On Christmas Day, a Siberian tiger got out of its exhibit area at the San Francisco Zoo and attacked three patrons. One person was killed, two others injured before San Francisco police officers shot the tiger, named Tatiana, to death.
KRON 4 offers this space for you to leave your comments about the tragic Christmas Day deaths at the zoo. We would like to hear any memories you may have about visiting the San Francisco zoo and thoughts you might offer about how to make the experience safer.
All comments will be moderated to remove any vulgarities, personal attacks, or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments may appear on KRON 4 television and KRON4.com
UPDATE:We featured some of your comments Thursday evening on KRON 4 News.
252 comments:
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Don't reindeer and siberian tigers share some real estate in the wild?
The attack last year was in december-dunno if the reindeer were there yet but it seems like a bit of a coincidence.
could those guys have reeked of reindeer?
I don't have a clue how to get in touch with investigators,so this is the best I can do
My condolences to the mans family
My condolences to the mans family, but why kill it! surely they could have darted the scared animal. If you keep a wild animal caged up in a small enclosure its going to get frustrated over time and look for a way out. If the San Francisco Zoo intend keeping more tigers or lions then they should be banned from doing so. Wild animals should only be kept in a safari park where they have large expanses of space, can interact with over animals and enjoy a better quality of life. One would expect that the animal had been taunted prior to the mans death as it is rare for a tiger to show such aggression seen in this murderous rampage.
to parris
The police HAD to kill it, it obviously was a threat to everyone at the park, and there were no other alternatives to getting the tiger in control. If YOU were the victim laying on the ground, you would want the police to shoot the animal with whatever they had...whatever to stop the tiger from attacking you.
Wild animals do not belong in the Zoo! I am sorry for the victims family. I do feel they should have darted the tiger, no killed it. I think as they continue the investigation they will see that ultimately it was a human who is responsible for this happening.
I'm sorry about the young man who died. However I do want to find out if these boys were taunting the tiger. Tigers are wild animals. It is not the tiger's fault and I am angry she was shot. Unless zoos have the resources to protect these animals from obnoxious people then I don't want any zoos! The animals are not there for our amusement to be poked and prodded, pointed and stared at. They are amazing and deserve our respect.
We were at the zoo a week ago and my son loved the tigers. I have not told him that the tiger was killed. He would be very upset.
It appears that the tiger attacked the boy and his two friends. Did not go after any others. Were they taunting the tiger? If they were, then the tiger and zoo should not be blamed.
"It appears that the tiger attacked the boy and his two friends. Did not go after any others. Were they taunting the tiger? If they were, then the tiger and zoo should not be blamed."
You're kidding, right!!!!????
Zoos responsibility 100%
I also agree to the comment "Wild animals should only be kept in a safari park where they have large expanses of space, can interact with over animals and enjoy a better quality of life." The small spaces at the SF Zoo are awful for these large animals! We were there last December, and wondered why the giraffes had a "new'exhibit. But the lions and tigers still had the same exhibit. Not fair. I think they should of killed it. Just because of the killing of a human.I feel so bad for the family of this young man. I will be watching for news updates of this story....
My condolences goes out to the family and friends.
First off, where were the workers? If they taunted the animal, why weren't any of the workers around? Second off how did the tiger get out? I know that cats are good jumpers and maybe it did jump out.. but if these boys were throwning things at the tiger, they would find the bottles or whatever they were throwing at the tiger in the tiger area! Did they find anything abnormal objects in the tiger area?
I think that a worker left the tiger door unlock/open and NOW the zoo is trying to cover their ass by blaming the boys! The tiger roamed that zoo and look at how long it took for the zoo to respond! The SF PD responded from outside the zoo before the zoo did and the zoo workers were there!! Come on people use your heads... something doesn't sound right.. This tiger did harm before and the zoo was slapped with a HUGE fine and NOW they are trying to cover their asses by not being sued!!
Wild animals belongs in the WILD!! I live near the zoo and man I go for kill too if a wild animal was coming after me or someone else. I am sorry that a beautiful animal was killed but people come on, if the police didn't kill that animal would of.. WERE THE HELL WHERE THE ZOO WORKERS TO DART THIS TIGER? What the hell was taking them so dam long to even figure out that the tiger was missing yet SFPD knew. By the time the workers figured it out the tiger was dead!!! Listen to their words and what they are saying on the news!! They said it themselves!!
zoos are and have been, useless and cruel staging areas for the slow deaths of the animals contained within. What happened to this animal under the zoo's 'care' was horrendous - if they can't protect their animals then they should be put out of business. Where are the security cameras? How did the animal excape? was anybody watching the fools that engage in watching animals slowly give up hope as they linger behind bars? Barbaric - as was the cops' first response to kill which seems to be the ONLY response they know - over and over and over again. Zoos need to be abolished and cops need to learn the word 'tranquilizer' - tranquilizers come with guns so that should make them extremely happy and willing to give them a try. The entire situation - on all fronts - is a disgrace.
r.i.p god bless him and his family
ITS AMAZING ABOUT WHAT HAPPEND I LIVE IN THE SUNSET AREA && TO KNOW THAT THAT HAPPEND AT MY LOCAL ZOO SCARES MEE ALOT..TO BEE HONEST I DNT THINK THEY SHOULD EVEN HAVE TIGERS...WHAT HAPPENS IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN??THERE STILL GONNA HAVE THEM THERE??WELL THATS MY OPINION.
The reason that tiger didn't attack anyone else is because the zoo was closing and there weren't alot of people in the zoo thank God... Second off the zoo is responsible regardless because where were the workers? They said that they have a response team for something like this well where was that response team? The area where they found the tiger is no where near the tiger area which means no one saw that tiger walking the grounds and hurting those boys! They didn't even know how many people were hurt or killed!! Others who were still roaming the zoo had no clue as to what was going on till after they got out of the zoo!! There should of been a lock down of the zoo!! They said that they did not even realize that the tiger was loose and when they finally realized it the police killed the tiger... now what does that tell us about their response team?
The manager of the zoo said it himself that when they last checked on the tiger right before the attack, the tiger seem calm and wasn't pacing around. Now unless those boys were throwing things at that tiger at which the police and zoo workers would find objects in the tiger area how in the world did the tiger get out? All my times going to the zoo, I have never seen a tiger try to get out.
It's ashame that we lock up these beautiful animals for our own selffish reasons. They say it's for breeding, then why do we keep them captive till they die? I am sad to hear that the tiger was killed but people you got to understand, the tiger had the taste of human blood!! What are you going to do with a tiger that not once but twice attacked humans? The first time yes a tiger was being a tiger, the zoo should of taken her to a place where she can be a tiger!! She did not belong in a zoo and now look a young boy has lost his life and two others were hurt. People have a heart.. you can't sit here blame those boys for what happened... no one deserves to die or get bitten by a tiger. Those boys are innocent till proven guilty!!
What about tasers?
Frankly, I think zoos are disgusting, like animal prisons. Seems like they have very few guards, too, to assist and control the public and the animals.
Why didn't the zoo employees have guns on hand with tranquilizers. The tiger was mistreated by the boys, the evidence show this.
The tiger should not have been killed. Taken to a reserve maybe to live out its life.. at lest.
Thank you for listening to my opinion.
Joanna Wolf
Lower Lake, CA.
I grieve for the family of Carlos Sousa, who probably DID taunt Tatiana, as teen-aged boys are wont to do, without comprehension of the far-ranging and occasionally deadly results of such behavior.
But I also grieve for Tatiana. She was designed by Nature (or God, if you will) to be free and wild. The City of San Francisco and zoo officials, in their ongoing egregious stupidity and devout attention to their bottom line, caused her to be caged in a marginal location which - unfortunately - was clearly inadequate either for her safety or the safety of the public.
No one has even seen a Siberian Tiger jump 14 feet laterally and 18 feet horizontally, but it's known that they can jump 16 feet vertically and 27 feet horizontally. That extra two feet is not such a stretch for an adrenaline-fueled and angry tiger.
Why wasn't that enclosure roofed to protect the tiger AND the public? Were zoo officials too lazy? Too stupid? Too busy checking their wallets and announcing their eagle successes? Why are there no videos?
This is unforgivable.
I move for a Referendum, shutting down the zoo and re-allocating their funds and land to an endangered-species breeding program that may be viewed by the public for a nominal fee. Such a program would have fully-enclosed cages, and have one-way windows to provide the animals the illusion of isolation while affording the public the opportunity to watch and learn from their efforts.
Breeding programs are, at least, one thing that SF Zoo officials do well.
I also sincerely hope that young Carlos' family sues the Zoo as a business, and zoo officials individually for negligence leading to the death of their son. The loss of this young man was a preventable tragedy.
I feel angry that the zoo keeps these animals in such a small space and I will not patronize the zoo any more. I feel angry that there was not video surveillance and/or an employee nearby to make sure the big cats are not being taunted. I wouldn't be surprised if it was found out the cat was being taunted by teenage boys. I think it telling that she went after them specifically. I think it telling that they don't want to give their names.
I wish the zoo was better prepared and had been on the scene first to tranquilize the cat. Where the heck were they? Don't they perform regular safety procedures?
I think the zoo should be held responsible for this tragedy.
My condolences to the families.
It is great the news covers this, but who the heck cares if the
guys taunted the Tigers?
The issue should be How could a 300lb Tiger get out of the controlled area?
Is it really safe to go to the zoo?
Those kids all knew each other?
Hmm. Well I'd be willing to bet that they were taunting the big cat.
If a shoe and blood were found on the tigers side of the fence then that would confirm that at least one of them was in a place that they shouldn't have been!
Were there sticks or rocks or any materials that don't belong ie.. thrown into the pit?
I would like to know if the victims had any drugs or alcohol in their systems.
Our hearts go out to the family of the young man who was killed. Having said that, we do not believe this big cat did this of her own accord. Tatiana was provoked. The boys played a role in this tragedy. We believe this big cat whom we have visited many times was being taunted, it was getting dark outside and sticks and stones were thrown into her den. She did what any creature would do when fearing for her safety.
My condolences to the young mans family. How tragic to loose a child. It is also ashame that the beauitful tiger had to be killed, but I believe that police did what they had to do. I feel that the zoo should have cameras around the zoo for the protection of visitors as well as for the animals. After the animals did not ask to be there.
So the tiger was taunted? Or hungry? Or bored?
SO WHAT?!?!
What part of "enclosure" do you not understand?!?
Unless the door was left open or someone placed a climbing device to assist the tiger out of the enclosure, there is no acceptable answer the zoo can give for the tiger getting out.
Period!
I would like to pass on my condolences to the family but I also want to state "if" it is proved that the tiger was indeed harassed by the three that was attacked than my deepest condolences to the tiger.
I am not in anyway trying to be mean towards the victims or their families but there is an old saying that is very true "You mess with the bull and your going to get the horns!"
I am sorry a family had to lose their son. Sorry for the boys who are injured.
Unfortunately this appears to be young men with nothing better to do just before dark and the Zoo was preparing to close. They tormented this Tiger.
Tatiana this beautiful young and wild Tiger posed no threat to the young men. The young men posed a great threat to the Tiger though, they meant to disturb this wild Tiger..they provoked her and tantalized her until she retaliated in a way that was completely natural to her spieces.
This is a regretable episode in San Francisco Zoo. I feel a tranquilizing dart or darts might have been used and saved Tatiana.
For being herself a proud member of the Big Cat Family and an ancestor of our own beloved small domestic cats Tatiana has lost her life. For all who love the
Big and small cats we are sad.
Parents : Teach your children well.
I am of the opinion that there was foul play in this incident. I believe that there is a strong possibility that the victims of the attack did taunt the tiger and somehow managed to assist its escape from the enclosure. Of course it is tragic that their actions resulted in death and injury and my heart goes out to them and their families, however I am also upset that they may have contributed to the death of the tiger they taunted.
thank god they killed that tiger,can you just imagine that tiger coming out of it's cage during business hours? that thing could of eat everybody.stupid people from the zoo (SECURITY GUARDS).
I am amazed at how people will try to feel sorry for the tiger. This is an animal that hunts it's prey aand kills unmercifully. I would like to remind all that this is the same animal that ripped a trainers arm off this time last year. I doubt if it was "taunted" by the trainer. Where is the pity for the family that lost it's son? Would you feel sorry for the tiger if your family member was killed? Where is the pity then?
First and foremost my condolences to the family that lost their son to the attack.
My opinion is that tigers as well as all the animals in the zoo are wild creatures. They are captured and forced to live in an environment that is not natural to them. I realize that zoo’s are there to show people what these animals look like as most will never see them alive just in books, however, if you keep a wild animal caged, you can bet that they are always trying to figure a way to get free. If in fact this tiger was taunted, and that the boy was already bitten and was bleeding the tiger would go after him because of her wild instinct. It was not the Tiger’s fault, I blame the zoo for not providing better security, not providing camera’s around the enclosures, and not re-locating this particular Tiger in a safari type place after she bit her feeder last year. The zoo should have realized that she was dangerous then and instead of just paying a fine and putting a few minor precautions in effect they should have sent the tiger away.
I think that all zoo’s (if we have to have them) should be like the one in San Diego, have the wildlife living like they would if they were free. If they have to capture and keep them locked up at least give them room to run and play and interact with other cats in a larger enclosure. Zoo’s in my opinion are just jails for animals, and animals that have done no wrong except to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think they should stop breeding them in captivity and that the lesson learned from this tragedy is that maybe we should rethink the zoo type atmosphere and perhaps ban them.
WHAT A COINCIDENCE THAT THE 2 BOYS AND 1 KILLED WERE THERE? THE ONE THAT GOT KILLED CAME ALL THE WAY FROM SAN JOSE TO THE ZOO?I THINK ON MY BEHALF THAT ONE OF THESE GUYS MAYBE OPENED THE CAGE OF THE TIGER AND PROVOKE THE TIGER. AIM SORRY BUT I THINK THAT MIGHT BE IT. RIP PERSON THAT DIED.
It is horrible for the family who lost their son to this Tiger attack. It is now being said that they think the tiger was being "taunted". I also can not believe that there are no surveillance cameras! Has anyone looked at the cell phones of the 3 victims? Kids with video phones, take pictures and videos all the time of everything.
My heart goes out to all the victim's families.
I am going to switch to another news channel until such time as KRON newscasters cease speculation regarding the possible "taunting" of Tatiana.
It's irrelevant. The tiger should have been protected from any such behavior on the part of stupid humans. If the young men were "taunting" her, then zoo officials are culpable. They should have protected her.
Failing that, they should have protected the public.
The relevant issue here - the ONLY relevant issue here - is how it happened that the tiger escaped.
Zoo officials may want to hide behind the official party line - presumably some statement approximating, "Well - the boys were teasing her - what did they expect?" BUT - THEY FAILED IN THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT AND DEFEND both the animals in their care and the public.
KRON newscasters, please stop speculating on the "taunting" issue? Please don't buy into the official smokescreen. Please don't imply to the unthinking public that "taunting" makes what happened inevitable and inevitably okay.
