Exotic Incident #1188

Incident Date:
08/03/2008
Location:
Warrenton, MO - USA
Facility Name:
Wesa-A-Geh-Ya Wild Animal Park
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Tiger
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

A volunteer was attacked by Tony, an 800-lb tiger at Wesa-A-Geh-Yah. The possessor’s wife shot at the tiger but only wounded him. Her husband shot and killed the tiger. Authorities were investigating. The injured volunteer was life-flighted to the hospital where he underwent surgery for serious injuries to his lower left leg. **Update: 09/25/08. Owners of Wesa-A-Geh-Ya Wild Animal Park in Warren County and one of its board members were charged with evidence-tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the August 3rd tiger attack on a volunteer. The volunteer had part of his leg amputated as a result of the attack. **Update: Ken and Sandra Smith pleaded guilty in early January 2009 to charges of tampering with evidence. Both were given probation.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes: