A published video reportedly shows the moment a Florida police officer shot and killed a tiger after he grabbed the arm of a zoo cleaner, who allegedly tried to pet and feed him.

According to foreign media, the Telegraph reports, the images show River Rosenquist, 26 years old, from Naples, bloodied and on the ground in the tiger enclosure at the Naples Zoo, while shouting in pain: 'Please help me!

Please help me!

Oh my God!

Shoot!

I will die!'.

The sheriff's deputies tried to kick the fence - where Eko, an eight-year-old tiger, was stationed - in an attempt to force the animal to release the worker.

After an unsuccessful attempt, the policeman - believing there was no other alternative - fired a single shot at the tiger in an attempt to save Rosenquist's life.

Eko is seen "roaring" during the time he was shot, then retreated to the back of the siege where he died.

Preliminary investigation revealed he was allegedly cleaning toilets and the gift shop when he decided to enter an unauthorized tiger enclosure area.

He appeared to be either petting or feeding the tiger, which police say are both 'unauthorized and dangerous activities'.

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Telegraphy

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