According to a report in 'Safety News Update' [Issue 115, August 16 2007], a zoo at which a jaguar fatally mauled a keeper is being cited for OSHA violations (of which it had a history); and OSHA may seek the implementation of new standards for the protection of zoo employees transferring large carnivores and other dangerous captive animals between exhibits.

Reportedly, the tragedy was primarily due to "human error" in which the employee failed to keep her eye on the cat and neglected to ensure that there were two locked doors between her and the jaguar during the transfer. The cat was likely agitated and defensive during the procedure.

The zoo is remaining tight-lipped about the incident, citing the fact that an OSHA investigation of alleged safety violations is under way; but, according to the report, "..the zoo reopened the jaguar exhibit today, displaying its remaining jaguar".

Reading between the lines (for the report does not reveal its fate), I suspect that the jaguar involved in the incident has been killed in retaliation for the death of the keeper.

Over the years it seems to be quite a common practice to destroy animals that, whether provoked or not, have killed people (for instance, zoo keepers; circus performers; visitors to zoos or circuses), regardless of the circumstances.

Presumably the decision to take the animal's life is made by an administrator or someone in authority who believes that that is the right or feel-good thing to do - perhaps to punish the animal for "murder"; to exact "revenge" on behalf of the human victim's family; or in the interests of public safety (which should be a human - not the animal's - responsibility).

But is that the right thing to do in a society that claims reverence for all life? It can be argued that, while they may be vicious, animals are essentially innocent by nature and that only humans murder - and in most civilized countries and many states of the Union even that is no longer punishable by death.

So should an animal be put down solely for an act of its natural behavior that resulted in a human death, where human error was the probable cause - what say you, Forum?

If the animal is in the wild, then that is their territory. People should stay clear of them. If it is an animal in captivity that injures or kills a person, then the animal should be sent to a refuge where it no longer has contact with people. I believe there is room in this world (maybe with the exception of Michael Vick and savages like him) for everyone. If a wild animal accidentially comes in contact with a human being, the animal should be removed. I truly believe that there is no such thing as a "bad" animal.
This isstrictly just my opinion.

... I also posted this question in the nola.com 'Animal Chat' forum, where you'll find some additional views expressed on this topic.

... the jaguar was indeed killed at the zoo - reportedly shot because it attacked the ill-fated keeper's rescuers. That information was omitted from the safety report that I cited, which merely referred to the zoo's displaying its "remaining jaguar". I've requested a reference or link to the full story.

As I've mentioned before, animals are my soft spot. Many people don't agree with me... and I sometimes keep my opinion to myself (sometimes I don't)but that is how I feel.I have been called a fanatic. LOL I believe we are all God's creatures and all deserve a life and to be shown respect.

Everyone thought I was stupid for my opinion a few years back when a teenager broke into a zoo after hours and jumped into the bears' enclosure. The bear (duh?) killed the dumb teenager and the powers that be insisted the bear be destroyed. I pointed out how stupid they all were to punish the bear for acting naturally. PLUS....God only knows how the teen may have acted toward the bear. He may have goaded him while playing Mr. Big-Shot or something. You never know.

I find that when caged or supposedly domesticated animals kill, it is usually from human error. It still is not the animal's fault. People die of stupidity in one form or another every day.

If the animal is in the wild, it is his territory and the human should be intelligent enough to know the risks.

If a person is on home ground and an animal attacks, I can see having to defend yourself....if necessary. If the person can get to safety, the wildlife or humane authorities should be notified to handle the situation with relocation or whatever needs to be done in that particular case.

Sadly, the animals are mostly killed merely to eliminate a nuisance.

Anyhow, I'll hurt myself if I fall off this soapbox. I just respect all animals.....sometimes more than some humans.





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I dont like zoos, I know they do a lot of good like helping with extinct breeds but..to see those creatures pacing back and forth, out of their enviroment, It didnt make me warm and fuzzy feeling.