Zoo Worker Fatally Mauled by Tiger in England
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(DALTON-IN-FURNESS, England) — A zoo worker at the South Lakes Wild Animal Park in England’s Lake District has died after being attacked by a tiger on Friday.
The victim, 24-year-old Sarah McClay, was described as a very experienced member of staff who had worked with big cats and was proficient and passionate about her job.
McClay was attacked around 4 p.m., according to BBC News.
“She was doing the job she absolutely loved,” said South Lakes Wild Animal park owner David Gill.
No one knows why she walked into the enclosure which was home to the Sumatran tiger that attacked and killed her.
“We will never know why she entered without telling anyone. There was no reason for her to go in there,” Gill said.
BBC News reports that police investigating the incident are focusing on “the management of dangerous animals,” and that the park’s “systems and protocols” were being reviewed, according to a statement.
Safety protocols preventing workers from coming into contact with the dangerous animals apparently failed, and are being looked into.
The tiger, which had lived at the park for 10 years since it was a cub, will not be destroyed.
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