We want to know where zoo officials were, why the enclosure wasn't roofed, and how many zoo-affiliated people will be prosecuted over this preventable tragedy.
If these guys really taunted the tiger then they are real punks and I do not like to say it, but they deserve what they got. To bad for the tiger.
My sincerest condolences to the family of the young man who was killed, and I'm praying for the recovery of the two who were injured, BUT, let's face it...the Tiger was only doing what Tigers DO...she was a wild animal, locked up in an unnatural environment, and did what Tiger's do by their very nature...
And while the loss of the young man is sad and tragic, this is a very good time to draw the public's attention to the plight of ALL of the wild animals who are endangered by the actions of the human species.
I, for one, can not bring myself to blame the animals for OUR greed, stupidity and overweaning self-(and other-) desructiveness...
Tatiana was only being a natural tiger stuck in an unnatural environment...what's OUR excuse? Or are we in the same situation and just too bloody-minded and full of ourselves to realize it?
I will mourn the loss of both tiger and young man...but, I have to say that I feel that the loss of the Tiger was the greater...not for the family, of course, and I hope they will forgive me for saying this, but for the natural world...
I also think that, ultimately, the administration of the Zoo should be held accountable for this tragedy...and some serious thought should be given to closing this zoo down until an entirely NEW administration can be put in place...one which will make the major changes obviously needed to keep both animals and visitors safe...
Also, if this morning's latest KRON news reports are true...then we have to despair of the survival of our own species: it's obvious that some of our children are not being taught even the most basic of survival rules...don't taunt and harass the Tigers...they Bite!!!
The tiger attack is another sad example of how man (the human race in general) ruins and destroys the lives of animals. This tiger did not ask to be imprisoned in a zoo wasting its incredible life away, for people to come stare at for their own amusement. The cats hunt. There is nothing wrong, behaviorally, with the fact that the cat stalked, attacked or even killed the boy. And if these boys taunted the cat as is now suspected, then the blame falls entirely on the boys, and the zoo for failing to protect the animals which it forces to reside at the zoo for the amusement of people. A much larger human movement needs to develop in the world that speaks on behalf of the animal communities, to protect animals, and keep humans from pointlessly wasting animals. The bigger picture in all of this is that the human race has appointed itself as all important, the only life form that matters, and gives itself permission to abuse and ruin the lives of animals, rather than try to live peacefully and respect that animals deserve every bit as much a place to live their lives out on this planet, just as man thinks he deserves the same. If the 2 surviving boys admit to taunting the tiger, they should be prosecuted harshly to the full extent of the law, which for animal abuse is pathetically minimal to nonexistent. The boys should be held responsible for causing the death of this sad tiger which never should have had its life end this way.
You cannot confine a wild animal such as a Tiger in an unnatural environment and expect it to act like your gramma's pussycat...heck, my own beloved and (usually) loveable domestic cat occasionally gets annoyed (who knows why?) and bites...
I wouldn't give two cents for the safety of ANYone who harrassed and/or taunted him - and he's only a little pussycat who weighs less than 10 pounds.
We need to teach our children better...Tigers are to be respected for their own sakes, at the very least, and for the fact that they are deadly and very powerful animals who are probably not much impressed with humans...
I know I'm not
There are too many occurrences where the public and wildlife are supposedly protected, and are not. Why were there no "handlers" on duty at the zoos to protect the public and the wild animals from harm and danger? There needs to be some documentary programs on TV and at the zoos, to provide the public with education and information on how and why wild animals are brought to zoos in the first place. Also, who is "responsible" for the protection of the public and the animals when things go awry? Who is supposed to intervene when mishaps occur? The Police fight crimes--Animal Control deals with incidents involving domestic animals--so whose in charge of "wild" zoo animals when something goes wrong? There have been far too many "attacks"; last year when the wild animal tore off the arm of the person feeding the Tigers; other occasions where feeders and the public were mauled or killed by wild animals--due to lack of adequate supervision and protective measures on the part of the persons in charge of the "wild animals." The visitor at the zoo who was in the cage with the gorillas comes to mind, when he was attacked and his face was nearly torn off--these things ought not be happening--but for the incompetence on the part of the zoo and park officials!
Then, the recent oil spill in S.F. Bay comes to mind, where thousands of birds died due to some one's incompetence--if the fog was too thick to proceed safely--then why not stop the ship until the fog subsided? Why proceed in the fog with zero visibility ahead??
The prior "attacks" on and by "wild animals", as well as other incidents of death and harm to humans and wildlife--suggests that there isn't nearly enough supervision and control by those who are
"in charge and "responsible". In the case of the zoos, no one should "view" wild animals without zoo officials' presence, and adequate protections in place, in case the wild animals escape... At minimum, there needs to be a plan in place other than the Police, as to what must be done when "wild" animals put the public in danger!
First a foremost, the public needs to be educated on why wild animals are brought to zoos and parks in the first place; and who is responsible for their care as well as that of the public when something goes awry?
That is tarrible that they would kill the tiger for no reason! I mean I feel horrible for the family, but the tiger is just being what she is! SHe can't help it! Shame on those people who would kill her!!! Shame, Shame, Shame!!!
So after last years attack why didn't the zoo do more to protect not only the public but the animals as well. The zoo was fined $18,000.00 for inadequate safety measures. So instead of well lets say installing "tiger cams" in the front of their enclosure they now are left trying to answer questions about what really happened. Blame the tiger, blame the kids no one will ever really know the truth. Zoo director step down, you are not doing anyone any favors.
Another anonymous wrote:
"The reason that tiger didn't attack anyone else is because the zoo was closing and there weren't alot of people in the zoo"
Well, I, for one, am reassured to know that there is someone out there who can read the mind of a tiger, interpret it's motives...and has the whole scenario figured out...
NOT!
No one knows, and no one will EVER know, what was going on in the mind of the Tiger, Tatiana...BUT I, for one, find it an truly amazing coincidence that she only went after the three boys who were there together...hand now suspected of taunting her...
Hmmmmm...makes me wonder if she was not, at least, as intelligent as my domestic cat...
I better get a gun just in case he decides to go on a rampage and start attacking people just because they happen to be there...
Tatiana was a rare beauty. How sad to hear the reports that these young men were able to taunt her and possibly enable her to get out. She was doing what Nature gave her to do by instinct. So many questions. These men were obviously at the tiger grotto for some time, where were the employees who could have stopped this insanity and been prepared to intercede with tranquilizers. More importantly, why weren't these men observed with their bizarre behavior and asked to leave the zoo? It was Christmas Day...why weren't they home with their families instead of being out harrassing this beautiful wild creature? Lots of blame but not on the poor cat.
Zoo's are archaic, antiquated forms of "entertainment." The only animals that should remain at the zoo are domesticated farm animals, horses, etc. ALL wild animals should be phased out. Imagine spending your entire life cooped up, miserable, taunted and bored. Please boycott the zoo.
a reader wrote:
"The police HAD to kill it, it obviously was a threat to everyone at the park, and there were no other alternatives to getting the tiger in control. "
Well, there SHOULD have been "other alternatives to getting the tiger in control"...and why weren't there???
Any competent zoo administration should/would have a trained emergency response team armed with tranquilizer dart guns on hand and ready to respond at all times...just in case.
Tatiana and the young man paid the ultimate price for the zoo administration's incompetency...
It's a shame...and I, for one, am shamed by the whole episode...because I stopped visiting the San Francisco Zoo many years ago because I found it depressing and offensive...I should have done something more constructive than just give up in disgust...
So, I guess that makes me equally responsible for BOTH deaths.
Mea culpa...
I hate to say they got what they deserved, but teasing a tiger is pretty stupid....here kitty, kitty, kitty....be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!
I believe the tiger was harrased and teased, the kids deserved what they got. The tiger should not have been killed.
I feel no sympathy for the familiy if in fact they taunted the Tiger, that is what you get! And if they did not, well it is a wild animal and tigers kill less people than cars anyways.
And why did they have to shoot the tiger?? Couldn't just have subdued it and put it back in a different cage??
The Siberian Tiger is almost gone from this earth and instead of killing a tiger, for being a tiger, we should do everything we can in order to save their species.
M
someone wrote:
"Unless the door was left open or someone placed a climbing device to assist the tiger out of the enclosure, there is no acceptable answer the zoo can give for the tiger getting out."
And you find the possibility that the "door was left open or someone placed a climbing device to assist the tiger out of the enclosure" to be acceptable answers? Wow! That's scary...especially given that Tatiana did not get out via a door left open...she JUMPED out...
How about this: that humans, in their arrogance and sense of entitlement, completely underestimate the power and capabilities of the animals that they imprison for their own amusement...??? Is that an acceptable answer?
I go to the SF Zoo fairly often (specifically to visit my favorites, the big cats and the gorillas) so I am familiar with the layout of their respective areas.
I am curious about a couple of things: If someone had actually let Tatiana out why didn't the other tigers follow (they seemed pretty bonded and I am sure they would have been equally curious or anxious to leave, as well)? They didn't, so that leads me to believe Tatiana had been taunted somehow (and if provoked enough, I have no doubt she may have been able to have jumped the moat/wall area). She must have been reacting to something negative to have done this.
Finally, what the hell is a seventeen-year-old (a minor) doing at the SF Zoo close to dark, on Christmas anyway? Why wasn't he with his family or closer to home in San Jose? I might be able to understand this if this had been a family outing in the first place but with friends? Something is off with that but the parents will have to address and live with this.
Hopefully, the investigation will shed light on what happened but in the meantime, I want to voice my ABSOLUTE AND CONTINUED SUPPORT for the SF Zoo and their staff. I believe they genuinely take the best care and exercise great caution with these animals for the benefit of the public. Unless I am surprised and find out otherwise, I do not believe there was deliberate fault or wrongdoing of the staff and nothing should change at the zoo as a result of this incident.
I feel for the family but clearly the tiger was provoked by these guys. It's a shame the tiger was killed because of this. People need to show more respect to annimals.
My sympathy to the family of the boy. This Tiger no matter what, should not have been allowed any kind of access of being near humans. It had already gotten the taste of human blood. Sooner or later it would have attacked again! What if some small children were making a lot of noise or crying which is annoying, what then. What if the cat was in heat. Taunting an animal in a enclosure is no reason for the animal to be able to get out.The zoo says that the cat never tried to get out before. How do they know? They do not have cameras to keep an eye out for odd behaviors from the animals especially night hunters like cats. Dangerous Animals should not be allowed open enclosures.
I'll mourn the loss for an endangered species who was -for whatever reasons - behaving as such before I'll mourn the loss of the person who caused their demise in the first place.
To the parents: what was your 17yo son doing at the SF Zoo in the first place on Christmas and not closer to home?
I’ve been watching the news and I just saw that the zoo director said that he saw no signs of aggression from the tiger and that's a complete lie. I was at the zoo on Friday with my wife and sons and the female tiger was pacing back and forth and the edge of the mot. We saw the tiger for over five minutes and at no time did the tiger lay down like the zoo director suggested. The tiger was at the edge of the mot at all times and would get to the farthest point possible without falling off it was like it was judging how far the edge of the mot was to the bushes in front of the exhibit. My wife made the comment that it appeared that it was trying to find a way out, and it got to the point that it made both of us scared and we took our kids away from the exhibit as fast as possible. I know this goes against the experts, but I believe that the tiger jumped the mot.
I don't believe is zoos. I find it very difficult to see all of these beautiful animals confined. It doesn't matter how nice the cage.
As for the taunting theory. If we are going to have zoos, then the animals need to be protected from the actions of people as much as the people need to be protected from the animals.
This zoo has been run down and understaffed for some time now. Having spoken with a tiger/lion keeper a couple years ago it became evident to me that this zoo has not hired an adequate or educated staff. The fact that the majority of employees at the zoo have not received any type of biology degree or formal training is shameful to me as a Zoology student at the local SF State school.
The director should be cross examined for inadequacy. Who is this person anyway? I have never seen their presence at the zoo nor have I ever heard their statement about either of the attacks. What do we know about this person's education and intentions with the SF Zoo.
Our city is amazing and our zoo should reflect this. So how is it that it is so understaffed with uneducated and incapable people when this city reflects such an educated view on environmental issues and the like. The director should understand that the resources and funding are out there to provide this city with an amazing zoo capable of a status to be shared with the likes of the San Diego Zoo.
This unfortunate circumstance should provide a platform for the city to examine its zoo once more and threaten to shut it down if the necessary upgrades are not provided in order to keep the public safe and the animals well cared for.
WHY? Why would you hoop the fence to hang your foot over to the tigers? They found pinecones and sticks in the cage, and a bloody footprint on the fence.All three of these kids provoked the tiger then the tiger attacked the boys leg. The tiger just followed the blood like in the wild . These kids should be punished for what they did too, even if they got hurt. Why should the tiger die for what it only knows to do? THE KIDS KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG!!! This is rediculess that everytime a person gets hurt by a animal, the anilmal dies even if the person provoked the animal!!!
Tigers are wild animals and do not belong in a small enclosure. The attacks on the three boys was not the fault of the tiger or the boys. The zoo is responsible for maintaining safety of both the general public and animals on its grounds. The remaining tigers at the zoo should be sent to a safari park with more space for them. The police had no choice but to kill the escaped tiger before it killed again, it was standing right over one of it's victims when the police arrived. Condolonces to the victims family.
Every one should be held responsible for their own actions. They guys deserved what they got. They should not have tormented the tiger. The tiger is the victim here. The tiger should not have been killed. The zoo should not be responsible for the carelessness and insensitive acts by the guys. There should be cameras to monitor behaviors like this that harms the animals. After all the animals are in a cage and are subject to this kind of abuse from stupid humans with a sick sense of humor. I don not feel sorry for the guys but I do feel sorry for the tigger. The guys got what was comming to them. The zoo should not be held responsible. The tigger was the victim.
My Heart goes out to the TIGER how dare those juvenile delinquents taunt a wild animal. Did their parents not teach them RESPECT! They should be jailed and fined for killing such a beautiful animal. They got what they deserve. Once again, the police shot and killed without a reason. They are all MURDERERS! They should have tranquilized the Tiger and that should be the standard procedure if this rare type of incident happens again. Read the signs!!! Don't feed the animals! You are in their home!!
a Blogger wrote: "I grieve for the family of Carlos Sousa, who probably DID taunt Tatiana, as teen-aged boys are wont to do"
As teen-aged boys are wont to do?!?
You mean "boys will be boys?" so that's ok then? They can't be blamed for being cruel by nature and totally without respect for other forms of life?
Well, Tigers will be Tigers, and THEY can't be blamed for being cruel by nature and totally without respect for other forms of life...so that's ok then, too...
The DIFFERENCE is that boys SHOULD know better, and if they don't, then we need to look at WHY they don't know better, and do something about it!!!
There are most likely less than 400 Siberian Tigers left on the planet...there are a HELL of a lot more ignorant and disrespectful teenage boys...
Now there's one less of each. But, the survival of the human species is not at stake for the loss of that one boy, no matter how tragic...
The survival of the Siberian Tiger is...
"Teach your children well..."
