Visitors Erect Makeshift Memorial to Tiger
January 4, 2008
Courtesy of Fox News
The San Francisco Zoo reopened today after a tiger leaped out of her exhibit and attacked three men. The tiger, Tatiana, was then shot to death by police. Tatiana’s many fans came to the zoo today leaving flowers, cards, and photographs near a bronze tiger statue (story here).
When I first blogged about this incident, I said that people need to learn how to have better boundaries with animals (read post). It seems that the San Francisco Zoo agrees–both the lion and tiger exhibits will remain closed until officials can implement a better warning system. You know signs that say, “Do not tease the tigers; they can jump out of their environments and maul you to death.”
First of all, isn’t it completely obvious that wild animals should not be taunted? According to witnesses, the young men who were attacked were teasing the tiger. In fact, one family was forced to leave the exhibit because they were annoyed by the young men’s ridiculous behavior, which included roaring at the tiger.
Second, despite the young men’s stupid behavior, it certainly didn’t warrant a deadly attack. Which leads us to the question–how exactly did the tiger escape? It’s certainly not out of the ordinary for people to do bizarre displays in front of zoo animals to get their attention or gauge a reaction. Don’t little kids growl at the lions and tigers and bears every day? I mean, will a grizzly escape next and maul a class of visiting second graders?
Like I said before, we need to teach people to respect animals and captive animals to respect their caretakers. So what if we are domesticating wild animals? Do we really want animals leaping out of their exhibits and killing people? I think not. It doesn’t make for a family-friendly day at the zoo.
Yet people and animals will continue to co-habitat, not only at zoos but in parks, neighborhoods, and homes throughout the world. People need to know how to keep themselves safe around animals and how to keep animals safe around people. It’s crucial to the survival of both species.
Amy Sondova is a writer specializing in media writing, including interviews and reviews, as well as blogging. Having interviewed over 30 of the top musicians, writers, and speakers in the Christian media, Amy has also written countless columns, reviews, and articles on various topics including mental illness, self-injury, working with teenagers, and Christianity. She lives with her best friend, Sarah, and has two dogs, a cockatiel, and a betta named General Tso.
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In my opinion those boys should have to pay the zoo the cost of the tiger. If it is true they had sling shots and were taunting and teasing her then they should have to reimburse the zoo. This is just so sad. I mourn the loss of the tiger. The kid was old enough to know better. I think the kids need to be held responsible.
Don’t cage an animal then kill it for acting like one. Shame, shame, and shame on those damned police who shot the poor girl. Shame on the zoo for having piss-poor standards in the first place. The whole incident reeks of humans pissing off Mother Nature. Kill a cat for acting like a cat??? Why don’t we start clubbing baby seals for being baby seals? I pray that the soul of the cat comes back to get revenge for herself. No excuse could justify this murder. Shut the damned zoo down for failing in its obligation. If they can’t provide security for both humans and animals, then they shouldn’t be allowed to be a zoo.
are u all nuts setting up a memorial for the animal-the boy is more important