Gqeberha tiger incident to be investigated

The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) confirms it is investigating the incident at the Gqeberha's Sea View Predator Park on Wednesday, 16 June 2021.

DEDEAT was informed of the incident by the park owner in which an employee, Mr David Siphiwo Solomon and an endangered Siberian tiger, died.

The Department says it will conduct an investigation according to the approved Standard Operation Procedures that govern investigations. 

The Department also confirmed that the park had all the necessary permits to keep tigers, and it had complied with the required fencing specifications. 

The investigation into the incident will determine the decision to euthanise the tiger. 

The Department also confirmed that it had concluded its investigation into an earlier incident with the escaped hyenas. It found that the park representative acted in self-defence and had adhered to the Threatened or Protected Regulations. 

As part of the investigation, the Department documented details of its compliance visit following the incident. 

Detailed reports were submitted for review by DEDEAT as part of meeting the permit conditions.  

In this case, the Department found the facility was compliant with the conditions and no further action was proposed.  Ends 

For more information, contact: 

Mr Ncedo LisaniHead of CommunicationEastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and TourismMobile: 066 485 0501Email: ncedo.lisani@dedea.gov.za