A British zoo worker was Friday while working in the big cat enclosure at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton-in-Furness.
While the enclosure usually employs a complex system of locks and doors to ensure that keepers and animals are kept separate at all times, Sarah McClay, 24, somehow ended up in the same space as the tiger. “At some stage [the system] failed and the animal and Sarah came together with tragic consequences,” said the . “The police are working to establish whether this was a result of human or technical factors.”
Zoo owner David S. Gill posted a statement on the zoo’s Facebook page Saturday, asking for the public’s support and prayers. “The park is a very safe environment and never at any stage were any other public or staff in danger,” he said. “We have been given the all clear by the authorities after initial investigations yesterday and we hope you will allow us all to work through this tragic event.”