The tawny owl chick - which was still learning to fly - managed to flap away and escape Lucu’s claws until keepers ushered the cub back inside. Unfortunately the owl was too badly hurt to be saved.

Paul Jarvis, who captured the moment during a visit to the Devon zoo, said: "It was clear the tiger was interested in something, then the owl came out of the bushes and the tiger was pawing at it like a bird or mouse in your garden would. The owl was very brave and didn't look intimidated at all."