Exotic Incident #500
Incident Date:
10/14/2002
Location:
Southport, FL - USA
Facility Name:
Knoll's 77 Zoological Park
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
African Lion
Animal disposition:
Summary:
Samson, a 500-lb African lion at Knoll’s 77 Zoological Park, attacked a zookeeper who entered his cage for a photo. The lion grabbed the man, threw him into a corner, and chewed on him before releasing the man. The zookeeper had a hole ripped in his throat, his right eye pulled out of its socket, severed tendons in his neck and chest, torn skin, and bites down to the bone. He was listed in critical condition for 11 days. He lost 80% of his eyesight and needed an operation to restore his vision. He had trained large animals since the age of 12 when he began training bears in a circus in Europe.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: