday.

Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed the tiger has not been harmed and an investigation has been launched by Huntingdonshire District Council, which grants the zoo a licence to keep exotic animals.

The incident has sparked fears the tiger will be killed, leading to many writing on social media urging for the big cat to be spared.

Miss King, 33, was 'inspirational' and enjoyed working with her 'beloved cats' at the zoo, friends said.

Her heartbroken mother Andrea said earlier today her daughter was dedicated to her job and said: 'She wouldn't have done anything else, it's what she has always done, it's what she has always loved.'

Friends and colleagues described her as the 'shining light' of the attraction and added she 'WAS the zoo'.

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Hamerton Zoo's carnivore keeper Rosa King is pictured with two of the Cambridgeshire wildlife park's four tigers on World Tiger Day last year

The mother of Miss King, pictured with one of the zoo's tigers, said she 'loved the job' and 'would not have done anything else'

Pictured is the enclosure showing where the public viewing area is and the keeper entrance

Colleagues of the 33-year-old (shown feeding one of the tigers) desperately tried to save her by distracting the big cat with chunks of meat, witnesses said.

Drone footage shows an aerial view of the tiger enclosure where the horrific attack unfolded

The tigers at Hamerton had been bred in captivity in Germany and brought over when they were very young

A message from a former colleague left with floral tribute at entrance to the zoo, describing the keeper as an 'inspiration'

This is the enclosure where it is thought Ms King was mauled by a tiger on Monday morning

This aerial picture shows tigers in their enclosures at the zoo, which currently houses four

Following her death, campaigners launched a fight to save the tiger.

Rosie Dore wrote on Facebook: 'R.I.P dear lady you truly loved and trusted this beautiful creature and knew the risks.

'I hope this tiger will not be punished as it is a wild animal and this sweet lady would not want that. My heart is breaking such a sad situation.

Dagmara Nazaruk added: 'Why they should put him down? It's not a dog that attack human it's a wild animal that should live free. RIP Rosa but I'm sure she would not want him to put down.'

Tiger enthusiast Russ Neve, who knew Miss King, added: 'At the end of the day, it's a wild animal and only acted as it would have done. Accidents can happen.

'Plus I'm pretty sure Rosa wouldn't even think of it.

'The tigers at Hamerton had been bred in captivity in Germany and brought over when they were very young, and it seemed Rosa had known them since they were cubs.

Many on social media have speculated over whether the tiger will be put down, with the majority appealing for it to not be harmed

Footage today emerged of Miss King telling a TV interviewer how she believed keeping captive animals in zoos was not cruel

In the footage, Miss King spoke of how the zoo did 'a lot of work for conservation, a lot of breeding to try and save the species'

Meanwhile floral tributes to Miss King have been left outside the zoo today, pictured

A card from a family who said they were 'regular visitors' sent their 'best wishes' to all at the zoo

Visitors to the zoo lay flowers at the entrance in memory of the popular zookeeper

'Hamerton is a lovely, zoo. It is small and friendly, and the staff were very helpful and professional.

'This is why I'm so shocked by what has happened. It is a tragic accident.'

Witnesses said they heard 'blood-curdling screams' from the enclosure as more than 100 visitors were evacuated when 'all hell broke loose' amid rumours the tiger had escaped.

The 33-year-old's colleagues desperately tried to save her by distracting the big cat with chunks of meat, witnesses said.

The zoo opened a new enclosure for its Malaysian tigers in July last year.

The park is home to Bengal tigers Shiva and Mohan and Malaysian tigers Cicip and Sahaja.

Two other Bengal tigers, Blizzard and Ladybelle, who arrived in 2001 from a circus in Belgium, died in March this year and June 2016 respectively.

TIGERS AT THE ZOO A pair of Malaysian tigers, eight-year-old male 'Cicip' and four-year-old 'Sahaja' arrived at the zoo in September 2015. They are the only ones to ever be seen in the UK, and only a handful of zoos in Europe currently keep this rare cat. The park currently has two Bengal tigers. A male named 'Blizzard' and his mate 'Lady Belle' arrived at the facility in 2001 from a circus in Belgium. Blizzard died in March this year. In a statement on March 6, the zoo said: 'Blizzard had taken a turn for the worst over the last few weeks and was not responding to medical treatment, so the decision was taken to put him to sleep.' Ladybelle died in June 2016. In a statement on June 10, the zoo said: 'Lady's health had been deteriorating over the last few months, and was receiving daily medical care from her keepers and vets. Unfortunately in the last week she deteriorated rapidly and yesterday the decision was made to put her to sleep.' Another pair of 15-month-old white Bengal tigers arrived from Germany in 2014, called 'Shiva' and 'Mohan'. Advertisement

Meanwhile an animal expert said the tiger attack would likely have lasted less than 30 seconds and would have been 'over by the time staff reacted' because tigers are so powerful.

