Wild Animal Park lion cub euthanized after mauling

By: North County Times

ESCONDIDO —- Koza, the lion club being hand-raised at the Wild Animal Park nursery, died this afternoon after being attacked by a full-grown female lion. Park officials said the mauling occurred because a barrier separating the older lion from the cub was accidentally removed.

Public Relations Manager Christina Simmons said the five-month-old cub was being introduced to older lions at the park this past week. A wire barrier would allow the animals to see and smell each other, but should not have been removed.

"This was a human error," Simmons said. "Whenever something like this occurs, it’s a violation of our safety protocols."

The attack occurred at about 8 a.m., before the park was open. The gravely wounded cub was euthanized by the veterinarian staff at about 4:15 p.m.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/04/17/tomorrow/41605165603.txt

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

an Educational Sanctuary home

to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625

813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition here:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/344896451?ltl=1140270431

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.