Mourners arrive at the Hamilton Garden's pavilion for the 1pm service. Photo / Supplied
Mourners filled Hamilton Gardens this morning as they arrived to pay their respects to the zoo keeper fatally mauled by a tiger.
Samantha Kudeweh died on September 20 after being attacked by Oz, the adult male tiger in his enclosure.
Despite wet weather overnight, the city turned on a sunny afternoon.
Music from Cat Stevens and Brooke Fraser could be heard from the pavilion where the service is being held.
Mrs Kudeweh was recalled as a "passionate" and witty person who didn't realise how much impact she had on people.
Her passing was unexpected with some unable to get past the "bewilderment" of it all.
She was remembered as being in her prime, a kind and articulate leader.
Her sister says dealing with her loss is beyond words.
"I can't believe we're here today saying goodbye. I will miss u dearly."
Hamilton Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman has just had to leave but says it was one of the biggest funerals he has attended in the pavilion.
"It's packed. There's over a 1,000 people in there."
Mrs Kudeweh's husband, Richard, says the whole family was a team.
Her death had left an "unimaginable hole in our lives".
"We will always love Sam."
He says she was a very down to earth woman and people couldn't help but feel touched by her after meeting her.
Her boss at the zoo, Stephen Standley, said she was one of their "shining lights" with her expertise and skills recognised around the world.
While another guest performed a heart-wrenching rendition of Pokarekare Ana.
The Hamilton City Council, which owns the zoo, is remaining tight-lipped on how the attack happened but council chief executive Richard Briggs would only comment that staff are not supposed to be in the same enclosure as tigers.
The Kudeweh Family Trust's givealittle page, set up to support her two young children and husband, has so far raised more than $20,500.
Mr Briggs also confirmed they had no plans to send Oz to another zoo and said he was integral to the tiger breeding programme.
• Those who wish to donate can head to: givealittle.co.nz/cause/kudewehfamilytrust
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