Killing of a tiger in attempt to save man at Chinese zoo sparks online outrage

A man was fatally mauled by a tiger at a Chinese zoo on Sunday after scaling a wall to avoid purchasing a zoo ticket and landing in the animal's den.

The animal's death has since triggered outrage on social media from users who condemn the man, surnamed Zhang, for entering its enclosure.

One user tweeted: "The man entered into tigers' house. Then, the tiger killed the man. Then, cop shot the tiger. What's wrong with the tiger?"

Others shared similar sentiments:

However, zoo officials feel the decision to use lethal force was necessary, BBC reports.

According to the zoo's official announcement, the man climbed two walls, each three meters high, to avoid paying the entrance fee -- which costs up to 130 yuan (HK$147) for adults and 70 yuan for children.

A video of the incident surfaced shortly after and went viral online, showing Zhang being dragged by the tiger while covered in blood.

The tiger was killed after the zoo staff tried several methods to save Zhang, including lighting firecrackers to deter the tiger and its companions.

The man was rescued more than an hour later and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The zoo evacuated its premises on Sunday to investigate how Zhang was able to enter the enclosure, which is separated from visitors by a moat and a stone wall.

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It also reported that Zhang visited the park along with his wife, surnamed Li -- who also climbed the two walls -- and two children.

However, Li did not enter the pen.

The zoo remained closed to visitors on Monday.

More online reactions to the tiger's death: