Recent tiger mauling brings back memories
The recent Tiger mauling that happened on Christmas Day at the San Francisco Zoo, is a tragedy for all involved, both the family and the Zoo. The incident involved a teenager man dying as a result of the mauling and two other young men remain in critical condition, after the attacks. The Siberian Tiger, Tatiana, was shot to death after the attacks.
It made me wonder how many other caged animal maulings have happened over the years. After searching on the Internet, I came across an Associated Press article that was picked up by several news outlets entitled "List of Maulings by Captive Animals". Although there is nothing pleasant about this list, it is important to note the list contains about 12 reported mauling incidents, involving caged animal maulings. Another surprise came when I noticed the same Siberian Tiger being involved in a mauling event that took place last year almost one year ago to the day of the most recent tragedy.
I recall some of these tragic incidents that made the list. One happened in our backyard a few years ago, the case involving a 600 pound tiger escaping a private residence in Loxahatchee, Fla. This case was of special interest to me, since the owner of the tiger was Steve Sipek, a former Tarzan Actor. The personal significance to me is that several years, I purchased property in Boca Raton in an area formerly known as Africa USA in the early 1950's. The area was nostalgic because some of the first Tarzan's were allegedly filmed in this area ans it was a 350 acre animal theme park, filled with authentic wild animals directly from Africa. The photos are simply amazing. Every time I look at the lake or the remaining Red bridge that carried the passenger tram through the wild gardens, I am amazed that this all happened many years ago in my neighborhood. Click on the following Africa USA links if you want to see historical pictures of this lovely area. Several of the large trees, unique plants, wide river and red bridge still remain today. Unfortunately, modernization and capitalism won over the tourist attraction animals. Downtown Boca was too important to growth to allow the tourist attraction to remain. On a positive note, South Florida has Lion Country Safari to enjoy, but from the pictures I have seen and stories I have heard and read, it is not Africa USA.
I love going to visit zoos and seeing the beautiful animals. But cases like the recent one, makes you wonder, should we have caged animals on display that are dangerous? I know that several people will say, yes of course, but can we ignore tragic incidents involving caged dangerous animals on display. Take a look at the following incidents mentioned in the AP report. This recent case will add to the debate of ensuring protection of people when it comes to caged dangerous animals. In one Associated Press Report entitled "Zoo director says tiger wall was low", there is controversy over whether the tiger wall met safety requirements. I am sure that the current investigation will determine the validity of this statement. One thing for sure, it will not bring the young man back to his parents, nor will it help the other two that were also hurt. The best we can hope for in this tragedy, is that this never happens again at this zoo.
Word of caution, be careful when going to a Zoo with caged wild animals. Be on special alert for any warning or danger signs. It never hurts to be extra careful, considering there have been several incidents over the years in public places.
Click here to see a list of caged animal mauling incidents from the Associated Press:Dec. 25, 2007: A Siberian tiger named Tatiana escapes from its enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo, killing one man and mauling two others, before being shot dead.
Feb. 24, 2007: A 140-pound jaguar fatally mauls a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo before being fatally shot. Zookeeper, allegedly violated the rules with opening the door to the animal's cage.
Dec. 22, 2006: Tatiana reaches through her cage's iron bars and mauls a female zookeeper during a public feeding at the San Francisco Zoo.
Nov. 29, 2006: Trainer is bitten and held underwater by a 7,000-pound killer whale during a show at Shamu Stadium at Sea World Adventure Park. Trainer only suffered a broken broken foot and was attacked by the same killer whale on two prior occasions, in 1993 and 1999.
March 3, 2005: Two chimpanzees at the Animal Ranch wildlife sanctuary near Bakersfield, Calif., attack a man and his wife, maiming the man, before being shot to death.
July 13, 2004: A state wildlife officer fatally shoots a 600 pound tiger that escaped from the property of former Tarzan actor Steve Sipek in Loxahatchee, Fla.
March 18, 2004: A 340-pound gorilla breaks out of its enclosure at the Wilds of Africa exhibit at the Dallas Zoo and snatches up a toddler with his teeth and attacks three others before being shot to death by officers.
Oct. 3, 2003: Illusionist Roy Horn is severely mauled by a tiger during the Siegfried & Roy nightly show at The Mirage casino in Las Vegas, biting him in the neck and dragging him off stage.
Sept. 28, 2003: A 300-pound gorilla, escapes from its enclosure at Boston's Franklin Park Zoo, attacking a 2-year-old girl and a teen-age zoo employee, before being tranquilized.
Aug. 7, 2002: A catwalk over a shark tank collapses at New Orleans' Aquarium of the Americas, throwing 10 visitors into the water for about 15 minutes. No one is seriously hurt.
My grandparents owned and operated Africa USA. This was a different time in history - they had NO insurance and there were only two lawsuits in all the years it was open - one lady hurt a finger and one woman sued over the smell of animal waste - that was it. Today, there would probably be a lawsuit a week in our sue-happy society. They had no security - none. Imagine that today!