What have animal advocates been saying about zoos for YEARS?! Try as they may to cloak themselves in the "conservation" disguise, ultimately these animals are not ours to cage and gawk at. If we as humans were not decimating their habitat, thus causing their inevitable extinction, we would not even need to keep the last few in a zoo to live their lives on concrete, never knowing what their life SHOULD have been. It’s sad all the way around.
I feel bad and my heart goes out to the family of the 17 year old....BUT why was he at the zoo on christmas and not with his family? How come he was at the zoo with 2 older boys who the parents dont know? How come the parents didnt even know he was there? Then with all of this they say they doubt there son was taunting the tiger. He was there after the zoo closed and no other visitors were around when this happened. Umm it looks like they might have been up to no good. Im sorry but I dont think they knew there son much at all.
Im a mom of 2 small ones and we love the SF Zoo. No one should go to the zoo and worry about animals getting out and the animals shouldnt have to worry about US bothering them.
As far as the Tiger goes she wasnt Wild she was Born at the Denver Zoo. She was out to get those boys for what ever reason. She didnt go after any other animals or people at the zoo and ran a long way just to get "those" boys. It can go with out saying they did something. Its to bad and very saddening that one died and the other 2 were so badly hurt but what did you think would happen.
The big question that needs to be answered soon is how the hell did she get out? Did they help her get out, maybe not on purpose but assist in some way? Did someone working at the zoo let her out?
someone wrote:
"I’ve been watching the news and I just saw that the zoo director said that he saw no signs of aggression from the tiger and that's a complete lie. it appeared that it was trying to find a way out, and it got to the point that it made both of us scared and we took our kids away from the exhibit as fast as possible..."
So, did you by any chance communicate your fear to the authorities - zoo administrators or security, as would have been the responsible thing to do? Or just get your own a** safely out and never mind anybody else?
Did you actually leave the zoo altogether out of fear for your family's safety, or just move on to another exhibit?
Just wondering... (no, that's not true...not just wondering - the fact is I don't believe a word of what you wrote...it just doesn't ring true...)
It's so sad to see the outcome of the upbringing of young people these days. There's no respect to people, property, nor animals. That is why the guys were taunting the tigger. They deserve what they got. People are not held responsible for their own actions. They should be. The tigger is the victim.
The guys immature act lead to the death of their friend should be a lesson learned by the brothers that was involved.
The zoo should not be held responsible for the senseless act of the immature guys.
One thing that could be improved by the zoo would be survellance cameras. The survellance cameras would monitor any type of misconduct by senseless humans to the animals. Also they should have zoo employees to make sure that the vistors act appropriately to respect the animals and the property of the zoo.
If the guys did not torment the tigger by throwing sticks and rocks to the tigger, they would not have been attacked. They should have thought of the consequences of their actions. Maybe next time they would give a little more respect to nature and it's creatures. At least they have a second chance in life than their friend. Hopefully they would know how to act and behave in the future.
As a father of four I truly grieve for the family who lost a son, and on Christmas day.
As someone that personally knows the director and the staff for many years. I must say that people should know how caring and dedicated these people are. People should know the love and respect they have for their charges.
All animals are wild, and in the case of the tiger a predetor who instinctly hunts. The facts will probrably come to light as to how the impossible became possible.
Folks should know that it usually comes down to money, sometimes easy for people to say this should have been done or that should have been done without taking into consideration what a budget is. Priorities. I know full well how underfunded the Zoo is, and how painstakingly they have managed to upgrade the Zoological Gardens from its prewar state. Its come a long way, but has much further to go before it truly becomes a refuge for wonderful and beautiful animals from around the world. Where else could our children see such beautiful and exotic animals. Where better for a family to spend a weekend. Many wonderful memories watching our children learn. I have 50 years of memories as a native San Franciscan.
People should take into account that it was closing time, and on Christmas day. Short staff? People are suppose to be leaving the facility. There is an announcement on loudspeakers.
The Zoo lacks real funding. Maybe from such a horrible tragedy can come some good. Maybe people will find a way to help fund the Zoo so that camera's, intercoms, infra red systems to detect unwanted humans can early warn, and all the other needs can be met.
My heart and prayers go out to the family of the young man who lost his life, his young life.
It also goes out to the men and woman who work so hard to make the San Francisco Zoo such a loving place. A loving place for the animals, and a loving place for our families. Their good work has now been lost, hopefully not forever.
Santa Clara,
So sorry that a family lost a loved one this way, but from the onset of this story I told my daughters that something was wrong here. That someone had to have been teasing the tigers, I even went as far as saying "I hope that it isn't just to put something on UTube."
But here we are today and my theory just might be real, this is just horrible to think that someone has lost a life to possibly be part of the internet, if in fact this is true. What I have to say to this is that at every turn young people want that 15 minutes of fame, but should it be at the expense of a life or someone else life. I hope from this that our people of today will reconsidered those 15 minutes of fame and find a better way to become a positive influence in today’s society.
I can say that my daughters are the 4th generation of my family attending the SF Zoo & our main attraction was and still is to visit the Lion & Tiger feeding area. This has always been our first stop in the Zoo and we will continue to support the Lion Area and SF Zoo.
I stand behind the wonderful care takers and animal specialists, they have always kept a well maintained facility for the animals and the visitors. They have in my opinion kept us all safe and allowed us to have an opportunity to view and be near some the worlds most incredible creatures. SF Zoo has and always will be a favorite place for me to go with my family and share with friends who are new to our beautiful San Francisco Area.
SF Zoo, know that we are sadden by the event for all involved and the loss of a human life and the death of an incredible rare animal Tatiana.
Sincerely,
Santa Clara
another person wrote:
"To the parents: what was your 17yo son doing at the SF Zoo in the first place on Christmas and not closer to home?"
Oh, boy...I knew this line of thinking would pop up sooner or later...
My answer to that is "How close to his 18th birthday was this young man...because we might not just have lost a 17 year old teenage boy, we might have lost a potential 18 year old soldier that we could have sent to Iraq to get killed.
What are all those just barely 18 year old children/soldiers doing in Iraq on Christmas and not closer to home??? Are you going to get all self-righteous and censure their parents about THEM, too?
NO? I thought not...
It would be so easy to close the zoo and set all these animals free in the wild IF PEOPLE WOULD LEARN TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. The SF Zoo is a rehab zoo. They are trying to help repopulate the earth with these beautiful animals who WE AS HUMANS have just about killed off!! The Lions and Tigers at the SF zoo were all born at zoo's they are not WILD! If we were to set them in the wild they would die! They dont know how to hunt for food (probably the reason she didnt eat the boy she killed) We are to blame! Its easy to say the Zoo is wrong but you know what they are not responsible for Teen-ages being stupid. They do have a response team but by the time the Zoo was told she was out she had all ready killed and like a Dog once they taste blood its all fun and games for them. The SFPD got a call before the zoo was told. When the zoo found out they made every one left at the zoo even the workers lock them selves in the nearest shop/room. The zoo did and is still doing a great job fixing human mistakes.
The only reason we have zoo's to go to is they have to pay the bills some how. Our money we pay to get in goes to helping these animals LIVE and to get them in the wild. Dont blame the zoo for being open and letting you see these animals wile they do good for the world. Blame the kids who dont know self control, Blame the parents who dont know where the kid is or what he is doing. Blame the drug dealers for ruining generation after generation same thing with the alcoholics. People that steal because its easier the working. People who hunt so they can say they shot something. Blame them for screwing up our world NOT the animals. Last time I check the animals were not promoting Sex, drugs, alcohol, beating women, gang banging and hunting for sport.
I've always thought that a determined tiger (or lion) could pretty easily get out of those moat-and-fence enclosures, if it really wanted to...anyone who's seen a fat housecat jump from a standing position to the top of a six-foot solid fence, or a dog put it's paws on the top of a chain-link fence and climb its back legs up and over, knows that animals are generally a lot stronger and more agile than they look...
somebody wrote: "It had already gotten the taste of human blood. Sooner or later it would have attacked again!"
And what makes you think that human blood tastes any different than any other blood? It has already been determined that the zoo was responsible for the previous attack because it had not provided an adequate barrier between the feeder and the animal. Don't tell me you expect a hungry tiger to make a distinction between the meat it's being fed and the meat that's holding it...food is food to a hungry carnivore...
I, for one, doubt that the Tiger did anything other than go after food and accidentally get ahold of a human...not that it instantly developed a taste or preference for human blood - as in "Wow, Oh, YUM, this human blood is WAY superior to that cold horse meat cr&p they've been feeding me...I'm gonna look for a chance to get some more...
Jeeeeeez...get a grip
This is a lesson to all parents...YOU SHOULD KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT ALL TIMES REGARDLESS OF AGE. Parents should also teach kids to not taunt any animals see what happens when parents dont have control of children!!!!
i agree with the person who said if the guys DID taunt the tiger or entince / help it out of the cage, than the zoo shoudl NOT be responsible. those guys are all old enough to know better. and they are tragically paying the price for their foolishness. but don't make the zoo pay the price via a civil suit. it's not the zoo's fault those guys are jerks.
for the people saying the tiger should not have been killed, i too wish it had been tranquilized instead of shot dead. however given the circumstances, i don't think the officers really had the luxury of time to find & load up animal tranquilizers. IE, it had to be done unfortunately.
I feel sorry for the zoo and the tiger! obviously, the boys were at fault. Not that they should've lost their life. They ultimately are to blame for this tragedy.
Several things were wrong with this event...
1)you don't get a shoe and blood on the inside unless someone was in there. Taunting is very likely
2) all zoos should have a response plan in place for an emergency just like this to avoid killing the animal
3) zoos are not just a place for selfish humans to imprison animals. Zoos frequently provide refuge to protect them from the humans who are killing them in their natural habitat or to support a disappearing species.
f
There are many sides to a story... in this case, it was a lose-lose for everyone and everything involved.
If the three teens were taunting Tatiana, they got what they deserved.
Don't give no respect,
don't get no respect.
Tiger should have NEVER been killed...it's an animal...Do people honestly think it wouldn't harm anything...it's a very large captive animal??? Also Tiger was fed hours before...so it wasn't hunting to eat... I would assume she is like a cat..They play with Mice....and when done..walk away. If she was taunted. What would one expect? Seriously??
If the boys are found guilty of provoking the tiger to attack them, they should be prosecuted. Also, if we the taxpayers in anyway will have to pick up the Emergency Medical Expense which has been required to save and treat these boys, then they should have to repay the taxpayers back the full amount. If found guilty, I do not want to pay my money to help boys who knowingly abused and taunted an animal to its death. I resent this and would want a clear message sent to the public. Lastly, I want to express great sorrow that this tiger was killed instead of tranquilizing it. California seems to be a place that has no training to help wild animals. We see every year countless examples of police who shoot to kill wild cats. Why are the police not trained differently, are they not able to learn the skills to handle a tranquilizer gun? I think more that it is that people are taught that animals are of little value except to entertain is, such as in zoos or circuses. Shame on these boys, and shame on SF Zoo and Police for the way this has been handled.
The tiger should have been shot with a tranquilizer and not a police weapon. Where was the SF Zoo staff when this happened? Aren't they equipped with such devices to control this from happening to other animals?
First - 17 years old is not a "boy"
at that age he SHOULD be a man.
Second - there is a huge issue of why the police responded without coordinating with the zoo's animal control people to be able to tranq the tiger.
Third - When will parent's take off the rose colored glasses and admit that their children are humans, and will act like humans and will do stupid things. I am so tired of all these parents that think their child is perfect - even if they have a 2 page rap sheet (No reference to anyone in particular in this story.)
Fourth and final - a older tiger living a lazy, sedentary zoo life doesn't scale a 20' wall unless something drastic motivated her too. Three teen age boys alone at the zoo feeling all that testosterone driven invincibility. Yeah - I am sure they were just standing there admiring the beauty.
Yet again we find that the world isn't idiot proof, and just like the idiots every year that drive into the mountains during the winter in a show storm, nature is always capable of slapping someone upside teh head and saying "IDIOT"
Stupid Kids - Give them a Darwin Award. Parents owe the Zoo a Tiger
While watching the various persons in charge congratulate each other for their swift responses, ability to communicate and level of professionalism the fact remains that several persons are hospitalized, one is dead and the tiger is dead. Why? If we are going to continue to interact with animals, be it in the wild, in our neighborhoods or in a zoo then we must begin to act more responsibly.
The San Francisco Zoo was the caretaker and responsible party for one of the world's endangered animals -- the Siberian Tiger. Obviously, the zoo was not up to the task. It demonstrated its shortcomings a year ago and tragically again this week.
Zoo visitors must be protected from the animals and if recent allegations of teasing are true, the zoo animals must also be protected from human visitors. Maybe it is time for a complete examination and evaluation of all San Francisco zoo practices and procedures. Two attacks involving the same tiger are two, too many.
As a believer in the philosophy that one should lead, follow or get out of the way it may be time to replace the zoo director and any individual responsible for the tiger's escape. A visit to a zoo is supposed to be enjoyable, educational and rewarding experience. This was a tragic visit for both the people involved and the tiger.
It is a truly sad thing that any had to die...young man or tiger...to bring to public attention the obvious deficiencies in security at the S.F. Zoo...
Both should be adequately protected...animals AND visitors/staff...
I sincerely hope that an in depth investigation of the security arrangments at the zoo is conducted - and soon - before another such tragedy...
All enclosures/cages...and visitors...should be monitored at all times when the zoo is open (closed circuit TV?)...and there should be a rapid response security plan in place just in case...with tranquilizer dart guns available for immobilizing any animals that might need to be controlled - so that they do not have to be killed to protect the visitors.
Also, I would suggest some kind of emergency alarm system that would alert staff if anyone attempts to enter into an enclosure or cage without authorization or any animal to get out of any of the enclosures/cages.
There should also be a law against harrassing the animals that carries a deterrant punishment...and it should be rigourously enforced...
Write to the Mayor...and other city officials today...NOW...and demand that the zoo be closed until adequate security has been put in place for both animals and humans.
If the local government will not do anything, then I suggest a public boycott of the zoo until the deficiencies are rectified.
My condolences to the family.
But the ZOO is 100% RESPONSIBLE for this TRAGEDY. People please Stop crying for the tiger it can be replace but the boy's life NEVER!!!
And for those who didn't want the tiger dead please just stop and think for a minute and put your self on the victims shoes.
As a zoo employee from elsewhere in the nation, I am saddened by all aspects of this incident. Zoos help to educate people about our responsibility to protect animals in the wild, and show respect for ALL animals, wild and domestic. The animals in zoos are ambassadors for their species. They help connect us as humans to the wildlife we so easily become disconnected with in our lives in metropolitan areas. We come to care most about things we feel connected to. And as a result DO something to help. Zoos serve this important purpose.
But there is fault on all sides in this case. If Tatiana was able to escape her enclosure unassisted, the zoo is indeed at fault. And if the boys did climb the outer barrier and enter the far side of the exhibit, taunting the tiger, perhaps aiding or encouraging her escape, they are at fault. But it is sad and disappointing that the zoo was unable to secure the safety of both the public AND the animals in its care. In exhibits where public access to exhibits is possible (to someone exercising clearly poor judgment and lack of respect, as the boys may have), there should be a zoo presence or authority there to prevent such an violation.
It is deeply saddening that this incident is causing many to question zoos around the country, and that negligence on the part of the SF Zoo, as well as the boys, resulted in the death of a young man and the death of a beautiful tiger, born in captivity as an ambassador for her species.
I was also at the zoo a few weeks ago and noticed a siberian tiger pacing along the edge of the mot. We immediately left the area because it was creepy. More should be done to protect the patrons and animals. This was an unfortunate and preventable incident!
I believe zoos are an important educational and entertainment source. I also think that a zoo is weak without tigers, lions, gorrillas, giraffs, rinos and elephants. These are icons of the zoo and what people want to see. These are also what brings people in who spend the money that goes to research, maintenence and preservation. Life isn't fair for any of us. There are people and animals starving all over the world. Have you ever been to a chicken farm where they cram the chickens into tiny cages and cut off their beaks so they don't peck each other to death? Go there and tell me if you'd rather be a tiger. If you're worried about fairness, sell your computer and send the money to a wildlife fund or to help starving people or whatever is not so hypocritical as writing about the cruelty of it all. Be careful when casting the first stone.
Now, go to the zoo, enjoy the tigers, understand that the world can change at any minute. Be thankful that you are not the boy's father or mother and if it makes you feel better be thankful you're not the tiger. Hopefully, you will let go of the loathing you feel for our species.
Further, I live in an area where mountain lions have been killing livestock lately. I also have a small son. If I see the lion in what I feel is a threatoning situation to my family, I will definetly kill it.
Jason
The person, who opened the tiger cage, should have responsible for the wild animal.
I want to express my condoleances to the family.I've been to the zoo a few times and I notice how people tease animals, especially teenagers. I don't really know what happened and how the tiger got out but I wouldn't be surprised if the tiger had been teased and provoked by them or someone else which eventually led to the attack.
It shouldn't be an easy thing for an unauthorized person to let a tiger loose in the zoo.
I dont believe that the Tiger should have been killed....he was obviously just playing with the boys and they were apparently playing with him.......werent they! I sure see it that way. apparently they stayed at the zoo after it was closed! what was they reason. would they have stayed at church after mass was completed....I dont think so.
This proves that these and many other animals still stay "wild" even if they are in confined quarters different than their natural habitat. Millions of people's opinions of the crucial value of animals to our world are positively influenced by the real viewing experiences that zoo offers. It takes the image out of a flat magazine page or a tv image into something they can identify with. Still even with the great help of zoos...most humans still pursist in believing 'the polar bears are not dying because of our automobile emissions".They see no connection. Dah!!!
This is a case of mismanaged risk management assessment because of mis-calculating the physics and geometry behind this unfortunate incident. Obviously the tiger either jumped straight across - a super event, went to the bottom and then up, jumping from the moat bottom then using its claws to climb, or used the side walls to ricochet off of and its claws to dig in an propel a second time.
All possibilities are based on unfortunately an underestimation of this wild animal's capabilities.
Even if these kids were taunting the tiger - and everyone knows that teenage boys are full of challenge...the zoo and its risk management underwriters should have said "it is possible that this specific situation could happen" and therefore taken steps to eliminate - not minimize but eliminate the risk.
Cameras would have long ago revealed all of the other kids that have done the same thing...and given us proof of this wild animal's capabilities...even if it is living in captivity for the sake of brining attention to its manmade plight and therefore saving its kind in the wild...
Zoos and their animal exhibits are more like heros for the preservation of the whole animal kingdom rather than victims of man's unkindness....
From Florida reading in...
Randy
helpsaveourearth@sitcomllc.com
Even if the allegations that the young teens did taunt the tiger indeed, Zoo owners should have known that there would be no way the tiger could have escaped by jumping over the fence. Thats simple. They are suppose to be experts in their animals, and should know there is no way they could jump that high even if tempted.
"And for those who didn't want the tiger dead please just stop and think for a minute and put your self on the victims shoes."
I would, but tigers don't WEAR shoes...
If you would like to see a tiger or an elephant or any other 'wild'
animal, go to their neighborhood!
Those poor animals pent up in zoos around the country have no future.
They clearly behave in ways (pacing, etc.) that are disturbing. They are trying to domesticate wild animals-you can't do that. And those poor creatures can never be returned to their natural habitat. If you or your children want to view or learn about wild animals, read a book or go on a safari! This rubbish about zoos contributing to the conservation of animals is absurd.
I can only pray that the breeding of these captive animals will stop and when the poor creatures that are currently in captivity pass away, zoos will be extint.
I am sick and tired of all this liberal San Francisco non-sense- this city and its Nancy Pelosi led politics are the laughinstock of the country- and how this city is conducting itself right now is laughable. We should cut to the chase- and acknowledge- that the zoo screwed up royally by not euthanizing this tiger 1 year ago. Now we find out that the zoo wall was around 5 ft lower than code. I am not a lawyer, but this seems like one of the most egregious cases of negligence- and I suspect the victims and their families will reap tens of millions of dollars in a settlement. The zoo director and some of the cohorts should also be held criminally liable. Tatiana, taunting or not, had absolutely no business being around people. This tiger was freakishless aggressive, and should have been exterminated last year when it attacked.
It's difficult to place blame on any one party, especially without much detail. The zoo should've made sure that the wall of the tiger enclosure was taller than even necessary (however, the zoo requires good funding for maintenance, which is unfortunately a very big problem). I am very hesitant to not blame the victim, though. I have been to the zoo many times and all of those times I have seen people of all ages tease the animals. People seem to forget what respect is these days and that it should be extended to everyone. These are wild animals and they behave by their own rules, much like we behave by ours. Nevertheless, they can get upset and angry, much like anyone else, and after seeing what I have seen people do, I certainly don't blame them. I also don't think that the tiger would've jumped out and gone after a specific group of individuals (when there were other people present) for no reason whatsoever. The zoo also has to protect the animals from the asinine and inconsiderate behavior of the visitors. Security needs to be improved to keep an eye on both the parties, and they should be equipped with tranquilizers in addition to bullets in hopes of avoiding unnecessary killing. Of course police had to shoot the tiger, but the situation should've been handled much better; the zoo and the authorities should've been much better prepared. My condolences both to the families of the victims and also to the zoo and its employees for their great and unfortunate loss and difficult situation.
My condolences to the family.
But the ZOO is 100% RESPONSIBLE for this TRAGEDY. People please Stop crying for the tiger it can be replace but the boy's life NEVER!!!
Why is the boy's life more valuable than the tigers? Because he's human? How arrogant is that?
And the tiger is NOT replaceable...there are very few Amur(Siberian) Tigers left on the planet...the world cannot afford to lose even one...and I, for one, don't want to be the one to have to answer to The Creator when he, or she, asks "What happened to all my tigers?"
I've often thought that the moat idea, especially a dry moat, was not enough to keep a determined lion or tiger in its enclosure. Anyone who's seen a fat housecat jump straight up a 6-foot wall from a stand-still, or a dog climb (yes, climb) a chain-link fence, knows that animals are much stronger and more agile than they appear.
This should not have happened, even if the tiger was taunted (which it probably was). We will undoubtedly see these moat enclosures become much safer, now, but unfortunately, it took a young man's life to make it happen.
After watching the nauseating news briefing in which the SF zoo director congratulates and compliments the various responding agencies for their quick response, professionalism and ability to communicate with each other, the fact remains that one person is dead , several are hospitalized and the endangered Siberian Tiger was shot and killed.
If indeed the young men taunted and tormented the tiger then they are most definitely NOT innocent victims. The tiger may be the only victim in this sad story.
Maybe it is time for some entity in a position of power to examine and evaluate the ability of the San Francisco Zoo to protect not only its animals; but its visiting humans. Last year as a result of zoo enclosure deficiencies a caretaker was mauled. This year a human was killed. Thank god there were no small innocent children placed in harms way.
The buck has got to stop somewhere and clearly it stops with the zoo director. If he doesn't resign by years end he should be fired.
The tiger is dead, a great loss to all who love tigers.
The boy is dead, also a great loss to his family and friends.
The zoo will pay dearly for it's negligence with the wall height and lack of security cameras, a great financial loss to the community.
Will anyone be held personally responsible for not doing their job reviewing security of the exhibits? I doubt it.
Condolences to the teenager's family.
Has it been confirmed whether the teenager that lost his life knew the other teenagers? If so, that would add to the taunting theory.
I am heart-broken that the tiger had to be shot.
Siberian tigers are on the critical list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Tiger#Distribution_and_population
I agree that humans need to be protected from animals and visa versa.
The wall should have been higher. There should have been surveilance cameras, the staff should be on patrol, armed with tranquilizer guns.
Again, it is tragic that a human life has been lost over this incident.
It is also tragic that there is one less Siberian tiger in the world.
When a species goes extinct, it never comes back. Not just the animal, but the 100s of millions of years of evolution it took to evolve that creature.
It makes me sick to see such a beautiful animal be destroyed because of humans being stupid!!!!!It is not the tigers fault, I am sorry the boy died,but if they indeed were taunting the tiger, well, its sad. If the zoo was doing its part, which #1 to me should be to protect the animals, and if the animals are protected then so will the people, except for the taunting, how to protect the poor animals who never asked to be closed up from idiots who have obviously no respect for beautiful wildlife, maybe they are the ones who should be behind bars eh? Sorry but I love animals and it is too sad, too bad that they can't have sedated darts ready for such occasions. Zoos need to do more to protect the wildlife they have closed up there, if they are safe from harm than so would humans........we as humans always seem to be our own worst enemy...
Many people are sympathetic to the families and victims of this "attack". However, do men ages 17 to fatherhood regularly visit zoos and places that are not considered "cool" with their friends? What were they doing at the zoo on Christmas evening when the youngest of the group, at age 17, was, as stated by his mother, expected at a family dinner in San Jose which is at least an hour drive away?
Pinecones and sticks were apparently found in the moat area of Tatiana's grotto. As a visitor of the zoo, the trees that produce pinecones are not close enough to that area to fall into the grotto - even in high winds.
Why did Tatiana specifically follow the 3 young men rather than searching around for easier "prey" if she was hunting or out to kill someone/thing.
I know my cat follows certain people if he likes them and let people know if he is angered by hissing and scratching. What makes Tatiana any different as far as felines or any other species are concerned?
If the wall height and moat depth were an issue prior to this "attack", why weren't there other prior incidences of large felines escaping? As for last year's attack on the lion/tiger keeper, apparently, she was holding on a piece of meat with her hand infront of the tiger with her back turned. If the Zoo is to be blamed for their inadequecies, please donate money so that they can fix these "problem" areas, get the cameras set up, get more "qualified" full-time personel to handle these types of unusual and rare instances.
a reader wrote: "The person, who opened the tiger cage, should have responsible for the wild animal."
No one opened the tiger cage...the tiger jumped over the wall, which it turns out was only 12 feet high when it should have been over 16 feet high...and even that might not be high enough if an animal has been agitated enough by human stupidity...
I vote we shoot the idiots who inspected the zoo and didn't note this fact AND the administrators who HAD to have known that the wall was shorter than the minimum recommended...
Unfortunately, that wouldn't bring the dead tiger back...or the dead young man...
one of the bloggers said:
"It shouldn't be an easy thing for an unauthorized person to let a tiger loose in the zoo."
I agree - only authorized persons should be allowed to let tigers loose in the zoo...where does one sign up to get authorized???
Could it be the three "Victims" were previously teasing the “Big Cat” and this provoked the attack. Therefore the “Big Cat” was the Victim. It is very sad that three young men have nothing else to do but to tease captive wild animals in the Zoo, and little did they know the Cat could escape!
Could it be the three "Victims" were previously teasing the “Big Cat” and this provoked the attack. Therefore the “Big Cat” was the Victim. It is very sad that three young men have nothing else to do but to tease captive wild animals in the Zoo, and little did they know the Cat could escape!
The rediculous excuse to label "taunting" as some sort of justification, as many said , way, way off base. If that is accepted, what would be next..."people laughing aloud amongst each other" an overly sensitive Animals gets frustrated, etc, etc. Cmon. Just saw on the news report of an employee witness years back that actually saw a Tiger make the leap, and was walking on the section just inside the railing, they yelled at it and it jumped back in the moat. This is not good at all for the Zoo, and their Management.
Stop accusing the victims of taunting a dangerous animal! I don't think those three caused this rampage because they are the VICTIMS! The tiger attacked first and the cops had no choice but to kill it! STOP FEELING SORRY FOR THE ANIMAL! That tiger was dangerous and the zoo knew that, but did nothing to prevent this tradegy. The boy's family has been through enough already so stop blaming the parents and the victims!
For all of you who feel sadly for the tiger, I would love to see what you would do with a 350 pound Siberian Tiger running toward you without tranquilizer darts and only a gun....
I think we need to thank the SFPD for putting their life on the line because if they had not been there, there could have been three dead boys instead of one.
"I am amazed at how people will try to feel sorry for the tiger. This is an animal that hunts it's prey aand kills unmercifully."
Don't be amazed...and those of us who DO feel sorry for the tiger don't have to "try"...it's easy and for some of us it just comes naturally...it's called "compassion" - for all creatures, great and small...
And tigers don't kill "unmercifully"...mercy is a peculiarly human concept that apparently some of us are only capable of feeling for those of our own kind...it's OK to imprison and harass and torture a creature if it's not one of us...no, wait, that line of thinking isn't going to work because actually, ...we do exactly that to our own kind every day...no wonder we're so cruel to the animals...
Sadly, the fact is that as a species we don't have a very good track record; didn't we used to throw people to the lions for entertainment, after all?
True compassion doesn't draw a line between species...or nationalities...or skin color...or ethnicity...or national origin...or gender...or age...or any other of those false lines of division...we are all in this boat together...lions and tigers and bears, oh my...and, humans, too (unfortunately)...
I have no doubt that the boys in question were taunting the tiger. Their belligerent attitude when questioned by the police is a good indicator. Add the sister's vehement denial that her brother would do anything wrong, yet in all of his pictures he is posing in a defiant manner. He was out in Xmas and no one knew where he was. As a parent, I know where my children are and I am honest about their flaws. I am angered that they have ruined the zoo for all of us. 2 days so far without a zoo. A family place. Shame on them and shame on their families. I am sure that these negligent parent are plotting and scheming for financial benefit. I am sorry for their loss, no parent should outlive their child, but in no way do I believe that their son was blame-free.
one of the bloggers wrote:
"I've been to the zoo a few times and I notice how people tease animals, especially teenagers."
Really, there SHOULD be signs posted saying "Don't tease the teenagers."
I cant wait to hear about the shoe print and I have a strong feeling that it is the shoe of the dead teenager (I am really tired of everyone calling him a boy as he was almost 18 which is considered an adult) and if that is the truth then he and his friends should be held responsible for payment of all the city services along with an apology to the ZOO. I dont believe that the zoo should be held responsible for any of this but I am sure that someone will try to sue them to gain MONEY from the so called tragedy.....what a sick society we live in......
