I think this incident is going to cause a re think in the design of animal enclosures from now on in zoos that care enough or have enough money to do so. Unfortunately, the need for safety is going to mean that spectators will likely be farther away from the animals and we will have to sacrifice a good view to ensure these escapes don’t happen. It is going to be a balancing act between safety and proximity to the animals and some people may complain about this, but we must remember that these are powerful wild animals, not cuddly pets, and as such need space and respect. I’d rather be a little farther away from these creatures than risk a repeat of this unfortunate incident.

This tiger was simply being a tiger. These are not evil creatures out to destroy us, but they are top predators that have instincts and need to be secured in the presence of people, especially young ones doing foolish things. Bottom line is the responsibility for this, in my opinion, ultimately falls upon the zoos that keep these animals.

Sidebar to “Ann Unknown.” Mega dittos! You’re awesome! We should start our own cult together.

The tiger should not have been able to get out of the cage. Zoos have to make every effort to ensure that animals cannot escape from the safety of their cages. This zoo was informed years ago, before they even acquired this particular tiger, before she was even born, that the tiger housing was inadequately secure. They chose to ignore that. They are at fault.

Who ever suggested that a leg was dangling over the ledge should be put away immediately. The force of a 300+ pound animal grabbing on to a human leg would have either snapped it off, pulled the owner of the leg into the enclosure, or, assuming the leg stays intact, resulted in severe lacerations from the animal’s claws.

The wall must definitely have been too low. In other words, they underestimated the tiger.

Recalling the Lascaux cave panel, sometimes referred to as “the dead man and the wounded bison”, this calling-of-the-man-herd has no doubt been going on for millions of years. But where, today, can these would-be breeders go to prove, or NOT prove, their worthiness? Perhaps a ticket to tiger, or grizzly country is in order. (Rites Of Passage Tours: All expenses payed, no return fare guaranty; no guards, barriers, or modern weapons provided)

If not - then what can we expect our species to evolve into in the coming epoch? I foresee a foreboding future, in which huge, ever-escalating tax burdens are enacted to protect us - from ourselves!!!

Here’s to a future where the “Darwin Awards” are taken more seriously - and to a much better fed population of (currently) endangered animals.

Taunting the tiger was cruel and very misguided. The taunting only put on display the weakness of character of those involved. Real men seek to protect not harm.

My feelings toward the young men involved aside, the fact remains the Zoo has the much greater burden.

The possible danger a tiger poses to an unprotected human is not realistically debatable. The zoo clearly should have taken extra-ordinary measures to ensure the tiger could not escape its enclosure. The zoo may have thought it had done this. The wall not being high enough is a problem. When did the zoo know the wall was not high enough and upon being aware what was the zoos disposition to correct the problem?

I expect the zoo will be sued and will agree to settle out of court with details to remain undisclosed.