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Tiger Attacks Teenager at Predator World

By Brad Belote

Story Created: Aug 4, 2008

Story Updated: Aug 5, 2008

A tiger attacked a teenager at Predator World in Branson West Monday.

The Stone County Sheriff says a tiger jumped on the teen as he taking a picture of the animal.

The sheriff says the 16-year-old employee went into the tiger cage to take a picture for a customer. While in the pen with the tigers, one
of the tigers jumped on the victim and knocked him to the ground. At that point, two other tigers joined in the attack and drug the victim to a water pool.

The teenager was flown to Cox South in Springfield. He received injuries to his neck and head.

View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Aug 25 at 10:03 PM Jason B wrote ...

I worked there all of 2007 up to December 02, 2007. I have seen animals die due to lack of food, water and proper vet care. I know the 3 tigers which their names are Chuff, Abigail and Athena. They acted upon nature, they are playful. They grabbed him by the neck which is how a mother grabs her young. Dakota, my friend who was injured along with a few others bottle fed and raised these cubs. He was imprinted by thew they meant no harm! That zoo doesnt even have 16' tall fences it has 8' tall!!!

Friday, Aug 22 at 3:22 PM Tamara Gass wrote ...

the tigers didn't attack him they actually were saving him, and he had plenty of experience with them even though he was only 16 he had helped raise them since they were babies....

Saturday, Aug 9 at 7:50 PM Concerned about Safety wrote ...

I have no doubt they love their animals but if that love is not going to protect the public. Just because they love the animals doesn't mean they are competent enough to have them and be open to the public.

Friday, Aug 8 at 2:21 PM Carolyn wrote ...

What is "appalling" about the tiger enclosures? My family has also been to Predator World several times. We were impressed by the large enclosure the cats had. The workers there take care of those animals and show their love for the animals every day. The animals always look healthy and happy when we visit. The accident was horrible, but regardless of the sequence of events, the fact still remains that the kid went in alone. The tiger can't be blamed for acting like a tiger.

Wednesday, Aug 6 at 9:49 PM Vicki wrote ...

I send my prayers to this young man and his family. I do question why a young man at the age of sixteen would be given such a dangerous job. Even with proper training, there is no way he had enough experience at his age to handle this mishap!!! Disappointed and sad this had to happen to this young man!!!

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 2:31 PM pankit wrote ...

"drug the vctim" - dragged the victim...

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 1:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I have been to predator world and the conditions the tigers were living in were appalling. I felt bad for all the animals living there.

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 11:25 AM Juanita wrote ...

My prayers go out to the young guy who got hurt. I pray the he makes a speedy recovery , and pray that the tigers aren't punished.

Monday, Aug 4 at 10:09 PM Debbie wrote ...

I have all the sympathy in the world for this young man, and his family. My prayers are with you all. However Im thinking maybe he was to young to work there. I pray he makes a speedy recovery, and I pray the tigers arent punished because of his mistake. They are wild animals, they really are predators.Again my prayers are with the family and the young man.

Monday, Aug 4 at 8:03 PM Carole Baskin wrote ...

Why is is that "sanctuaries" and those who profess to "love" the big cats are so violently opposed to legislation that would end the private trade in them as pets and collectibles? My goal is that places like Big Cat Rescue no longer need to exist and my path to that goal is by asking for legislation that bans the breeding, sale, trade and collecting of these great cats.