Following this story has been rather intense given the theories presented. As a wildlife ecologists its always been clear that tigers are very comfortable in their environment. Course they can always use more room instead of being housed in a somewhat confined exhibit. Once provoked these cats will react to a measure far more impressive than one can imagine. Given the facts from other wildlife experts is certain this cat was tainted in someway to react the way it did. First of all the moat was dry enabling the cat to leap up and out, and a 12ft 5in wall is not standard in such an exhibit. (shame on the zoo) Keep in mind this cat could of gotten out a long time ago given onlookers observing, creating noises, awkward moments, etc. But for the cat to leap and actually attack a patron is reason to believe that cat was provoked. My condolences to the family in loss of their son. Zoo officials responsible had no choice but to put the cat down to insure the safety of the public. Bottom line, there was nothing wrong with the tiger, unfortunately it took human error and a cost of a life for people to readdress the current protocols, structure, and response to this tragedy.
There was no need to kill the tiger, I don't understand why the zoo employees did not have tranquilizers at hand, if a wild animal is caged at some point in time is going to try to scape, specially if there is people taunting it.
There is no secret that people love to taunt the animals regardless of the warnings posted everywhere in zoos.
I am sorry about the person who died, but normally the animals don't go crazy out of the blue.
I have gone to this zoo at least once every month for the past couple of years. I love to watch all the animals at the zoo. Everytime I have gone I see some stupid teenage boys taunting animals in their exhibits.
I believe the "boys" got exactly what they deserved. I would hope the other two weren't involved in the taunting. If they were its a shame they lived. No doubt we will never know the real story since the two that are alive will probably never tell the real story that went on.
Have a little bit of respect for animals and if you don't want to then don't come to the zoo.
My condolences the the families involved. I agree with some of the posts RE: the taunting, even if the boys taunted precautions should be in place (kids do that). I also wonder if it is found that the boys did taunt or assist the tiger in getting out, could they be charged for the death of their friend and or the tiger? I have been visiting the SF zoo for 50 years and I think it would be very sad for this to leave San Francisco without its zoo. I hope this was just a tiger that got out of his cage I would hate to think that human beings would do something like that and endanger many many other who visit, work, or live in the vicinity of the zoo.
i find it very interesting that the injured boys don't want their wounds disclosed or discussed. is this because the location of the wounds would release more information regarding how the attack occurred, and support the taunting, climbing in the cage theories? i've also heard that they are not cooperating with authorities. yet, everyone is quick to start talking about lawsuits. i agree with the person who mentions the lack of respect that so many kids are exhibiting these days. so much of this totally disgusts me.
someone wrote:
"I am sick and tired of all this liberal San Francisco non-sense- this city and its Nancy Pelosi led politics are the laughinstock of the country- and how this city is conducting itself right now is laughable."
And you would be writing from WHICH sexist right-wing Shrub-loving enclave? I've got a extra man-eating tiger with a bad attitude a I want to donate to your local city zoo...
G'head, keep on laughing...in fact, bray as loud as you can...it'll make it easier for the tigers to find you...
It's appalling to suggest that these boys got what they deserved because they might have taunted the tiger. Taunting or not, the basic fact is that the facility was inadequate and unsafe (as proven by the tiger) for anyone visiting the zoo and the officials have known this for a long time. It is totally irrelevant that these boys' footprints might have been on the railing, etc. The SF police department and zoo officials are criminal in suggesting that these boys' actions are the reason the animal escaped. What a foolish and irresponsible suggestion by the SFPD, Zoo officials and the media (including KRON4) for this line of questioning and reasoning. It was painful to watch today's (12/27) press conference, but far less painful than being mauled by a wild animal under any circumstance.
MView
It is great the news covers this, but who the heck cares if the
guys taunted the Tigers?
What do you mean who the heck cares if the guys taunted the tigers?
Of course it matters, there has not been any incidents like this since 1940 when the zoo was open, and on top of everything how do you explain that Tatiana was looking for these kids and these kids only?
I am sorry for the guy who died, but come on people.... had they not been molesting the animal, none of this would have happen!... that is was happens when people don't have control over their kids and let them do whatever the hell they want....
The worse is now the parents are playing the inocent part... PLEASE!!!! they did not even know where their kid was.
And to end it, the Tiger should have never been killed, have SFPD not heard of tranquilizer darts, tazer guns, etc, etc, or the zoo employees, don't they have some sort of an emergency response team?
It is HORRIBLE that an endangered tiger had to be killed to be contained.
I would like to pass on my condolences to the family but I also want to state "if" it is proved that the tiger was indeed harassed by the three that was attacked than my deepest condolences to the tiger.
I am not in anyway trying to be mean towards the victims or their families but there is an old saying that is very true "You mess with the bull and your going to get the horns!"
DITTO
This entire incident was a horrible tragedy. Many posts bring up thoughtful questions such as why there is not any zoo security cameras to monitor the area. This would help protect people and animals and monitor any teasing or alert zoo staff if an animal were sick or injured. Where was the trained staff? Some zoo staff said they were told to get behind locked doors. I question the common sense in leaving the zoo open until 5:00 in the winter and having animals still out. SFPD had no choice but to kill Tatiana-more lives may have been lost waiting for a tranquilizer gun as there was apparently no zoo response team with them. I hope a detailed investigation will answer the many questions around this to prevent it from ever happening again. I agree with others-the zoo is not an appropriate place to keep tigers and other large animals-they need a reserve and to be viewed from a distance. I have lived in the Bay Area all my life. Many years ago some kids broke into the zoo at night without trouble and drank beer, throwing all their glass bottles into habitats. At the time the zoo was so bad my family stopped going, it was just so depressing. The SF Zoo needs to take measures to make sure animals and people are safe.
if anything good can come from this tragedy i hope that all zoos take a good look at the conditions that the animals are subjected to. they are being confined to small areas, and there is not much being done to teach respect for the animals. if we are to protect these beautiful creatures from extinction the effort should be on education and preservation - not public display for recreation and entertainment.
Well, as the facts are revealed, it looks like the zoo was partially to blame, the young men were partially to blame...and the only one that WASN'T to blame was the tiger...
And, no matter how much you might like to, you CAN'T possibly blame her for what the other two (zoo and teenagers) did wrong...
It doesn't MATTER if the boys/men were taunting the animal or not. What matters is that this tiger got OUT of it's habitat and it shouldn't have been able to. The zoo should be blamed for not making the walls up to standard height. And for all you animal loving hippie people- what have animals ever done for you? I'm sure that tiger would have killed you too if you were standing there.
It's darned ironic, I think, that a picture of the ever-so-lovely (and ever-so-dead) Tatiana graces the SF Zoo's "Zoo Overview" web page (http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/vieworgpagelink.asp?orgkey=1900&linkkey=13943)
This animal was not "taunted" ("Hey, ya stinkin' ball of fur! Gained a few pounds? Forgot your morning bath? Pee-Yew!"). This
animal was TORMENTED - driven to rage and fury so intense that she escaped a comfortable (but not safe - Oh, no - not safe at all) home and went after her tormentors.
I'm curious - has anyone checked Tatiana's body for injuries - BB holes, perhaps - stone bruises? - bullet holes *not* from the guns of the SFPD? I'll bet next week's salary that these kids (junior men?) hurt her somehow.
Has anyone looked for a BB gun, or maybe a slingshot on the zoo grounds?
Zoo officials - redeem yourselves! Stop backpedaling and throwing out smoke and let's have a complete necropsy! Surely this gorgeous creature deserves that much, even if it is a tad too late.
What the heck were three young men (not boys) doing at the zoo on Christmas Day anyway? Parents, please stop saying your kid would never taunt the animals. Get real. I know you are hurting but animals don't normally go on the attack for no reason. Something is really wrong with this whole story. I hope the two injured men tell the truth about what DID happen.
What an awful circumstance for everyone involved.
Siberian Tigers are an endangered species and now one beautiful Siberian Tiger Tatiana is dead. I can see some greedy lawyers already planning how to make money out of this tragedy by suing the San Francisco Zoo. I urge all animal lovers to hold a vigil for Tatiana and urge them all to support an investigation to determine if Tatiana was taunted by 3 young men. If there is enough evidence Tatiana was taunted, then we should hold the young men responsible and punish them accordingly for causing the death of Tatiana.
Let's see what facts the police and investigators find.
If those Boys tormented the tiger... what else can be said.
All I can say is my condolences to the tiger
This is a tragedy. It is sad on all sides.
I'm appalled that people on this post have had the sheer audacity to indirectly blame the parents by questioning why they didn't know the whereabouts of their son on Christmas day. And to imply that it would be an indication of their son's behavior (by assuming he was taunting the tiger). It's ridiculous to assume such a correlation, and it's irrelevant. It's a callous attitude to take in light of what has transpired and what the family is probably already going through; as if they've been negligent. Their late son probably said he was going to go out with some friends, and they trusted he'd be safe and probably staying out of trouble - innocent enough. Just like countless other people that day. Next thing they know, they get a call and they're informed their son has been attacked by a tiger. Put yourselves in that place. Were they to put a mote and a 20 foot wall around their son?! Nonsense!
It is clear that this family has experienced a tremendous loss. And, no doubt the survivors will carry that trauma for a very long time, if not, the rest of their lives- since survival issues inevitably tap into the most primordial parts of the brain and the very core of the psyche. The zoo must do the right thing. Fix the problem to ensure this doesn't happen again, and justly recompense this family and those injured for their loss and what they've been through while on their premisses. Surely, they have some type of insurance in the event of such a tragedy.
Neither the teenagers or animal are to blame. If the zoo wishes to display such dangerous animals, they must take the proper precautions to ensure that not even the most remote of possibilities exists that a cat of this size could escape (even if it's being taunted- this wouldn't be the first time an animal has been taunted in a zoo, which unfortunately is more common than not). If they have to put it in a very large enclosed cage, then put it in a cage. Or, if they have to build a 30 foot deep downward sloping mote, then do that. It would take away from the "illusion" that the animal is roaming free, but the risks of not doing so far outweigh the costs, as we've already witnessed. It's sad that it took this tragedy like this to bring a spot light on this issue. But, it could have been anybody else. Let us all learn from this family's loss and hopefully it won't have to be repeated.
My condolences go out to this family.
God be with the family as they deal with the loss of their son, brother, and family member. God also be with the Dhaliwal family as their sons attempt to heal.
With that being said, I have read so many comments and I have to say that I too believe that the animal was taunted.
To the non-believers who feel as though an animal in captivity "can't possibly" jump that far, I say GET A CLUE. Zoo's are prisons for wild animals. Tatiana was one of 150 or so Siberian tigers left in captivity and only 450 are currently alive in the wild. With that said one has to reasonably deduce that a wild animal, whether born in the wild or not, has a natural instinct above and beyond what we may believe they are capable of doing. How many humans do you know that live in the wild? While I agree that zoo's are responsible for protecting the animals and the public I dont think that the SF Zoo is responsible here. In the SF Police Department news conference it was stated that the zoo was closing. Any retailer can tell you that there will always be those stragglers who are still around at closing time. It was also stated that the "victims" had been at the cafe and purchased food prior to the incident. What's my point you ask? Well I find it interesting that the young men found their way back to the tiger's inhabitance at the time of closing. Moreover, there were no other people around. No workers, no customers, nada. That fact alone leads me to believe that the 3 were up to no good. After all when the store is closing, only us unbelieveably self-centered run back into the aisles to get what we want. And what could they have wanted from the tiger? Maybe some action, after all anytime I have visited the zoo the tigers arent doing much. And in response to those asking if items were thrown at the animal, the zoo as well as the police department also confirmed that acorns and sticks were found in the enclosure that could not have natuarally found themselves there.
It's sad anyway you look at it. But there is one thing I can say without a doubt, if the evidence shows that these young men were indeed responsible for provoking the animal then everyone, including their families must accept the end result as the consequences of the boys actions. Period. That is life.
As far as Tatiana's attack during feeding time last year, evidence showed that the structure was the culprit. You can even see that in the footage they have from before the feeding exhibit was remodeled. They put food into stainless steel mailboxes if you will and then the tiger or lion has to "scoop" the meat out with its paw. Ridiculous if you ask me. But unfortunately I dont here much of the public talking about the atrosity that is the Zoo. Maybe if as a society we werent so bent on having control over every living thing, we wouldnt have to worry about incidences like these.
Cant wait til the final evidence is in. And to the Dhaliwal boys who are healing and there families, urge your sons to be truthful. They were there, and they know what happened, and more importantly there is the one true judge at the end of all this regardless if you believe or not who DOES know what really happened.
How terrible it is for a parent to loose a child. However I feel most sadness for Tatiana as I do for all wild animals in a cage. Tigers have such a keen sense of smell and with all the other people in the zoo the 3 young men Tatiana went after Must have done something to her, she was fed and would have had No reason to go after them had they not provoked it.
Granted the Zoo should have cameras on all the animals to protect from the number one enemy... Man
Agree with most of the comments here starting with why these kids were at the zoo and not with their families on Christmas-period. The family wants lots of TV time now but failed to even know his child's whereabouts? Ridiculous.
This is a tragedy all around and it sounds like the other two victims were not cooperating with the police nor their medical providers. I am thoroughly angry this animal was killed and there was no plan in place with zoo personnel for darting or emergencies. I am quite sure more will come out in time that this animal was taunted by these kids and did what a wild animal would do.
In my opinion..i believe its all the ZOO's fault!!!! the 12ft cannot guard the tiger away from people, i find it stupid how people believe that the tiger shouldnt have been killed.. it only attacked a person before, it was meant to be killed or sent to its natural habitat!!! I feel for Carlos family, knowing him well as a good friend..he will be missed!! One things for sure a tiger can be replaced not doing us any good, but Carlos cant....am going to miss him, may he rest in peace from such a horrible expirience. He will stay in our thoughts and prayers.. we love him much!!R.i.p
The priority of the zoo is to make money from keeping wild animals there. If they cared about the animals "conservation" or well being, they would let the animals go live at the wild animal sanctuaries where they would be in a protected,natural habitat where no one is making any money by allowing the public to view them. Sanctuaries are there for the protection of wild animals which do not belong in circuses or zoo. Zoo and circus animals are at the mercy of those who will make profit from them regardless of any animal's safety or wellbeing. The zoos and circuses only care about profit and could care less about protecting the animals or the public, except for the lawsuits costing them money.
The zoo, like circuses only care about the profit they make from keeping wild animals that need to be turned over to sanctuaries who would protect wild animals from people and put the animals in a safe natural habitat away from the "jail" of zoos and circuses that stress them out. Zoos and circuses need to be a thing of the past because their only priority is to make money off these imprisoned animals who are NOT happy to be there.
My condolences to the Family for their loss, being a parent it is had to comprehend the loss of a child. Our prayers are with you.
Unfortunately in America we want to have everything here even that that does not belong. Life is life and until we begin to respect it as that we are going to see many more incidents like this.
I refuse to support the zoo these animals don't belong there and no matter how high and how many cages you build they will find a way out and the biggest reason is that they recieve no respect. If they did then they would not be caged up!!
