ZOO DECIDES THE FATE OF THE TIGER THAT KILLED WOMAN IN NEW ZEALAND

A tiger, Oz, that killed a New Zealand zoo keeper inside the animal’s enclosure will not be put down.

Hamilton Zoo’s management have ruled out killing the endangered Sumatran male tiger, Oz, following his fatal attack on Samantha Kudeweh on Sunday.

Lance Vervoort, Hamilton City Council general manager said the view among zoo staff was that the attack was in line with Oz's natural instincts and there was no reason to euthanise him.

"Although there is an inherent risk for zoo professionals who manage big cats like Oz, there is no wider ongoing risk," he said in a statement.

"Oz is a significant animal for his species. He is the father of our two cubs, and he is vital to the ongoing breeding program to conserve this rare species.

"We're firmly focussed on supporting Samantha's family, the zoo team, and make sure we conduct thorough and complete investigations into this tragic incident."

The victim, Ms Kudeweh, 43, was married to fellow zoo professional Richard Kudeweh and the couple had two children; Billy, 9, and Sage, 3.

Her family released a statement thanking the public and the global zoo and conservation community for their messages of support.

"She was a passionate conservationist and her family have recalled how, as an intermediate school student, she told her parents she wanted to work in the zoo sector," said Ms Kudeweh's colleague Catherine Nichols, speaking on behalf of the family.