IN HIS seven years with a 'licence to kill', Singapore Zoo head keeper K. Selvan never had to shoot an animal.

The 49-year-old, who is among the 16 trained shooters at the zoo, thought he would have to, on Nov 13 last year, after being alerted to the incident at the white tiger enclosure. Mr Selvan went to the zoo's armoury to take out a double-barrel shotgun with 20 rounds. But he never had to use the weapon.

Related links: » Man killed by white tigers

The zoo veteran of 22 years took the stand at the coroner's court to explain the role of the shooters at the inquiry into the fatal mauling of cleaner Nordin Montong, 32, that day.

Victim a good worker but was homesick

MINUTES before cleaner Nordin Montong was mauled to death by two white tigers, he told colleagues at the zoo that they would not see him again.

Carrying a broom and a pail, the 32-year-old Malaysian then leapt into the tiger enclosure. Details of his tragic death were revealed at the coroner's inquiry yesterday. Two videos filmed by zoo visitors were also shown.

State Coroner Victor Yeo had heard earlier from police senior investigation officer (SIO) Yusry Muhamad that Mr Nordin started work at the chimpanzee enclosure in June last year. He was a good worker but was often homesick.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times

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