This is the price we pay for playing around with and trying to control nature as it has been seen with our food, pollution and so on. We need to stop acting like we are the controllers of nature and go back to being part of it.
Again my condolences to the family and our prayers go out to you at this heartbreaking time.
I'm said for the family that lost their son. This tiger had been at the zoo for 4 years then decides on this day to jump out of her enclosure? Hmmm... After 20 years of working with all different kinds of animals it is my personal opinion that she was taunted and became very agitated and did what ANY wild animal would do.
My condolences to the man's family.
Could the use of a blood hound determine where the tiger exited the enclosure?
Posters, the Zoo is not only there to make money, its also there to EDUCATE people. I still agree that precautions against taunting / tormenting (should be huge fee against any who do that) should have and should be in place.
Another poster mentioned checking the tiger for injuries other than the gun shot from sfpd.
To the posters questioning the police for shooting the animal, again they did what they had to do to keep everyone safe.
The FAULT isn't really the issue right now the REMEDY is!
I hope that this wan't some stupid gang or initiation ritual using an innocent animal. Brothers come clean be men and tell people what happened so that it can be prevented in the future, by fixing the enclosure and educating people of the consequences of acting a fool with NATURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am surprised Kron4 never looks into the story from the tiger's perspective.
A tiger is a wild animal. By nature it is supposed to be a predator. Man (supposed to be the most intelligent animal) devised methods to imprison the tiger in a cage/zoo. So, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the tiger as well as fellow humans.
In this incident at San Fransisco zoo, I consider the Zoo authorities and the city responsible entirely. And the responsibility is not just for one death, but two. The Tiger's death cannot be ignored and the city and the zoo has blood on their hands - blood of an endangered species.
This was really sad and terrible. I worked in a zoo for a few years, a safari drive-through park, and took car of tigers as well as lions, cougars, cheetahs and many other animals. They often astounded me with their agility. I have seen a lioness jump vertically so that its tail end was 8 feet above the ground. We had 12' to 15' fences topped with another 2' of barbed wire.
A few times cats got out of their enclosures. We were always quick to respond with dart guns. We also had shotguns and handguns. Furthermore people were protected by being in their cars (though a few times we had to chase foolish visitors back into their cars).
A lot of anger has been directed at the zoo, justifiably so. But the zoo had been this way for years; now we find out that AZA signed off on the big cat exhibits even though it turned out the wall was too low.
Zoos should be designed to compensate for the foolishness of some visitors. At least the wall must be heightened. But people do throw things into open enclosures too. I think a plastic or glass barrier should be between animals and public, with an overhang. Also security cameras and guards roaming around the dangerous animal exhibits (especially elephants and large ungulates too).
Some have criticized for killing the cat. But really the police had to. She was standing over a victim and could have killed him in another few seconds. A dart would have taken several minutes for complete effect. Meanwhile the pain from the dart would have triggered another aggressive response from her.
The tiger's previous assault of a zookeeper did not give her "the taste for blood." That time she was defending her food, the meat fed to her. The way she went after only her last victims seems to be an aggressive response, not for prey. She followed them to the cafe, ignoring other visitors. Likely the young men did provoke her. That does not at all get the zoo and AZA off the hook. Zoos should be designed to compensate for the stupidity of some people.
Zoos are not inherently cruel. Most of their animals have never been in the wild and could not survive there. In the zoo many of their needs are taken care of. They do not have to hunt and they get medical care; they do not have to compete with each other for food or territory. An animal can be happy in a zoo just as birds and other pets are happy confined to a human home. Nevertheless it would be good if some animals, especially predators, were given more space and their environment was more like the wild. Herbivorous animals often have a lot of space, yet they are the ones who need it less than predators. The cats and other carnivores should have 10 to 20 times the room they have at most zoos, as they did in the safari park I worked in. It gives them a more stimulating environment and makes them happier.
Zoos will not be banned, especially as they are the last hope for some endangered species. But some of them do need a lot of improvement and we need to do a lot more to ensure that wild areas are conserved so that they can continue to exist.
I am sorry for the young men and their families. Steps must be taken to prevent such future tragedies. I am sorry for Tatiana also. She should not have been in a situation that enabled her to do this.
Thank you.
Unfortunately , the SF Zoo is an ancient throw back and NOT the type of animal habitat appropriate for ANY creature .
If I were a tiger , I would be looking for any opportunity to get out and eat whatever was in my path .
The San Diego Wild Animal Park is far more appropriate if we must have wild animals in captivity .
Given the nature of the SF zoo , deaths are not an IF but a When .
The SF zoo should NOT replace Nor add any more animals . They should be phased out until a contemporary facility can be erected (if at all possible given SF's limited space) .
My condolences to the families of those humans in the tigers escape path .
mary kathleen
"...... I notice how people tease animals, especially teenagers. I don't really know what happened and how the tiger got out but I wouldn't be surprised if the tiger had been teased and provoked by them or someone else which eventually led to the attack."
No matter how hard people try, the one thing we can't do is protect man against his own stupidity.
The pain will continue in the tragic incident until the "brothers" decide to help explain what happened to the grieving family. Their decision not to cooperate (or even be polite) speaks volumes about their character and lack of empathy to anyone (or anything) around them.
Everyone has lost in this incident.
Thank god for SFPD's quick action in this matter. If they had not reacted as quickly and decisively as they did there is no doubt in my mind that there would have been additional victims. My thoughts are with the young mans mother and father. My hope is that the two other men will do the right thing and stand up and state the facts. If there is a void in the security at the SF Zoo lets address it.
I would also like to offer my condolences to the family but my first thought when I heard about this was that they were doing something they shouldn't be doing which is what caused this to happen. I, like many others, could not understand why these boys from San Jose were at the San Francisco Zoo on Christmas and this attack happened "after" the zoo was closing. Plus the fact that the tiger followed the two brothers with such a single-minded purpose. And the two survivors won't offer any comment on what happened. You've got to be kidding me! If I was completely innocent in a situation, I would be spilling my guts about what happened. The only thing that I can think of is that someone is advising them to keep quiet because they are not innocent. These are wild animals that humans take out of their natural habitat to confine and view for their own pleasure. Animals act solely on instinct, they do not have the ability to reason. Humans do. Unfortunately, many humans don't use that ability and situations such as this happen because of it. I'm saddened to think that we might very possibly never know the truth because I seriously doubt that these boys are going to tell us. But this is a lesson to zoos everywhere that they need to keep their animals safe from humans and humans safe from their animals. I'm saddened that such a beautiful tiger lost her life and none of the other tigers can talk to tell us what happened. That's probably the only way we'd every hear the truth.
Everyone is pointing figers right now.
Some observations:
1. The 2 surviving men are uncooperative with the police and the doctors caring for them. You and I know humans clam up when busted doing something they shouldn't have been doing.... what was this??? (hint: tiger went after these men, and not any other visitors at the zoo)
2. These tigers have lived peacefully within their pathetically small enclosures for decades. Yes, Tatiana mauled her trainer last year; I know the trainer who was attacked, and she said she made a move she shouldn't have made.
3. The media is digging into the zoo issues; I think they should dig into the background of these 3 men.
4. The zoo owes a phone call to the families of the men who were attacked. Acknowledgement of their loss would be nice.
5. The loss of the tiger is significant to the world as well.
6. If you saw these men taunting the animal, would you say something to them, considering their dress and look and demeanor? Despite being an animal lover, I'm afraid I would have been intimidated by these guys......
7. Perhaps docent volunteers might be used to walk the grounds and protect the animals from human abuse......
8. Has the tiger been checked for injuries other than the gunshot wounds?
10. Were the men checked for drugs and alcohol?
I am incredulous at the insinuations on here that the three individuals harmed by this tiger did anything to cause this event. It matters NOT ONE BIT whether or not the men were doing anything OUTSIDE of this exhibit to cause this tiger to jump from its supposedly perfectly safe exhibit and run wild in the greater San Fran area. The image of a wild, predatory DANGEROUS animal such as a tiger killing one innocent human being and then turning on and attempting to kill two other innocent human beings outside of a supposedly perfectly safe ZOO EXHIBIT is a TRAVESTY solely the responsibility of the ZOO and the ZOO alone to have ensured would NEVER have happened - under ANY condition. And especially after it was clearly known this predatory tiger WOULD turn visciously on human beings - like the zookeeper as recently as last year. This is a case of CLEAR unexcusable negligence on the part of the zoo - not the three men who were WRONGFULLY killed and/or visciously and horrifically mauled by this wild, predatory animal...
I am a retired Zoo Keeper/Elephant Trainer Aide & past member of AAZK. My comment about Tatiana getting loose is, first of all a Zoo Keeper or someone could have left the door unlocked, the tiger got out, they came back & checked & thought they counted 4, but there was only 3 and then locked the door, this can happen. A 12 foot wall is way too low. I noticed alot of vines, trees, shubbery growing into the Tiger set. Siberian tigers, especially are climbers, Tatiana could have climbed out by clawing on to some vines or growth into & out of the tiger set. That moat should be filled with water at all times, what happens is Keepers get lazy & don't do their job, their Supervisor's don't get after them for it. I have cleaned ponds/moats countless times. The moat should have been drained, sprayed for algae, washed down & refilled and kept filled, also for the tigers enjoyment. Our sympathy goes out to the victims of the tiger.
if you ppl don't think a tiger can jump, take a look at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEFapROQnKs
It is interesting to see how people jump on the taunting issue based on a couple of news reports without them being confirmed. The shoe in the pen was not confirmed. Still everyone is talking like they know these people based on age, and that they came from San Jose on Christmas as if that is an indication of anything. We are so led by the press it is frightful. Wait for all the facts, if they do come in... also want to remind everyone about the Siegfried/Roy tiger attack. Was that provoked?
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
if the man was taunting the tiger and the tiger got mad and hopped the fence,well as you can hear the tiger hopped the fence which is the zoo staffs fault. the zoo should make sure about the height of cages and fences over there. personally i dont like that zoo at all its sad because the animals dont have alot of room and the stations are plain and not decorative at all there was a seal or a sealion which really makes me sad its in a little place in the corner with a little pool about 4 to 6 feet long and 7 feet deep the animal was in horrible condition and that zoo is just depressing.
Let me present a situation that I have witnessed on many occasions during visits over nearly 5 decades to the SF Zoo.
A parent, noticing the excitement of their child at the sight of the big cats, picks them up and holds the on top of the railing to get a better look. At the same moment, there is a frightened child nearby screaming at the very same sight of the big cats. Is this a recipe for disaster?
Lets also consider that when we pay our entrance fee, we EXPECT that the Elephant won't step on our toe, and the Rhino won't stomp on top of us, and the snakes won't coil around our neck. This is clearly the Responsiblity/Liability of the San Francisco Zoo to provide 100% safety to it's visitors, regardless of any taunts.
My condolences to the family.
But the ZOO is 100% RESPONSIBLE for this TRAGEDY. People please Stop crying for the tiger it can be replace but the boy's life NEVER!!!
And for those who didn't want the tiger dead please just stop and think for a minute and put your self on the victims shoes.
I agree with your comment.
The zoo is the only one responsible for all that happed. And foR those who are sad about the Tiger, Come on I love and respect animals too but you can never put a Tiger or any other animal first than a HUMAN.
ZOO 100% responsible and should be shut down and release all the poor animals back where they belong in the wild. And for all of you zoo lovers who disagree with me go to Africa or watch the animal planet. Leave the animal where they belong in the wild so they can be free and happier. "YOU CAN TAKE AN ANIMAL OUT OF THE WILD BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE WILD OUT OF THE ANIMAL".
They should have killed that Tiger in 2006. This would have never of happened if they did. Or took it out back where it belongs, in the wild...
When this issue was developing one of the newscasters said "Someone left the back door opened, which let the tiger out." and then they stopped saying that.
I think that the Zoo should invest in a bullet proof glass cage for these natural born killers (Tigers) like they do in Vegas.
What did we learn from this? You cannot tame a wild cat...
My condolences to the world for the loss of yet another Siberian Tiger.
How many more species will be affected or killed from human interference.
I grieve for a creature who was taunted, unprotected and set up to be killed.
If a 911 call goes out, and the dispatch has recorded a wild animal is on the loose, why wouldn't tranquilizers be used? The reports say the zoo wasn't even evacuated properly, so that couldn't have been their biggest concern.
Is it completely implausible to think that an animal can be tranquilized? Or is it just another trophy for a human with a gun, as in all of the mountain lion murders in the Bay Area over the last year.
I am astonished that the San Francisco Zoo (for all the money that they bring in) cannot supply security cameras for the protection of the various species that they are sworn to protect.
Have we all forgotten the great Koala caper of 2000? I would have presumed that after wild animals were STOLEN from the zoo, that the zoo may have some interest in protecting its animals from teenagers who impulsively make the wrong decision.
I have a child, and sympathize with the parents of Mr. Sousa - it was a tragedy, and a tragedy that never had to happen.
I have also, always taught my child to respect wild animals - be it in the wild, or in captivity. The fence (whether up to code or not) is there to protect the animals and the humans. It is unfathomable to me that anyone but a complete moron would scale a fence to "play" with a kitty that big. The two "victims" in hospital should be locked up.
They reportedly witheld the name of their friend who died? Who was that protecting? Perhaps his family could have been informed earlier.
If it comes out that this tiger was taunted or assaulted in some way, it seems fitting that they should be charged for bringing about the death of an endangered creature.
MY CONDOLENCES
I feel tranquilizers should have been used for the tiger. The tiger's had been there for years and millions of people have viewed them and they NEVER jumped out and attacked anyone.
I think someone is to blame and maybe helped the tiger get out. Taunting a animal let alone a human can cause a problem.
I do sympathize for the families for this tragedy.
San Francisco needs to do improvments they should have had camera's since the other animals were stolen.
Still can't figure why they thing the tiger jumped out when it was there for plus years and never did before - why do it now.....
Why does every major metropolitan area have a convention center, a sports franchise, and... a zoo? I went to SF State and found the cold and fog by Lake Merced dismal and depressing. I can't imagine that it's any better for a wild animal confined to a small enclosure. I think it's time to shut the zoo down. At least the conventioneers and sports owners have the choice whether to move or not.
Whether the boys were taunting or not, the Zoo is responsible. The enclosure should have been so secured that the tiger could not escape under any circumstamces, and released only at the deliberate discretion of Zoo keepers. That this was not the case is apparent, and the Zoo is responsible. Already, a zoo director has stated that the wall was lower than the recommended height.
Also, Zoo supervision should be adequate enough that "taunters" are expelled from the Zoo almost immediately. I have never been at a zoo where staff was not pervasively present to deter any attempts at taunting. I imagine a tiger could perceive a child's screaming as taunting, or a visitors stares, oohs and aahs, or picture taking.