Pete Wedderburn told the Mirror: 'The whole sequence of events would be less than half a minute. By the time they [the staff] realised a crisis was happening it would have all been over.'

Mr Wedderburn told the paper a tranquiliser dart would likely have taken minutes to work, meaning it would not have been enough to save Miss King, although keepers could have killed the beast with 'a high velocity rifle'.

But he added: 'You can't have keepers doing work in a zoo with high-powered rifles on every corner.'

Witness Pete Davis said he believed Miss King was attacked after rushing to help a colleague in the tiger enclosure.

He said: 'There's no doubting it was a girl's scream and something terrible had happened. It sounds like a tiger turned on her.

'She had run into the enclosure after hearing one of her colleagues shouting and moments later all hell let loose.

'She let out a blood-curdling scream and then another keeper ran out and shouted 'run'.

'It was a case of total panic. There were keepers rushing about throwing buckets of meat to try and get the tigers under control.'

One of the zoo's tigers (pictured) is seen as it prowls along the perimeter fence of its enclosure

Footage today emerged of Miss King telling a TV interviewer how she believed keeping captive animals in zoos was not cruel.

In the interview, filmed last year, she was asked if it was cruel to keep animals in zoos.

'My personal opinion is it's not,' Miss King replied in the clip.

She said: 'We do a lot of work for conservation, a lot of breeding to try and save the species, just like the Malayan tiger here.

'There's only about 300 left in the world and they're being poached. At least they're safe here and we can work on increasing the numbers.'

The zoo's four tigers were looked after by carnivore keeper Rosa (pictured). One of her colleagues wrote on Twitter last night: 'I feel physically sick'

Miss King's friend, wildlife photographer Garry Chisholm, said last night: 'I have lost a very dear friend who loved the animals in her care very much.

'I would like to say more but I am struggling to take in this news at the moment.'

Writing on Facebook this morning, Mr Chisholm added: 'I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events at Hamerton yesterday which resulted in the death of a good friend of mine.

'Rosa was a follower of this page and I would like to make the following tribute statement in her memory:

'Rosa wasn't just a keeper at Hamerton Zoo – she WAS Hamerton Zoo.

Staff were seen on site at the zoo, pictured, today but the gates have been locked

Huntingdonshire District Council is now leading the investigation at the attraction, pictured, after police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances

A spokesman for the zoo said yesterday staff were 'too devastated' to speak about the incident

Rosa is pictured right alongside a cheetah and conservation stalwart Sir David Attenborough

Witness Pete Davis said he believed the young keeper (shown) was attacked after rushing to help a colleague in the tiger enclosure

'She was the absolute central point of it, the focal point of it. She was the shining light of it. It revolved around her.

'Her passion for the animals in her care was exceptional though her favourites were undoubtedly the cheetahs which she would refer to as her pride and joy.

'Rosa would raise money for cheetah conservation by actively taking part in parachute jumps and I was delighted when she approached me asking if she could use one of my pictures to promote her money raising campaign.

'I feel privileged to have known Rosa and been able to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed, not just by me but by everyone who came to know her.

'The only consolation I can take from today's tragic events is that Rosa is now reunited with her beloved Ares the cheetah and Blizzard and Ladybelle her beloved tigers.'

The zoo was pictured almost deserted this morning after bosses confirmed it would be shut all day

A relative of the zookeeper told The Sun: 'She loved those animals. It's absolutely tragic.

'She would walk in the cheetah cage and play football with them. She was at home with them.'

Miss King was a self-confessed fan of big cats, and also raised funds three years ago for a charity helping bears.

Linking to a JustGiving page, through which she raised more than £900, she told donors she was going to skydive for Animals Asia.

She wrote on Facebook: 'Those of you who know me and have spoken to me around the Zoo will be aware of my love of big cats, but probably aren't as aware of my love of bears!

'I am a big supporter of the animal charity Animals Asia, who rescue and care for bears effected (sic) by the pet trade and in particular the cruel bear bile trade.'

Philip Caso, a 20-year-old zoology student from Peterborough, got to know Ms King through doing work experience at the zoo each summer and commended her conservation efforts.

A spokesman for the zoo (pictured) last night confirmed a worker had died, saying staff were 'too distressed' to talk to the media

A woman who worked at Hamerton Zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire was killed in a 'serious incident', according to police and park officials

In a tribute on Facebook he wrote: 'I'm literally devastated to hear that one of the most inspirational women I knew died at Hamerton Zoo.

'Rosa loved and respected those animals to the point where each and every one was like a child to her.

'Her passion for her job has really inspired me and I was just glad I got the chance to know her. Thinking of all the other keepers.'

Photographer Hollie Gordon, who said she became friends with Miss King through visits to the zoo, said: 'Her passion for the animals, the zoo and conservation really shone through. She loved them all!'

The 24-year-old, from Blackpool, added: 'I am in shock by what has happened.

'Terribly upset and can't quite believe I won't see her again with a big smile on her face and working with her beloved cats.'

Mr Neve, 46, took part in a one-to-one tiger-feeding experience less than two months ago, where he met Miss King.

He said: 'I'm actually in shock. I met Rosa seven weeks ago when I went to feed the tigers.

'Getting to feed the tigers was fantastic. The day out was given to me as a Christmas present; I went down with the whole family and it was just a really, really good day.'

He added: 'She had a real passion for the cats and had obviously been there since they had arrived at the zoo. Her knowledge about tigers was second to none.

'The experience was only supposed to last around 45 minutes, but I was there for two hours just talking to her about the tigers - it was a real pleasure.'

ANIMAL RIGHTS SUPPORTERS SLAM ZOO OVER CAGED ANIMALS Animal rights supporters have been trolling the Facebook site of Hamerton Zoo since the death of Miss King. Many have posted on the attraction's Facebook page claiming exotic animals should not be kept in captivity. Trevor Buckle wrote: 'Have said for years. Animals should not be caged, this is what happens!' Thomas Faye added: 'Close it down, animals should NOT be kept in Zoos.' Chris Gonzales wrote: 'Time to close all the zoos and put the animals back where they belong, after reconditioning them.' Isaac Beam added: 'Watch the tiger get put down.... Sucks for the lady but she knew the dangers when she took the job, apex predators who are found in the wild (like all animals, f*** zoos honestly) should stay in the damn wild where they can live like nature intended and where it would be most natural and comfortable for them. He added: 'Probably reading too much into this and making assumptions and not finishing thoughts but whatever... Hope the tiger gets to live.' Others said they were 'disgusted' by the comments from these people. Dani Elle Colam wrote: 'I'm actually really disgusted by the ghoulish people who have joined Hamertons FB page just to say disgusting things about what happened yesterday. 'Trolls from all over the world saying some god awful things that Rosa's friends and family will no doubt read. 'I hate this technological age at times, I can't imagine how distressed they will be reading such awful comments by these idiots.' Advertisement

The case has been referred to Cambridgeshire Coroner's Office and a spokesman said an inquest will be opened next week, with no further information available before then.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums released a short statement in regards to the incident via its website.

It said: 'The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is extremely saddened to hear that a zoo keeper has been killed by a tiger at Hamerton Zoo in Cambridgeshire.

'Whilst the zoo is not a member of BIAZA, the death of a keeper affects the whole zoo community and our thoughts are with the keeper's family, friends and colleagues at this time.'

A photograph allegedly taken next to the tiger enclosure minutes before the attack took place

This hastily-prepared sign was put up to let customers know that the park was closed for the rest of the day

Visitor Pete Davis told how he believes a young female keeper may have been injured after running into the tiger enclosure (pictured) to help a colleague

Miss King grew up in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and attended Hardenhuish School before studying for a national diploma in animal care at Wiltshire College.

She had planned to take part in a skydive with four zoo colleagues to raise money for the Cheetah Conservation Fund UK on July 6.

Carpenter Mr Davis, 55, who was at the small zoo with his family, said he saw keepers with their heads in their hands.

He added: 'People were really scared, they asked us to leave straight after that and closed the park.'

A zoo spokesman last night said staff were 'too distressed' to talk to the media.

He said: 'This appears to have been a freak accident. A full investigation is under way and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able.

'At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures, and at no point was public safety affected in any way. All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time.'

Many people expressed their condolences on social media following Miss King's death.

