Tbilisi Zoo: Tigers attack caretaker, woman in critical condition

The chief caretaker of Tbilisi Zoo is in a critical condition after she was attacked by tigers in a freak accident at the zoo yesterday.

Doctors have amputated the arm of Guliko Chitadze and are now trying to save her leg, although they have said one of her legs may need to be removed if infection spreads.

The woman remains in a critical condition, doctors said today.

Chitadze was standing inside the caretaker area outside the tiger enclosure when several tigers rushed at her and mauled her despite being inside their cage. The attack happened about 5pm yesterday.

In a statement Tbilisi Zoo said Chitadze’s condition was extremely serious.

"The fight for her life is not over yet. There is still a risk of infection bursting out.”

The woman had been working for Tbilisi Zoo for about 25 years and it was not the first time she has stood close to the tiger cage.

"We can’t yet say what exactly made the animals irritated and what caused the attack,” said Tbilisi Zoo Administration, adding: "many Tbilisi Zoo lodgers, these tigers included, were raised by Mrs. Guliko.”

Doctors said the wounds were extremely deep and Chitadze remained in a critical condition in Intensive Care at the Tbilisi Central Republican Hospital.

Below is a video of Guliko Chitadze holding a white tiger cub at Tbilisi zoo.