Hamburg, Dec 9 - Three tigers attacked and seriously injured an animal trainer Tuesday as he was in the performing ring at the private zoo, Hagenbecks Tierpark, in Hamburg.

The 28-year-old trainer was in critical condition after he fell in the ring where he had been working with five tigers at an evening performance, a rescue official said.

Three of the tigers then pounced on the trainer, delivering life-threatening wounds as the audience of 170 looked on. Another two men were slightly injured.

By the time rescue workers arrived, the animals had been recaptured and locked back in their cages. (dpa)