Photo Gallery Putin Tames the Tiger

Russians are lauding Prime Minister Vladimir Putin after he reportedly saved scientists and a film crew from a giant escaped tiger in the Russian Far East. The tiger was apparently no match for the judo champion former KGB agent with a tranquilizer rifle.
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It started off as a trip to watch some scientists working as part of a conservation effort in Russia's Far East.

Foto: AFP
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While the head veterinarian of the Moscow Zoo was explaining to the Russian prime minister how to use a tranquilizer rifle, a tiger escaped from scientists working nearby and threatened the film crew.

Foto: DPA
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Putin brought the tiger down with the rifle, before helping scientists measure the tiger's canines and fit it with a satellite transmitter.

Foto: DPA