I am outraged about the insensitive comments and statements of your viewers and KRON-4s lack of responsibility to air it as well. KRON channel 4 showed absolutely NO compassion for the grieving family who’s seventeen-year-old son was killed by a 350 lbs tiger at a CITY zoo. As a mother myself, I can’t imagine or fathom the state of mind that the young fella was in being savagely, horribly, and terribly killed by a 350 lb. man eating tiger. MY GOD! He was in the city of San Francisco at a zoo. A place we should feel safe. THIS IS NOT A JUNGLE IN AFRICA!!!!!! If those young fellas taunted, threw rocks, or stood high on the rail of the cage, that is no reason to be stalked, mauled, and killed. Those young men were not gang bangers, driving intoxicated, or reaping havoc. On Christmas day, they made a good choice to visit the zoo. Now if that was a WHITE BOY the sensitivity and respect would have been a BIRTH RIGHT!!!!!!
-Antonea Brown
My condolences go out to the family and friends. However, I don't believe that the zoo should be 100% responsible. It seems to me like the tiger was being taunted and some how escaped to attack. We will have to wait to see what the investigation reveals.
Tigers are wild animals and do not belong in the zoo in a confined area.
The animals always seem to get a bad rap!
Yes, surveillance cameras are a good idea... not necessarily to monitor the animals inside the pens but the ones outside.
SFPD Officers under the most stressful of conditions, quickly and decisively dispatched a tiger who malled one teenager and was in the process of killing another. God dam heros in my book.
Every day I watch the media and this continues to sicken me--zeroing in on the zoo and not enough coverage on the two remaining teens (previously in trouble with the law, NOT cooperatiing with medical staff-SF general gave an outstanding news conference and after working in ERs myself for so many years I can tell you uncooperative and abusive patients are no joy to take care of) which says tons about their character. They now most likely hide behind the cloak of lawyers telling them to shut up. I grieve for the loss of this beautiful Siberian tiger--an endangered species more than the teenagers in this society who lack decent upbringing by parents who love to blame others for thier own irresponsibility.
I support a lot of animal organizations and now this makes me want to support the SF ZOO more than ever. If these zealots who I am quite sure taunted this tiger into this tragedy are caught with enough evidence that they were up to no disrespectful good (as their characters seems to be unfolding) then the Zoo should not be held fully responsible for this tragedy. The remaining two teens should go to jail and lick their wounds. The media should start focusing long and hard on their backgrounds and criminal histories. You think those two will EVER tell the truth here? I seriously doubt it and they will go on to roam the streets again and possibly cause more tragedy.
There is a Memorial site for Tatiana the Tiger too! Go to:
www.rainbowsbridge.com/residents/TATIA001/Resident.htm
(This beautiful creature also deserves to rest in peace. Please take a look at this!)
I have gone to that zoo for 50 years, it is a beautiful zoo and a part of the history for anyone who grew up in San Francisco. The zoo should not be closed , we do however need to take steps to make sure (with the way of our world now) that neither man or beast can be subjected to taunting, tormenting or mauling.
Anyone who has children , teenagers especially know that they might act differently with a group of friends (this doesn't mean they should die for this behavior) but they should be held responsible for their behavior.
PEOPLE it was Christmas day, one story says that Carlos Sousa (god rest his soul) didn't come home on Christmas Eve, the daliwal brothers wouldn't even tell Mr. Sousa that Carlos was with them (FRIENDS) How many times have you called a friend to see if your child was ok and with that friend?????? Disrespect is coming from the brothers in every direction , maybe they tried to hurt the young Sousa and that is why they are clammed up BUT guess what there is always, always someone WHO SAW THE WHOLE THING and that person will come forward the truth always prevails so as for the crime here it will be solved and those who have committed a crime will be punished,
we as San Francisco residents need to support our Zoo and make sure the needed security measures are put into place, we have lost so many things in san francisco with regard to entertainment for the children, playland, fleishackers pool, museum below the cliff house, please lets not let them take our zoo too, !!! If our children had more things to do (like be home with their family on Christmas) tragedies like this may not happen..................
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF THE YOUNG MAN KILLED BY THE TIGER, AND THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO NEEDS TO THINK ABOUT KEEPING THOSE DANGEROUS ANIMALS LOCKED UP AND NOT SO WORRIED ABOUT CAMERAS, SO THIS WON'T EVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!!
AMOS
I did not review all of the comments, but I think that the zoo should consider implanting
selected animals with microchips, and well positioned detectors could determine their whereabouts
Regarding cameras, I agree with the Oakland Zoo director that they are not effective. However motion sensors that activate a camera -- for animals and humans -- seems appropriate (more so for humans). Any person who voilates the viewing permiter should not be allowed in the zoo for a year. I feel Tatiana was provoked and hope that the Zoo gets funding as opposed to getting sued. This story is just awful for everyone.
My response to the news questions tonight, should zoo's have camera's? I think they should. Not only for the safety of the visitors to the zoo but for the animals as well. Cameras can be an added benefit for the zoo in monitoring all the employees. I monitor 70 cameras everyday in a wholesale warehouse. I'm not in Las Vegas and I can see outside at night as well with night vision cameras. I think camera's should be mandatory in a zoo setting. If they would of had them... there would be no question of what really happened on Christmas day.
My condolences to the family that lost their son but I have to say, why wasn't he home with his family on Christmas Day.
It is such a shame that a beautiful creature like Tatiana had to die because she was being taunted by people that were old enough to know better. Alot of the problem these days are the parents aren't involved with their kids and the kids have no respect for anything anymore, maybe if there was this wouldn't have happened. This is a high price to pay for a lesson on respect but maybe this will get people and kids thinking more about it. We all need to get back to the old saying "Treat others as you would like to be treated". If more people thought like that then maybe Tatiana would still be with us.
Is anyone else sick and tired of excusing and rewarding stupidity? Someone spills hot coffee on themselves and sues the restuarant for making the coffee HOT. Someone smokes and gets cancer from something that actually TELLS them they may get cancer if they use it and they sue the tobacco companies for making it for them. These boys probably harassed this tiger until it was so agitated it would have gotten out to get them whether the wall was 12 feet or 16 feet. Would another four feet have made any difference to an animal pumped up with adrenaline? Humans have lifted cars off of people with enough adrenaline surging through them. No, I think even if the wall was as high as recommended, this tiger would have gotten out, because that is what she was determined to do. Also, 16 feet is what is recommended. no where is it stated as required. regulations say zoos must make reasonable accomodations to contain animals. They assume that their patrons will act in a reasonable manner. I guess they were wrong. No matter what measures zoos take to keep animals in and people out, something freakish can always happen, or some human will take one step further to do something stupid. I've seen it time and time again. I am sorry that boy died and the other two are hurt, don't get me wrong. But if they did something to start the chain of events, then they or their families should not be rewarded for it.
(Section 7(a) (2)). It forbids any government agency, corporation, or citizen from taking (i.e. harming, harassing, or killing) endangered animals without a permit.
The Act contains a citizen suit clause, (Section 11) which allows citizens to sue the government to enforce the law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_Species_Act
There were rocks, sticks and pinecones found in her habitat that zoo officials state could not have fallen in there on their own. The boys were hitting her with them. No wonder she went after them and no one else or any other animals. She was doing what tigers do, defending herself.
The only lawsuit filed should be against the brothers. They were the adults who took the minor without the minor's parent's consent and possibly contributed to the delinquency of that minor, which caused the attack and his death ( as well as the death of an Endangered Species and risked the lives of the emergency responders, zoo staff and other guests.) Regardless if the wall was 4 feet lower than it was believed, the tiger would not have escaped if not provoked. If it were that easy, it would have happened more times in the past 40 years.
California needs to start making people responsible for their actions and San Francisco needs to do the same. None of these people should be gaining from the zoo or the government for behaving in a way they knew was wrong in the first place. To reward them for their bad behavior is just inviting more people to do stupid things and file more lawsuit to gain from their own stupidity. In the end, it's the tax payers who end up footing the bill, one way or another.
I am sorry someone died, but the people who really are responsible need to accept that responsibility rather than to continue to keep quiet & lawyer up.
Those brothers owe it to the boy's parents to tell the truth, the whole truth and not try to make it out to be something other than what it was. I hope they get no peace with themselves until they do so.
The Zoo Director should not be held responsible if the National Zoo Officials that inspect the zoos across the country over & over again approved the tiger enclosure. If they didn't raise any issues, and they're supposed to be the top officials, why would he question their decisions?
I can't believe that some people are saying it "does not matter what the boys were doing" as if nothing they did should have. Whatever they did do caused two deaths under the circumstances and opportunity provided (too much access). The real problem is that both humans and animals were put at risk because both had too much access to one another's spaces.Why would a tiger bound out of its area near dark for no reason? It wouldn't. The tiger had no familiarity with the zoo grounds.It makes no sense. I agree with the post that suggested "taunting" is a mild phrase to be using. Something very, very wrong and horrible must have been occurring to cause the tiger's reaction (just to those specific persons). Once the tiger was in the moat-why didn't the boys run then? That would have given some minutes to leave the area and go for help or start screaming. I think they returned to that area with something very cruel in mind and thought they would go unnoticed-which they did.It was Christmas-why were they still there at dark? It just seems like an odd outing for three young men and not typical.In any case neither the tiger nor the boys should have had any access. No one should be able to throw things in habitats or disturb any animals in any way at all and both should be fully protected beyond any doubt. Twelve feet is not that high for a tiger to jump who is also very agitated and it never should have been an option.I have been around wild cats brought to live on private land who had been kept as "pets" and or injured. One facility brought some very loving ones (very humanized) out to the road to offer pictures for the public to earn extra money for food and supplies. One was a very docile cougar and I had his head in my own lap and visited with him. One summer some kid began teasing one of the cats while being photographed and the cat lifted his paw and pushed the kid away. The child was not seriously injured, but fell down. Large cats are very strong and a quick warning (paw slap) can easily cause damage. Of course that was the last time that organization ever brought the animals out like that. Human behavior around animals can be just as unpredictable as an animals.This was all preventable had appropriate measures been taken to insure the safety of all concerned. Which should be first and foremost the main goal at any zoo.
My heart and prayers go out to Carlos' parents. No one should have to outlive their child.
As for my opinion/comments: I too wonder why tranquilizers were not used? Where were all the zoo keepers during the attack? Were there other witnesses who, at this time, have not come forward? Why are there no security cameras around the more dangerous animal enclosures? If there are, why is there no footage of the incident? Why did it take this event to realize the wall is way too short?
I've spent many WONDERFUL hours at the SF Zoo with my children and friends. We love hanging out there. It would be a complete shame to have to close down the Lion House Feeding, but it may be necessary. This was one of our favorite areas to visit. We enjoyed watching their keeper’s guide them into their secure cages and listening to them ROAR and TALK to each other as they waited to be fed. The roars were so deep and loud that you could feel the low rumbling in the pit of your stomach.
Yes, they are WILD animals. They are [or were] on the endangered spices list. Zoos are used to help replenish their numbers. It is my opinion that any idiot who taunts or cajoules a wild animal is purely stupid.
I’ve listened to all the news reports with great interest [as I’ve been a long-time zoo member]. At this time, the reports state they can’t prove what happened. They probably won’t for some time, this is why they are investigating. They state the two remaining victims have been “HOSTILE” to the EMT’s, police; medical personnel; and news media. Why? Well, I may not be the brightest person in the world, but when a person gets belligerent there’s generally more to the story. This may mean they somehow innocently coerced the tiger to attack them. Secondly, their family told reporters they would get the story from the brothers and would then give the story to the media. Next they clam up. Why? Are the brothers truly innocent or are they GUILTY? Did they do something STUPID that caused God’s beautiful creature to attack them? Did she feel threatened by them somehow?
I’ve been to SF Zoo many times and I’ve NEVER seen any of the tigers be aggressive at any time [except when devouring their food]. For those of you who have never been to the SF Zoo, they strive to ensure all animals and guests are safe. They strive to ensure all animals are fed according to the way they eat in the wild. This means they feed the animals at the same time each scheduled feeding day. Further, if memory serves me correctly, the tigers/lions are not fed on Mondays –to mimic the wildlife schedule. Therefore, the tiger would have been fed earlier Tuesday afternoon; so she wouldn’t have been hungry.
Many would have us believe the tigers [or animals in general] pace around in their surroundings scheming a way to get out of their grottos and picking out just the right person/people to attack. It just doesn’t happen this way. If you think it does, then you have a lot to learn about animals in the wild. They are God’s creatures; they are beautiful; they DESERVE our respect; they DESERVE to be left alone. Most wild animals will not attack humans unless humans do something to cause it to attack. I fully support the zoos who are striving to increase those on the endangered species list.
Tatina was a 4 yr old, still a baby – like a child. She’s been accused of having prior incidents, but it was only one and she probably didn’t mean to hurt the feeder. Facts state the feeder had not been fully trained and this can be blamed on the supervisor. Steps were taken by the zoo to ensure this would never happen to anyone ever again. SF Zoo has spent millions of dollars updating each section of the zoo to ensure the enclosures resemble the homes the animals live in when in the wild. I would be interested in knowing if Tatiana will be autopsied and if she was pregnant. Being a wild animal and a female; if indeed she was pregnant, did she think her unborn offspring were in danger?
It will take weeks to find out all the facts, but the truth of what happened is known only to the brothers. If indeed, Carlos was their true friend he gave his life helping them. Yes, they would feel bad, but the truth, even if it gets them into trouble [again] is a SMALL price to pay. Remember: “The truth WILL set you FREE”. They should show their “true friendship” to Carlos by telling the truth.
ERRORS: Yes, on all sides. QUESTIONS: Yes, from family; friends; community and many legal organizations. The brothers should start acting like real men and tell the truth now. The longer this takes, the less the news media will be around and the less the interest around the globe. The sooner they tell the truth, the sooner everyone can return to their jobs and secure proper procedures to ensure better safety for God’s WILD animals and guests at all zoo everywhere. As for the AZA … maybe they should re-evaluate their requirements and make them stricter.
This sucks they shot the tiger. They should of shot the morons taunting the tiger. The 2 morons that lived shouldn't. But no worries when your that stupid you time will come soon. Zoo should start issuing IQ test to screen out the morons. It's unfortunate that the Zoo will be responsible, this really sucks. Now they have to close the Zoo down.
All zoos are prisons. It doesn't matter if it's the San Diego Zoo or PAWS San Andreas for the elephants. I can not agree more with the people who wrote in about that. The last time (many years ago) I visited the San Francisco Zoo, the bears and the lions all had mange. No they were not shedding, they were sick. If the men did provoke her, they should be prosecuted. Isn't it funny that she only went after the three. Sorry for her loss, but she was born in a prison, too.
Wow - some incredibly ignorant statements on here - like "they will go on to roam the streets again and possibly cause more tragedy" in regard to innocent human victims of a wrongfully occuring viscious, horrific predatory tiger attack OUTSIDE the supposedly totally SAFE walls of OUR public zoo's confines. Blaming human victims here is seriously unethical - and mean spirited. For whatever these three human beings did OUTSIDE the tiger exhibit they did not deserve ANY physical harm from this tiger OUTSIDE the tiger exhibit. To blame them for their own viscious maulings and death is absurd.
