An employee at Seaview Predator Park in Gqeberha was killed
yesterday, June 16, after he was attacked by a Siberian Tiger.
According to a statement by Seaview Predator Park on their
Facebook page, David Solomon, who worked at the park for 15 years, was
attacked, not mauled, by Siberian Tiger, Jasper, yesterday afternoon.
The statement reads that the electric fencing in the
enclosure housing Siberian Tigers, Jasper and Jade, was in the process of being
repaired when Jasper jumped on the exterior fence and got out. “David was,
unfortunately, in the passageway between enclosures walking towards the water
supply taps when the incident occurred. David attempted to climb the fence of a
different enclosure to get to safety and was pulled off the fence by Jasper. We
confirm that David obviously had bite marks but it would seem that Jasper broke
David’s neck when he pulled David off the fence,” the statement read.
After attacking Solomon, Jasper proceeded to jump the
exterior fence of the next-door enclosure that housed Siberian tigers, Judah
and Amber. A fight ensued between Judah and Jasper and Judah was killed. According
to the statement, Jasper, being an entire male Siberian Tiger, wanted the
attentions of Amber, an entire female Siberian Tiger.
When the incident occurred, management immediately closed
the park and assisted members of the public who were near the tiger enclosures
to safely gather their belongings and exit the park. Members of the public who
were at the restaurant were kept there until it was safe for them to return to
their vehicles and exit the park.
The statement added that surrounding neighbours, Kabega Park
SAPS, Gardmed Ambulance Service, Kragga Kamma Veterinary Hospital and Nature
Conservation were immediately contacted when the incident occurred. Dr Dave
from Kragga Kamma Vet was on site to tranquilise Jasper and Amber so that the
remains of David and Judah could be safely retrieved.
“David Solomon had been at the Seaview Predator Park for
about 15 years and knew each of the animals since they were cubs. We are all
one big family and the loss of David has left every single one of us
heartbroken and traumatised, specifically the staff members and volunteers who
were present when the incident occurred. David’s presence, jokes, willingness
to teach our young volunteers and overall bubbling personality is going to be
missed so much and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and close
friends. May his dear soul rest in peace,” the statement read further.
“We would like to confirm that all the large cats are safely
contained in their enclosures and the electric fencing is fully functional.
Jasper’s incident is a first at the park and was obviously fueled by hormones.
Jasper is now quite calm and content sharing an enclosure with Amber and there
are no plans to destroy Jasper.
“We apologise to our visitors who had their visit cut short
yesterday by the incident and would like to assure future visitors that they
are quite safe. At no stage yesterday was any member of the public in any
immediate danger and our request that visitors leave immediately is standard protocol
should such an incident occur.
“To the guests at the restaurant who offered assistance and
kept our young visitors and resident children occupied while we were handling
the emergency, thank you for your kindness and support.”
As a sign of respect to Solomon, the park will be closed
today, June 17.
