Government begins probe of tiger deaths

State may create nationwide guidance on zoo practices

BEIJING - The central government will map out a nationwide guidance on animal treatment at zoos or privately-owned animal farms, if an ongoing investigation proves widespread malpractices such as the one that starved 11 tigers in three months, a senior official said.

"We are closely following the development of the incidents," said Liu Xiongying, a senior official with information office at the State Forestry Administration.