Death by Tiger at Drive-Through Zoo

This blood-chilling video shows the high price you might pay if you don’t follow the safety rules when watching wildlife: death by a tiger at a zoo. To add another tragic twist to the story, it’s in fact not the woman in the footage who died – but her mom who attempted to rescue her.

Background

In 2016, at the Badaling Wildlife World, a drive-through animal park, a woman was fatally mauled by a Siberian tiger.

The incident occurred when a woman stepped out of her car – directly violating the vital park-safety rules. CCTV footage captured the tiger dragging her away. However, it was the woman’s mother who was fatally injured, as she also got out of the car in an attempt to save her daughter. The husband and the driver of the car also sustained severe injuries from intervening.

Risks of Drive-Through Zoos

Drive-through zoos pose unique risks. While it’s great that they offer close encounters with wildlife, they can lead to dangerous situations if safety protocols are not strictly followed. Although the animals in these settings are captive animals, they still maintain their wild and predatory instincts.

The incident at Badaling Wildlife World is a stark reminder of the potential dangers these attractions hold.

Why Animals Don’t Attack Cars

Typically, animals in drive-through zoos do not attack cars as they often recognize them as non-threatening, large objects. However, when individuals step out of their vehicles, animals will register people as threats or prey – potentially triggering their natural predatory instincts.

All in all, it cannot be stressed enough: Do. Not. Get. Out. Of. Your. Car.

Badaling Wildlife World Contains Over 10,000 Animals

Badaling Wildlife World, sprawling over 98 acres, is home to over 10,000 animals, including over 100 African lions, 20 white tigers, and various other species like Malayan bears and leopards. This allows the park to offer unique experiences. However, the vast number of wild animals also increases the complexity of managing human-animal interactions safely.

What Critics Say About Such Breeding Programs

Critics of wildlife parks like Badaling argue that their breeding programs for entertainment purposes can be ethically questionable. They raise concerns about the animals’ welfare and underline that a large captive population doesn’t do much for conservation purposes.

Some critics even allege that the extensive breeding program could be a cover-up for illegal pet trade or trade of animal parts.

The Incident

Aftermath Following the Attack

Following the attack, the park was temporarily closed for investigation. The incident sparked a debate on the safety measures at wildlife facilities.

The park, known for allowing visitors to drive through enclosures, had clear warnings against leaving vehicles. Allegedly, a sign even said “Cherish Your Life. Never Get Out of Your Car.” Nonetheless, the tragedy pointed to the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and raised questions about the zoo’s responsibility in enforcing them.

Conclusion

This tragic incident at the drive-through zoo in Badaling is a blood-chilling reminder of how wrong it can go when you don’t adhere to safety rules in wildlife settings. The question of who bears the most responsibility, the visitors or the zoo, in situations like this remains complicated and polarized.

Thank you for reading this article about the death by tiger at a zoo! Uncover more about tigers in these posts:

• Lion Fights Six Tigers At the Same Time
• Tiger Chained Up Her Whole Life Takes Her First Free Steps
• A Rarity: Malayan Tiger Caught on Camera

• About
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Josie Messeter

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BA Gender Studies & Literature

Josie is Swedish but has lived in South Africa for 12 years. She spends as much time as possible in the ocean or hiking in the mountains, no matter the weather. Although she adores all sorts of animals, dogs occupy the biggest spot in her heart – especially her Maltese-Chihuahua named Bootsy.

For any feedback please message to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

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