Rare white tiger mauled to death by Bengal tigers after zoo mistake

An inquiry has been launched

A rare white lion fights off an attack from Bengali big cats (NDTV/screengrab)

A rare white tiger has died after being attacked by its more common Bengal tiger cousins.

The animal, named Shreyas, received injuries to her spine, face and paws for four days before dying of her wounds on Thursday.

Another white tiger, named Amar, also suffered injuries to his jaw and paw but survived the attack.

There are only around 200 white tigers left in the world, according to the Indian Tiger Welfare Society.

The attack took place when the gate to the white tigers’ enclosure at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru was left open, NDTV reported.

"It is basically a mishap,” forestry official C Jayaram told the broadcaster.

“While closing the gates there was some lack of coordination. They have entered into the same enclosure, there was a fight.”

Bannerghatta Biological Park director Santosh Kumar said the fighting tigers were separated by staff.

There are now just five white tigers left at the park, along with more than 20 Bengali tigers.

An enquiry has been opened to determine what caused the gates to be left open.

"People who are lethargic should be punished,” Mr Jayaram added.

He confirmed that the Bengali tiger attackers – which launched the attack – were in good health.