US /

Liger Mauls Handler to Death

Volunteer entered lion-tiger hybrid's cage during feeding
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 31, 2008 12:54 PM CDT
Liger Mauls Handler to Death
A liger is the hybrid of a male lion and a female tiger. An Oklahoma man died yesterday of wounds suffered when he entered such an animal's enclosure during feeding, the Tulsa World reports.   (AP Photo)

An animal handler at an Oklahoma refuge died yesterday after being attacked by a liger—a hybrid of a lion and a tiger—during the animal’s feeding Wednesday, the Tulsa World reports. Safari’s Animal Sanctuary in suburban Broken Arrow will launch an investigation into whether volunteer Peter Getz, 32, broke safety protocols by opening the liger’s cage during feeding.

“We try to have all the procedures in place, but for some reason they weren't followed this time,” the facility’s owner said. “In all my years we've stressed that whatever you do, you don't open that gate.” (More lion stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X