UPDATE: Lion Park explains lion attack
LANSERIA – Staff of Lion Park discuss how events of the attack unfolded.
Lion Park management have addressed the lioness attack on their premises, in Lanseria, on 1 June.
A 22-year-old American female passenger and a male who was driving, an independent tour operator, were touring enclosure 2 when they were attacked by a lioness. According to Lion Park assistant manager Scott Simpson, witnesses who were in the same enclosure said that they saw both the driver’s and passenger’s windows completely rolled down.
Simpson added that eyewitnesses claim the vehicle apparently stopped and the occupants observed a lioness. In turn, the lioness observed them from about 1.5 metres away. The nine-year-old lioness then lunged toward the passenger through the passenger window. It was during this time that the tour operator tried to fend off the lioness and sustained injuries.
Lion Park staff were stationed in a vehicle at the enclosure. They responded to the incident and chased away the lioness. ER24 paramedics were called to the scene quickly while the Lion Park staff performed first aid on the woman. Paramedics treated the woman; however she succumbed to her injuries.
Simpson said, “We will not be euthanising the lioness involved in the incident. She will be relocated to one of our other nearby facilities.” Simpson further added, “We have numerous signs all over the park instructing people to keep their windows closed. We also have a staff member at every enclosure who hands out pamphlets stating the need to keep windows closed.”
Simpson added, “The American consulate have been notified and arrived on scene that night. They will be communicating with the family.
“We also wish to send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the woman. We are hoping to visit the gentleman in hospital soon.”
The park had a meeting on 2 June in which they discussed extra safety measures for their visitors. An idea was discussed to have a sticker or tape across vehicle windows. The tape will allow a visitor to have their window open only a fraction. If the window is rolled any further than this line, the tape will tear. This idea is yet again another visual reminder to keep vehicle windows closed when entering the enclosures.
The National SPCA Wildlife sector commented, “It is irresponsible for any facility that keeps wild animals in captivity to allow any visitor to have any form of uncontrolled access to these animals. Allowing the interaction with the cubs gives them the impression that they can play with the adults. \this was an entirely preventable tragedy.”
An inquest has been opened at the Douglasdale Police Station. Spokesperson for Douglasdale Police, Warrant Officer Balan Muthan said, “The male driver is being treated at the Fourways Life Hospital.”
Twitter went crazy, here are a few comments:
@APC_0712 NO WAY!! The #LionPark couldn't do more to safe-guard the safety of visitors – signs everywhere,warning to keep windows CLOSED..
— David Fergus🇳🇪 (@dave204) June 2, 2015
Am happy to hear that the lioness involved in the #LionAttack at the #LionPark won't be killed. But condolences to family of US woman killed
— Michael Bratt (@MichaelBratt8) June 2, 2015
Only if visitors care enough to go through the instructions carefully, these freaky accidents can be avoided. #LionPark #LionAttack
— Chandan Chatterjee (@chatterjeeworld) June 2, 2015
What idiot would go to a #LionPark and open their window in the lion enclosures!? The lion shouldn't be punished for doing what it does.
— Zayd (@Zayd_D) June 2, 2015
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MULITMEDIA: Lion Park dispels myth