The Bay area actually does not need 2 zoos- the Oakland Zoo is more than adequate- and can be expanded. I believe the animals in the SF Zoo should be moved to Oakland, or other zoos, and then the zoo foundation should sell its land to a private developer. The private developer can then build houses on the land, after clearing all the trees, and the proceeds can be used to pay off the victims families. I hate to sound crass, but that is the reality of what will and should happen. Just like the housing starved Bay Area cannot justify two race tracks, it cannot support two zoos.
i am convinced those kids taunted the tiger which does what any animal will do if abused defend itself
ron from san francico
Someone wrote:
"...For whatever these three human beings did OUTSIDE the tiger exhibit they did not deserve ANY physical harm from this tiger OUTSIDE the tiger exhibit. To blame them for their own viscious maulings and death is absurd."
I disagree. At its most basic level, we have stupid humans tormenting a caged animal that they thought was helpless. And we have a caged animal who retaliated with the only weapons it had - muscles, teeth, and claws.
Not so helpless after all, I guess - huh, Guys?
The kids deserved what they got. Their families may have as well, for not doing a better job raising their sons.
That tiger wanted to get out & she made a long, long jump to do it, all because the zoo has not updated the tiger area in 50 years....Sad
It is unfortunate that people are speculating. Please don't decide until you get all the facts. Some of the coments are mean.
i'm also convinced that the CHILDREN taunted that poor beautiful beast. And I love that the stupid police just took action and didn't talk to the animal control of the zoo and just shot the tiger. I am still so mad. That's why zoo's are aweful. Leave the poor animals in their own wild habitat!! Beats being cooped up in an aweful TINY staged habitat. (at least just the SF zoo)
Still my condolences, natutally. But everyone knows deep down that those guys did it to themselves. . . sadly.
My condolences to the Souza family. I think the SF Zoo should be closed until all animal enclosures are thoroughly inspected and reinforced by a REAL accredited organization. "Guidelines" what...this isn't Pirates of the Carribean. C'mon people...there are lives at stake, both animal and human. The zoo should also upgrade their procedures on how to handle (I hate to say it) future escapes AND practice those procedures with frequency. I also think they need to upgrade their surveillance systems and security personnel. Each time I've visited the SF Zoo, I've left feeling uneasy. I've always believed the enclosures were inadequate in terms of animal safety and comfort. And in the back of my mind, I've always wondered about the Tiger exhibit - are they safe from us and are we safe from them. The word "chaos" was used to describe the events that night...and that's just not acceptable. I have a feeling the zoo was operating with a skeleton crew that night...perhaps even with a less experienced crew due to the holiday. This tragedy could have been far worse than one fatality. Children visit the zoo everyday. I can't imagine how many people would have been affected if this incident occured during high season. Ack!
Another genius injecting race into every subject.
"Those young men were not gang bangers, driving intoxicated, or reaping havoc. On Christmas day, they made a good choice to visit the zoo. Now if that was a WHITE BOY the sensitivity and respect would have been a BIRTH RIGHT!!!!!!"
-Antonea Brown
Bottom Line: Keep this from happening again. Solve the problem.
The Problem:
1. There was not enough staff nor money in the budget to adequately protect both humans and animal.
2. There was not adequate safety protocol in place for such mishaps.
3. There was no safety area for the Tiger to opt to go to.
What will solve the problem? Instead of fining the Zoo HELP the zoo. People at Zoos try their best. That day their best was not good enough. Zoo people dedicate their lives to those animals. Nobody cares for the animals more than their handlers. Period. The Proof? After last year’s attack, the tiger was still there, alive.
Both sides,the zoo and the boys' families, are accountable: Ok, fine.
Unfortunately like burglars, once the burglar (even killer) turns and runs they are no longer attacking. If you follow you are the attacker and defense in most cases no longer applies. So the boys were attacked. Now for the blame: The tiger got the death sentence. But of course, money is involved so "justice" won't end there. From the interview my guess is families will see dollar signs and T.V cameras and not take any blame for their own actions. They will instead focus in the fence and the fact the tiger got over it. Denial will make them money, and many love to be the victim in such cases.
Yet there is always room for a miracle. Perhaps there is a loophole and a very smart judge around the corner who will instead of fining the zoo and taking the money away, fine that same precious money for improvements.
The long view:
Justice would be served on both sides if the animals had a more natural environment including a safety area; less unnatural contact with humans; and less constant stress.
They, just like us, do not do well overly stressed. We get aggressive, so do they.
The manatees in Florida have safe areas they can go to. No one is allowed in those areas. They live in their natural environment.
Take the good from that situation and apply it to the zoos.
Someone wrote:
"Those young men were not gang bangers, driving intoxicated, or reaping havoc. On Christmas day, they made a good choice to visit the zoo. Now if that was a WHITE BOY the sensitivity and respect would have been a BIRTH RIGHT!!!!!!"
Oh, for heaven's sake, whoever you are!
This is not a racial issue, unless someone manages to successfully argue that - from a cultural perspective - some "races" are less likely to teach their children not to torment creatures who are perceived to be weak and/or unable to fight back.
(Personally, I believe that this is probably true, having been treated with abject contempt more than once because of my skin color and/or cultural heritage. But that is beside the point.)
The point is that Tatiana ESCAPED from her enclosure. Why she escaped, who was hurt and/or killed, and what *might* have happened are important issues, surely, but secondary to the fundamental issue.
Now zoo officials are blaming the folks who certified their enclosure as "adequate" (or whatever the official terminology is). Heck, I'm just an ordinary person - not an expert - but even *I* looked at that moat a few years ago and decided that the big cats could get out if they really wanted to. I decided this based on the fact that I have seen my own 11-pound cats leap from a stationary position at ground level to the top of my six-foot backyard fence.
Nazi officers on trial after WWII said much the same thing: "It's not MY fault! [Someone in a position of authority] TOLD me it was okay!"
Phooey on that! If someone tells you that a plane is fine but you can hear the engine missing, do you fly anyway?
All sides of this share responsibility. I think the zoo let us down by not being in compliance (keeping the animal safe). I think the cameras would have solved the number one cause of the problem... TAUNTING THE ANIMAL! Shame on those boys for doing that.
Unfortunately the zoo & the boy's family will pay the price. What a difference it would have made, if the boys would have been caught on tape and KICKED OUT!
Oh how I wish the zoo would have protected Tatiana from harm. If she is safe, so are the rest of us, taunting or not.
So unfortunate for all involved. Tragic...
Parents... teach your children to respect ALL animals, large & small.
IF IT IS PREDICTABLE, IT IS PREVENTABLE!!
I think all zoos should have cameras set up everywhere in the zoo.
Camera's don't lie!
I also think they should have those "In case of emergency, break glass" box with tranquilizers in there so any one can access it and shoot the animal with the tranquilizer if another tragedy like this occurs again at any zoo.
They should also have a cameras pointed at these tranquilizer box in case someone tries to tamper with them or steal the tranquilizers and face serious jail time and fine.
My condolences goes to the man's family. What a sad Christmas they had to face.
According to the police, there were shoe prints found. Now if the prints matched any of the victim's shoes you can "possibly" say they were taunting the animal. What were they doing climbing up where the prints were found. Now if it was a parent and kid, yes I can understand why shoe print is there. Maybe the parent rested the kid on top of that so their child can see the tiger. But if the prints matched one of those victims I don't know what to tell you.
Also the truth lies within the 2 survivors of the attack. They knew what exactly what happen that day at the zoo. They are not cooperating with the police and the dead victim's father. What does that tell you?
I think I saw on the news that the dead victim's father called one of the 2 survivors and they said they was not with the victim (Carlos). What does this tell you? The father called because Carlos was supposed to be home for Christmas dinner.
So I assume they know what exactly happen that night and trying to cover their trails.
The tiger would not just jump out for no random reason. Someone must have done something to the tiger to make if jump out (if it did jump out.) Why would the tiger just maul those three? Where they the only one there? Animals are not dumb you know.
We can ask so many questions and get so many answers but you really have to question the 2 survivors and get the answers from them.
Ben
San Francisco
The only thing missing from this event is the appearance of the two religious pimps: Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. I am sure both of these pseudo religious leaders could very easily make this a racial issue. And where are all the vocal animal rights people? My god, we have a dead Siberian Tiger--an endangered species--shot dead in the alleged safety of the San Francisco Zoo.
I read your article this morning with interest! I am of the opinion that the tiger came out of his enclosure to due taunting. I am not knowledgeable about tiger behavior but I do know enough that when any animal, tame or wild is provoked enough, he will attack and attack violently. It seems to me that very little is being said about this part of animal behavior. Everyone is seems to be focused on the "wall" and Zoo Administration behavior.
It is interesting to note that the brothers were released from the hospital yesterday and are saying nothing!! A statement by the police says the the tiger did not have human assistance in getting out of the enclosure. Still, I am of the opinion that that the tiger was taunted to the point where it was angry enough to climb out of the enclosure and to me, the brothers silence is substantiates this feeling! What do they have to hide except their own guilt! The only innocent party in this whole tragedy is the tiger. In my opinion the 3 individuals only suffered the consequences of their behavior.
My feelings may sound cold and cruel, but I stand by my opinion! At some point the truth will come out because human nature being what it is, it won't be long before the brothers will begin talking (more like bragging) about what happened!
After all these years in this enclosure, these 3 individuals show up at the enclosure, near dusk, no witnesses and suddenly the tiger decides to come out of his enclosure to attack. This kind of thinking is ridiculous, but that seems to be what most reporters and people would have us believe. From what has been reported about the 2 surviving brothers, I would be surprised to hear the truth from either of them! I believe that the reason everyone is "tip toeing" around blaming the 3 individuals is that 1 died and the other 2 are in the hospital.
I believe what Pat Derby says about tiger behavior. Having said this it would explain why the tiger chased the 2 brothers from his enclosure all the way to the cafe and attacked them there, I am of the opinion that he had a score to settle with them!
There is no question that what happened is a tragedy but as I said earlier, I am of the opinion that these 3 individuals provoked the the tiger to the point where it was angry enough to scale the wall. I am not so sure that a 16 foot wall would have been high enough to contain the tiger. I do not believe that the wall height or the Zoo Administration is to blame for what happened!
What I have heard or read from people, like Pat Derby, who are extremely knowledgeable on tiger behavior, have said that they believe that taunting is what provoked the tiger to come out of the enclosure.
I believe that we need to hear more from people like Pat Derby. It would be a shame for the Zoo or the City of San Francisco to be held liable for the behavior of these 3 individuals. At some point I believe that the extent of their culpability will be known!
Pedro
Regarding the "incredibly ignorant comments" on this forum (e.g., the need for alcohol and drug testing of the victims, their lack decent upbringing, their decision to visit the zoo on christmas, their alleged criminal backgrounds). Yes, all these comments are obviously ignorant, but it is not incredible that we have people in our society that think this way and make judgments (surely biased by own experiences) in the absence of facts. We would all benefit from a lot less character assassination and a lot more thoughtful discourse on how to make the zoo safe for all patrons. Blaming the victims in this sad tragedy is a distraction from reaching this goal. Without changes at the zoo, it will never be a safe place to visit.
My goodness I have read alot of comments...I don't quite understand the comment with the race issue !! this is not about race this is about some morons that teased an innocent Tiger that until now was comfortable in her surroundings as she has been for the last 3 years...she was not hungry because she was just fed we all know cats don't hunt to kill just for the hell of it..she was angry because some fools that have No respect taunted her...who is to say these fools are not gang bangers ? how do we know they didn't have a few to many drinks ? we already know They caused Havoc !!! and look where it got them !! Fools that treat animals like this also treat people like this or are not far from it. So it has nothing to do with Race it has to do with Respect ! the 3 of them got what they deserved ! I only hope that if there is a suit filed that the zoo counters it for the cost of Tatiana and her past care I also hope that the 2 moron brothers and their parents have to pay some restitution to the Zoo ! Tatiana knew what she was after that night and I don't blame her, it just breaks my heart that she is gone. And as far as the earlier Siegfried and Roy comment that was a idiotic thing to say we all know their Tiger knew something was wrong with him and just tried dragging him to safety and I believe they still have their Tiger and they did NOT have it shot !! To bad Some Parents do not raise their Children to respect All living things...you Never know when it will come back to Bite you !
Too many people are busy pointing the finger in the wrong direction. The tiger attacked only those who were attacking her. No one forced them to do that, they decided to do that on their own. Each one of them was old enough to know better and none should benefit from any lawsuit. It's lawsuits like this that make this state a laughing stock for continuously allowing them, practically encouraging them. If the boys were innocent, in any way, they would have cooperated with officials from the beginning. But no, they still have not cooperated. Get a clue!
Regarding your poll: "Should zoos have surveillance cameras near dangerous animals?"
No, but I am sure Homeland Security wouldn't mind...
I think uneducated people should not post their comments. When thinking about this incident remember this:
1) This tiger (along with most animals in zoos) did not come from the wild, it was born in captivity. However, all of these animals have their wild instincts. This tiger would not have tried to jump out unless there was significant motivation to do so. That habitat was her home and she felt safe there. If she got out without being provoked she would have felt unsafe and would have tried to find a place to hide. Tigers do not need a tremendous amount of space considering they sleep 20 hours a day and the only reason they have large territories in the wild is so they have enough space to find food.
2)We learn so much from animals in zoos. They should be respected and admired, not taunted and blamed. It is a shame this incident happened, and a shame the tiger and the boy had to die to remember we are seeing WILD animals when we visit the zoo. But once again I emphasize that tiger would not have left the safety of her enclosure unless provoked.
3)Parents, teach your children (and yourselves if necessary) how to behave in a zoo. I see all too often people treating zoo animals with so much disrespect. Don't come to the zoo if you are unwilling to learn something positive while you are there. They are here to EDUCATE, not to serve as entertainment. The animals don't miss you if you're not there. Zoo animals serve as ambassadors to their species and deserve our respect.
4)Cameras won't protect anyone. If you behave in a respectful way while at the zoo, you will be safe.
5)Zoos are no more dangerous now than they were before this incident. There are stabbings, shootings, and general violence permeating our neighborhoods but we still take our daily walks down the street. A zoo is much safer than many places in the bay area.
So what now? Visit a local zoo and see how much you can LEARN about these amazing animals. Ask questions, be respectful, and spend some quality time with the other animals we share this earth with. I know this is a hot topic right now but maybe in the long run we will remember that we lost a member of an incredible and very endangered species perhaps for an unnecessary reason. My condolences to the zoo for losing such an amazing animal due to it's natural instincts and my condolences to the family who lost Carlos, who I truly hope was doing the RIGHT thing while he was there.
Before we point fingers or place blame let's look to ourselves and make sure we are all doing the right thing. No one asked to get hurt but the zoo also never asked for any of this either. It was a terrible accident. Hopefully the whole truth will come to light once we really find out what went on that Christmas Day.
Punk hoodlums throwing pine cones and sticks at a contained animal - who knows what else they did to harass the tigers. Their actions are unexcusable. Taunting a wild animal is no different to running in front of a semi-truck. What did you think would happen. The only injustice is the tiger lost it's life doing what comes instinctively natural to it.
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