As the New York Daily News reported, the Florida zookeeper, alternately known as the "Tiger Whisperer," was mauled to death on Friday by one of the four Malayan tigers that had been under her care for three years. But it may not have happened at all if the zoo had maintained better safety standards.
"As long as employees are allowed to work in dangerously close proximity to tigers, elephants, and other dangerous animals, a significant risk of serious injury or death persists," the Animal Legal Defense Fund said in a statement, adding that "deaths and serious injury are preventable, and safety regulations are an important piece of keeping zookeepers and employees who have close contact with dangerous animals safe."
The ALDF asked that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launch an investigation into conditions at Palm Beach Zoo, where the mauling occurred, and that they "impose the maximum penalty" in order to head off future fatalities.
Konwiser was readying the tigers for the day's educational "Tiger Talk," in an enclosure out of patrons' sight, at the time of the attack; according to the Daily News, she died from her injuries at a local hospital.
The zoo does not blame the animal for acting on its natural instincts, but as CBS Miami reported, there's not yet word on what will happen to him. According to the ALDF, there have been 24 such big-cat-induced deaths and 265 injuries recorded since 1990 — 128 of these animals in captivity have been put down as a result. By all accounts, that's not the outcome Konwiser would've wanted.
"This is an endangered species and Stacey understood the dangers that come with this job," said zoo spokesperson Naki Carter, according to the Guardian. "She understood that every single day she was putting her life at risk to save the lives of others, specifically Malayan tigers. She dedicated her life and she understood what came with that."
Latest Stories
-
Access Bank Ghana Plc records commendable financial growth in quarter one, 2024
1 hour -
GFA DC charges Bashir Hayford over alleged misconduct in Bechem Utd game
1 hour -
MTN FA Cup: Dreams FC beat Soccer Intellectuals to make semis
2 hours -
Ayorkor Botchwey champions transformative investment, trade agenda
2 hours -
KNUST, University of Rwanda share experiences in implementation of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
3 hours -
Top 10 most visited tourist sites in Ghana 2023
3 hours -
Cecilia Dapaah case: I will reopen investigation into alleged acts of corruption – Mahama
3 hours -
GRA boss charges customs officers to be professional ahead of 2024 general elections
4 hours -
NPP thanks stakeholders for successful Ejisu by-election
4 hours -
Bawumia promises to involve chiefs in licensing miners if elected President
4 hours -
Koda should have visited the pastor to avert the prophecy – Ajagurajah
4 hours -
Emotional support alligator taken and released in swamp
4 hours -
A mate is a mate, Bawumia can’t be in the driver’s seat – NDC Communicator
4 hours -
Over 400 million Google accounts have used passkeys, but our passwordless future remains elusive
4 hours -
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park surpasses Aburi Gardens as most visited site in 2023 – GTA
4 hours