Miss King (pictured) grew up in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and attended Hardenhuish School before studying for a national diploma in animal care at Wiltshire College

Tracey Ayre said: 'Sincere condolences to the family of Rosa King and staff @HamertonZoo.

'My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. RIP Rosa. x'

Jordan Gardner said: 'Awful news, doing her job she loved RIP Rosa King #hamertonzoo'

Andrea Jane added: 'Rip Rosa, looks like you loved the tigers you looked after, you left this earth doing a job you clearly loved.

'Such tragic accident, hope tiger not been put to sleep, as doubt you would want that.'

The park will not open today while the investigation continues.

An air ambulance was called to the zoo near Huntingdon in an attempt to save Miss King's life shortly after 11.30am.

The zoo gave no further details on how the worker died, but a police statement revealed that a tiger had 'entered' an enclosure with the woman before her death

Police and the air ambulance said they were called to a 'very serious incident' this morning, before a keeper's death was confirmed

An air ambulance landed as visitors were being evacuated from the zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, this afternoon

A statement from the zoo revealed that a female member of staff had died in a 'freak accident'

Visitors to the park took to Facebook to describe what happened.

Victoria Northover Homes said: 'We've just had to hide thinking a tiger was loose. Something has gone wrong with a keeper and a tiger.'

She added: 'I was taking photos of them [the tigers] in the field, then they came directly to the fence. At this point some of the keepers came running down the hill towards the next tiger enclosure.

WHEN CHEETAH WENT ON THE RUN Hamerton Zoo was at the centre of a scare nine years ago when a cheetah escaped. The three-year-old animal, called Akea, ended up in the garden of a neighbouring home and was discovered by a nine-year-old boy playing on his bicycle. Akea had scaled an 8ft fence surrounding his outdoor enclosure after a solar-powered electric fencing unit broke down. It was the first time a non-domesticated animal had escaped since the zoo was opened in 1990. Keepers said Akea had posed no danger to the public because he was tame after being hand-reared. One added: 'When I go in to see him he sits on me and we have cuddles. He's just like a big dog.' Advertisement

'We didn't know what was happening but they looked worried. I carried on walking down the hill towards the next enclosure when someone shouted 'run'.

'A group of us ran into the keepers' rooms for about ten minutes until a keeper said we could leave.

'At this point we understood by the reactions of the staff that something was going on inside the enclosure.

'We could see staff members on the other side of the fence with pieces of meat trying to get whatever's attention.

'It was heart-breaking seeing them trying to help.'

Maxine Foster-Johnson said: 'We got there as it all happened.

'I just can't imagine how devastating it was for the poor workmates who desperately ran to try and distract the tiger with large lumps of meat.'

Aerial footage yesterday showed a big cat prowling the perimeter of a large enclosure as uniformed police officers stood guard.

Hamerton Zoo Park opened in June 1990 and covers 25 acres. It includes enclosures for Malaysian tigers, Bengal tigers, cheetahs, wolves, corsac foxes and kangaroos, as well as a variety of birds, reptiles and domestic animals.

A Cambridgeshire Constabulary spokesman said: 'A tiger had entered an enclosure with a keeper. Sadly the female zookeeper died at the scene.'

One of the white Bengal tigers at Hamerton Zoo Park. Police have not confirmed if the tiger was involved in the incident

An archive picture from the park shows Kelly-Jane Erkin feeding Blizzard, as part of World Tiger Day events

Police officers attended the scene today along with ambulance crews and the air ambulance

Police were called around 11.15am to reports of a serious incident at the Cambridgeshire zoo

This is not the first time a keeper has been killed by a tiger at a British zoo.

In 2013 keeper Sarah McClay died when she was mauled by a Sumatran tiger at South Lakes Wild Animal Park, in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The zoo was fined £255,000 after a faulty gate allowed a tiger called Padang to escape its den and pounce as she did her rounds.

The zoo went on to be branded the worst in Britain after nearly 500 animals died amid 'deplorable' welfare standards.

But the animal was not put down after her family said Ms McClay 'would not have wanted it harmed' and it eventually died in 2016.

Three zookeepers were killed by big cats at zoos run by the late John Aspinall, who believed they should be allowed close access to bond with the animals.

In 1980, he was forced to shoot two Siberian tigers that killed keepers Brian Stocks and Bob Wilson within weeks of each other at Howletts, near Canterbury.

In 1994, Trevor Smith, 32, head keeper at the same zoo, was killed by a tiger.