San Francisco ? Two brothers who were attacked by an escaped tiger at the San Francisco Zoo have filed claims against the city alleging negligence and defamation.

Kulbir and Amritpal “Paul” Dhaliwal are seeking monetary compensation for “serious physical and emotional injuries.” The claims filed this week are a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit.

The pair were injured on Christmas Day after a 250-pound Siberian tiger scaled the walls of its enclosure, attacked them and killed their friend, 17-year-old Carlos Sousa Jr. The animal eventually was shot dead by police.

The walls of the outdoor enclosure later were found to be lower than recommended by an accrediting agency for the nation’s zoos.

The documents allege the city failed in its duty to provide a safe zoo environment, defamed the brothers by spreading falsehoods about their possible role in provoking the attack and improperly impounded Kulbir Dhaliwal’s car.

“The Dhaliwal brothers’ attorneys have made clear from the beginning that they intended to sue the city,” said Matt Dorsey, a spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

The claims do not specify a dollar amount for the damages.

The brothers’ attorney, Mark Geragos, did not return a call seeking comment.

Kulbir Dhaliwal suffered deep cuts and bite wounds on his body, underwent surgery to repair the damage to his knees and has scars from his injuries, the claims said. Paul Dhaliwal suffered bites and cuts that required stitches to his head and left scars, according to the claims.