Only minutes later, another zoo visitor happened by. Spotting the two dead men, he called 911. By the time police arrived, zoo officials were already scouring the area with their dart guns. They had told the police not to shoot the animal unless it was a life or death situation. Not only did Winnie belong to an endangered species, but she was also pregnant. Unfortunately, a police officer panicked when he saw the tiger only ten yards from him, and fired. It was a perfect shot.

The father of the two brothers immediately hired a lawyer. The zoo would probably have to offer him at least a million dollars just to avoid a jury trial. The local humane association also promised to sue the zoo for not building a higher wall, which would have kept the animal in its pit and thus saved its life. Zoo officials said that lawsuits might result in closing the zoo permanently. City residents were divided in their opinions about the event. "They both deserved to die," said one resident. "Boys shouldn't lose their lives just for acting like boys," said another.