When I heard about the fatal tiger attack at the San Francisco zoo on Christmas Day, my initial reaction was one of shock and dismay. My second reaction was to wonder what prompted Tatiana's deadly behavior.
Today, these and other provocative questions are being asked in a new light. With the discovery of blood,and an unidentified shoe print found on the rail of her enclosure, authorities now suspect the victims may have taunted and possibly entered the tiger's exhibit area. The staff entry into the enclosure remained secure and was ruled out as the tiger's possible escape route.
Wild animals, no matter whether born in captivity or captured in their natural habitat, will always carry the potential to be dangerous to humans. Surely, we as caretakers must provide for their welfare, by respecting their predatory nature. And, if we are to balance the needs of endangered species with our longing to observe them, we should all be asking these questions and be willing to assume a measure of responsibility for this tragedy. As zoos create natural exhibits which draw us into the animal's world more intimately, how do we walk that fine line and resist the temptation to view them as pets?
Perhaps, if we are willing to respect this distinction, a family would not be grieving the loss of their beloved son, and the wildlife community would not be mourning the needless destruction of the magnificent Siberian Tiger known as Tatiana.
Watch the CNN Christmas Day Dan Simon video report, Deadly tiger attack from benderxrd2.
What questions are on your mind as you follow this unfolding story? Share them by leaving a comment.
1. This is such a well-written and thoughtful piece. I think these are questions we must answer. Thanks for posing them!
Posted at 2:20PM on Dec 27th 2007 by Pamela Hutchins