Tiger Kills Zoo Worker at UK Animal Park
Tragedy struck a popular zoo in England on Friday afternoon, when a young zookeeper was mauled to death by a tiger. Sarah McClay, 24, was working inside the tiger enclosure, a popular exhibit among visitors at the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, when the tragic incident occurred. Although McClay survived the initial attack and was quickly airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital, she later succumbed to her injuries.
The details surrounding the incident are still unclear, and an investigation is ongoing. Initial reports indicate that the young woman’s death may have been due to “human or technical factors.”
Park owner, David Gill, has stated that there was no explanation, nor reason, why McClay decided to enter the tiger’s enclosure. “She was a very experienced worker, and had a great deal of knowledge pertaining to these animals,” he said.
Though it is unknown why McClay decided to enter the exhibit, her indomitable spirit and attitude will be remembered among co-workers, friends, and family. The male tiger, who is ten years old and has resided at the park since birth, will not be destroyed. “He was just following natural instincts,” said Gill. “We don’t fault him for what occurred.”
“The tiger is securely locked in its enclosure and there is no further risk to the public. Members of the public were not at any risk. The wildlife park has closed early and all visitors have left the park,” a spokesperson with the park told The Guardian.
Not The First Big Cat Attack This Year
In March, a 26-year-old female intern was mauled to death by a lion while working at a private wild park located in central California. Dale Anderson, the Zoo owner revealed that the incidence happened on Wednesday when the victim was in the lion’s enclosure. He also clarified that a thorough investigation would be conducted because the zoo took all measures to ensure all the guests, animals and people working in the zoo are safe.
“She was at ease with those big cats,” Paul Hanson, a Seattle-area attorney, said of his daughter, Dianna Hanson, 24. “They liked her.”
Hanson told The Associated Press that he dropped his daughter off Jan. 2 at Cat Haven, about 45 miles east of Fresno.
A 24-year-old woman has died after she was attacked by a tiger inside an enclosure at a zoo in Cumbria.
Source:
Cumbria tiger attack: Sarah McClay dies of her injuries
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-22664613
Tiger Kills Zoo Worker at UK Animal Park
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/zookeeper-sarah-mcclay-dies-after-being-mauled-by-tiger-at-cumbria-animal-park-8631583.html
Tiger Kills Zoo Worker at UK Animal Park
