Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran tiger Oz will not be euthanised following the death of zoo curator Samantha Kudeweh on Sunday, the zoo has confirmed.
Thousands of people called for the tiger to be spared.
Although Ms Kudeweh's death is a tragedy for the wider zoo family and international wildlife conservation community, senior zoo staff have ruled out euthanising Oz, said Lance Vervoort, Hamilton City Council's community general manager.
"We're aware there is a lot of interest and speculation around how we manage Oz now, and I want to assure the public and zoo supporters that he will not be put down," he said.
"Although there is an inherent risk for zoo professionals who manage big cats like Oz, there is no wider ongoing risk. There is no reason for us to put Oz down."
Mr Vervoort said the decision was made by zoo senior staff on Monday.
The Ministry for Primary Industries - the government agency responsible for overseeing zoo and wildlife park operations in New Zealand - has been advised of the decision, Mr Vervoort said.
"This is our call, and the decision on Oz rested solely with us.
"Oz is a significant animal for his species. He is the father of our two cubs, and he is vital to the ongoing breeding programme to conserve this rare species."
Mr Vervoort said the widely held view among zoo professionals was that Oz's attack on Ms Kudeweh was in line with his natural instincts.
Hamilton Zoo will reopen on Thursday.
Mr Vervoort said some of the zoo's five Sumatran tigers would be on display. No decision has been made on whether visitors to the zoo will be able to see Oz.
Mr Vervoort said the zoo's Tiger Talks, Eye 2 Eye and Face 2 Face encounters for all species have been suspended until further notice to allow zoo staff time and space to grieve for their friend and colleague.
Those features will be assessed on a weekly basis, he said.
Hamilton Zoo will not be commenting on tiger management procedures until all investigations have been completed, he said.
"We're firmly focused on supporting Samantha's family, the zoo team, and to make sure we conduct thorough and complete investigations into this tragic incident."
Since news broke of Ms Kudeweh's death, the zoo's phone lines and social media channels had been inundated with messages of support from around the country, Mr Vervoort said.
"Our team is still coming to terms with what has happened, and the show of support from our community and the zoo industry worldwide has been very touching and hugely appreciated."
Mr Vervoort said Ms Kudeweh's family had asked for privacy and time to grieve while funeral arrangements are made.
Hamilton Zoo made the right decision not to euthanise Oz, the Royal New Zealand SPCA said on Monday.
"The SPCA wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to Samantha Kudeweh's family and colleagues. As an organisation we recognise what a profound human tragedy this incident has been and we are deeply shocked by what has occurred," chief executive Ric Odom said.
"Having said that, the SPCA must also take into account the welfare of Oz the tiger. We are therefore relieved to hear that Hamilton Zoo has decided not to euthanise him in response to this attack.
"We congratulate the zoo for moving swiftly to preserve this precious example of a critically endangered species."
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