What a Tiger Sees

Here's a wacky idea whose time has come....leave these beautiful creatures alone in their natural habitat (as opposed to a zoo) where they belong, and they won't be making lunch out of some drunken idiot who thinks it might be a good idea to try and get its attention. Tigers, elephants, lions...belong in Africa and/or India. Not San Francisco.

The Zoo should post a sign "Warning. Do not taunt the animals! They may break out of their cage and eat you!"

It is crazy that there's no federal legislation against individuals having lions, tigers, bears or any other animal like that. I bet most people assume it's already illegal. I certainly did! If you love an animal like this, support groups that work to protect them in the wild -- don't keep them captive.

It's crazy that there is no federal legislation banning private ownership of lions, tigers, bears and other dangerous wild animals! I bet most people assume it is already illegal.

It seems that no matter how "tame" a tiger or any other carnivorous animal is, the fact of the matter is that these animals are still wild and continue to possess their wild animal intincts. It would be foolish to believe for a moment that any large wild animal can be tamed.

I agree with Jayson. The people at Big Cat Rescue lie on a regular basis on a variety of topics. They make up statistics and "facts" to suit their agenda -- which is to eliminate their competition. Also, there is NOT EVEN ONE "EXPERT" AMONG THEM. Shame on Newsweek for trying to make them into "experts". See this website for the truth about
Big Cat Rescue: http://www.rexano.org/bcr.htm

I want to apologize for an error. I meant 5,000 tigers left in the wild. I read about the SF Zoo docent and I was a docent and I found pens and soda can tops in the primates' cages. This needs to be stopped. No animal should have to endure the things she described and the health risk it causes. I do blame the AZA for not finding this deficeiny but is's odd how this wall has held big cats for many years so we know somebody was taunting and provoking this tigress. I am very saddened by the loss of a Siberian tiger by the sheer stupidity of human beings. But I also feel the whole thing is a tragedy. The public must be educated about these animals but if they did enter her enclosure they were definitely threatening her.I am an experienced trainer and I go in with tigers and they do act differently when you enter thier terriotory especially if they don't know you contrary to the article. This is their safe place and it was invaded and on top of that Tatiana was taunted.
I feel for the lose of this magnificant tiger because of humans who felt like abusing her.

I believe that the AZA which inspected and approved the Zoo is at Fault whoever heard of a recommended height of a wall. IN Florida, the FWCC has strict regulations for sanactuaries and private owners which by the way seem to have a much better safety record. There is no recommended height for a perimeter fence or cage size, etc. Also, Scott Lope claims what 533 attacks since 1990. Let him show the documentation. Big Cat Resue in Florida where he's director has already falsified data and there is proof oi it. Don't believe everything you read.. I think anyone who taunts an animal particularly a tiger is an idiot. I understand the tiger first attack the boy who died but the other 2 boys tried to get the tiger's attention and ran and you never turn your back and run with a big cat. That may explain why they were attacked. Also, as Jim Fowler said on Fox News once a big cat is out of it home which it was for 4 years with no problems, then the cat become confused and scared and will bound to be on the defense and attack. Jim Fowler did Wild Kingdom for years and is an expert not Scott Lope

This is in regard to what Scott Lope from Big Cat Rescue in Tampa had to say. He is just using this attack to further the agenda of BCR to ban Class 1 animals. First of all, if the boy was dangling a foot over the wall that is taunting and provoking the tigress to go after it. Dangle a string in front of a domestic cat and see what is does. Also, tigers in captivity feel safe in their enclosure and the boys invaded there space and they will feel threatened. Wouldn't you? I'm not saying that tigers can be unpredictable but what Scott Lope said is alot of lies. I saw a show recently where he had his hand in the cage letting a tiger lick his hand. So how scared of the tigers is he really? I am disappointed in Newsweek for choosing to interview him. He has no real training and has a agenda. They should of choose a more experienced person such as JIm Fowler.
Also, I think the whole thing is a tragedy but why did the AZA not check the height of the wall. Also, there are federal laws contrary to what Mr. Lope says. The USDA has federal regulations concerning big cats. Find a better source for your information

Im glad the tiger attacked those hoodlums because all bets are on them taunting the cat.

The only tragdy here is that there were two survivors.

This couldn't be a simpler case. The zoo was 50% at fault for not having an appropriate enclosure, and the boys were 50% at fault for entering said enclosure. Determine the damages, subtract the value of the tiger's life to the zoo, and then divide the damages by 50%, and that's what the zoo should have to pay to the families of the boys. Couldn't be more simple. IF the enclosure had met current standards, the zoo would have owed nothing to the boys' families.

What an idiotic argument. Animal enclosures are supposed to be designed safe enough to withstand any amount of "taunting", I don't care if you hang piece of raw meat in front of the tigers. It's like saying if your kids piss of gorillas too much than it's their fault if they break out.

Whether the boys taunted the cat or not is not the issue. The issue is that, no matter the situation, the cats should not be able to escape or leave their designated areas. This responsibility falls entirely on the zoo's officials and that is who to blame for this tragedy.

Speaking for myself, I believe that zoos have become an important part of direct animal conservation (this Tiger was born in a zoo), and less direct animal conservation in the form of education. That said, this zoo and the association that accredited them are negligent! Simply knowing that there was a standard for enclosure height (16 feet)... and they failed to protect a patron! If management of this zoo or the association knew of the deficiency and ignored it, they should be held criminally liable. Regardless, I hope the family sues for tens of millions if not more! This should be a wake-up call for zoos, accrediting authorities, and the public!

The boys made the Tiger mad !They are Predators not crazy cats ?Tigers can kill Crocodiles !T
he boys should take a lie tests now!!

I know the Boys had to made it mad ?All Tigers are Predator . Is not crazy cat ?Tigers can kill Crocodiles!So I am trying say is the boys made it mad!