Liger injures worker at animal sanctuary in Broken Arrow

 

BY MICHAEL KIMBALL
Published: October 29, 2008

 

BROKEN ARROW — A liger at a Wagoner County animal sanctuary attacked a volunteer late this morning, officials said.

 

Peter Getz, whose hometown and age were not immediately available, was airlifted to St. John Medical Center in Tulsa in critical condition, a Broken Arrow Fire Department spokesman said.

 

A hospital spokeswoman said Getz was admitted to the emergency room, but an updated status was not available this afternoon.

 

The attack occurred just before noon at Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary, 26881 E 58, east of Broken Arrow, Wagoner County sheriff’s deputy Eugene Smith said.

 

Getz was trying to feed the liger when it attacked him, leaving wounds on his chest and neck, Smith said.

 

A liger is a cross between a lion and a tiger. According to the sanctuary’s Web site, the liger is named Rocky.

 

Calls to the animal sanctuary went to voicemail without ringing. The voicemail message says “a volunteer had an injury. Due to the emotional strain of the situation, Safari’s will be closed until further notice.”

 

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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://bigcatrescue.org