Child Injured by Leopard at Wichita Zoo

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A first-grade student on a class field trip to a Wichita zoo has been mauled by a leopard after climbing a railing and approaching the animal.

Sedgwick County Zoo spokesman Jim Marlett says the boy climbed over the 4- to 5-foot railing Friday and approached the amur leopard enclosure in the Asian exhibit. The Wichita Eagle reports the animal grabbed him around the head with both paws and tried to bite him.

A woman on the zoo’s tram saw what was happening and jumped off the tram and spooked the leopard.

The child suffered lacerations and puncture wounds to his head and neck. He was listed in fair condition.

The boy’s age hasn’t been released. There were several school groups at the zoo including his group from Linwood Elementary.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-05-06-leopard-kansas-zoo-boy_n.htm