When Love Bites
Published by BC Doan on July 19, 2008 in Alternative-
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When the animals we love and care turn against us, they often lose their lives, too.
he amazing abilities of animal trainers in handling wild creatures are fascinating for many people. Whether it is elephant, monkey, dog, dolphin, or alligator, these animal trainers are incredibly at risk. They probably follow their passion for the love of these creatures, more so than for fame or fortune.
Bear Attacks
The most recent case was on April 23rd, 2008. Stephan Miller was killed by his grizzly, Rocky, who was known as “one of the most gentle and affectionate animals” in Hollywood. Rocky is the star in Will Ferrell’s movie Semi-Pro, and he is awaiting his faith after the death of his trainer.
Whale Attacks
An orca whale attacked its trainer, Ken Peter at Sea World. Fortunately, the trainer only suffered a broken bone in his left foot. The orca whale is known as Kasatka, and for more than a decade they had worked together, she had attacked Peter only two times.
Two year earlier, Kasatka’s father, killed his trainer during a show in Canada, at Sealand of the Pacific.
Another trainer at the Loro Parque was attacked by an orca at a pre-show warm up in Puerto de la Cruz. She was dragged down to the bottom of the pool, and was rescued by two colleagues. The whale injured the trainer’s right lung, and broke her forearm in two places.
Elephant Attacks
Arna the Stardust Circus Elephant killed trainer Ray William who has worked with her for three years. He suffered “a broken back and a ruptured aorta”, and died from “severe blunt drama”. It is said that if the elephant killed once, often will kill again.
In 1974, 1983, and 1987, an elephant named Abu from Ashton Circus killed three workers. Arna and her partner Gigi (who had been Abu’s partner before sold to Stardust Circus), are retired at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo after the incident.
In another case, an elephant named Poabson Unnikrishnan, turned wild when a spectator touched its tusk, killing three people at Koodalmanikya Temple in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, in Southern India.
Lion Attacks
Image Source – (This lion is not related to the story)
Three lions, Pearl (a lioness), Rudi and Sultan (males) attacked their tamer, Geoffrey Lennon, in front of an audience at a Lennon Bros Circus performance in 2001. Although the lion tamer was seriously injured, he survived the attack by the rescue effort of fellow-trainers who used fire extinguishers to tame down the lions.
Jaguar Attacks
Image Source-(This jaguar is not related to the story)
A zoo keeper at the accredited Denver Zoo was killed by a jaguar named Jorge on February 24th, 2007. It is an occupational hazard that is accepted by animal trainers, handlers, and keepers.
Wolf-Dogs Attack
Image Source -(This wolf-dog is not related to the story)
An owner was found dead in the cage with her nine half-wolves, and half-dogs that she was devoted in raising. The 50-year-old lady was bled to death, and the nine wolf-dogs were euthanized later.
Most Recent Attacks
On Thursday, June 26th, 2008, a golden lab mix and Australia shepherd mix, mauled and killed their owner. The 74 year-old lady, Lorraine May, was bit on the face, head, shoulders, and arms. By Saturday, the dogs were euthanized.
Monkey Attacks
This macaque monkey, Chico, had bit three people after escaping from its owner, and was scheduled for euthanized for rabies testing. Dr. Larry Jecha made the decision to euthanized Chico when the three victims didn’t want to pay for expensive rabies vaccine, and the owner failed to response.
These are just some of the sad stories in this world. Our fascination and desire to befriend with these creatures have caused them to lose their lives, as for some of their owners/trainers.
It`s sad when this kind of thing happens, but after all they are wild animals. Given half the chance though I`d jump in and swim with the orca
I once worked with crocodiles. These animals respect nobody and will attack if given opportunity.
we should never forget that these animals once belong to the wilderness, beware always
I love the pictures. . . well worth my (slow dialup internet) wait. Interesting story and a good reminder that “tame isn’t always tame.”
It is sad. Beautiful pictures & article.
Take care.
Really it is very sad. We (particularly the trainers/owners) should never forget that these are ‘animals’.
After living with a kitten I’m not surprised that wild cats sometimes kill. It’s in them from birth and if they are big enough and mean enough … If someone kept me in a cage to perform I’d get mean enough too.
I suppose there is always a chance that a wild animal will attack you. However, it is slighly different when people are attacked by their pets, I could never understand this.
I agree with most of the readers here. They are instinctively wild even if they were born in captivity.
There was a man in our area who had a wrestling bear for many years. Bruno was friendly and many people had their picture taken with him outside the ring. He had the run of their house and the fenced in yard just outside of town. One day the owner came home to find his wife had been mauled to death in the upstairs bedroom.
Wild animals are what they are and I think should be left in their own habitant. Humans should leave animals to their own devises.
What an interesting article! Thanks for sharing this with us.
I am sorry that you have an issue with the truth.By removing my posting ,made yesterday as to the facts about the “Four dogs that owed by actor Ving Rhames mauled and killed a 40 year-old caretaker at the home of the actor while he was out of the country. ” you show a complete and utter disregard for the truth.Again,the man died of a massive coronary,aka HEART ATTACK.The bites inflicted were made AFTER he had died and were not considered to be lethal even if the man was alive when they happened.
very sad, but still and excellent article.
First and foremost, thank you everyone for your comments.
Second, in regard to Lee O’Reilly, the source is there for everyone to read and make a decision for themself!
But if it’s so IMPORTANT to you, and if you insist on my part to say it’s the truth, then it’s so. I said it, Now, are you happy?
Very interesting article. It is sad when those things happen.
Thank you for allowing the post to stay on your blog.What you may not understand is that when the media reports a death by a dog,it goes into the archives and is used by those who wish to ban certain breeds of dogs,even though the information posted is incorrect.The media routinely refuses to recant what they print for fear of litigation?? (when they admit they were wrong).So my answer to you is ,yes I am glad you let my knowledge of the facts behind this case stand on your blog,but I wish you would just remove the incorrect story altogether as it was not a dog attack fatality.
Lee,
I appreciate your view and feeling in trying to set the record right, but as you already know, other types of dogs do attack too, not just those that you’re trying to protect. One question though: if the dogs didn’t attack him in the first place, would he had the heart attack at all?
I’ll submit a fix to remove that part, but it’s up to the publisher!
Hello again,
From reports given to investigators of this attack,there was no evidence nor history of these dogs being aggressive.Also,according to the reports,the dogs knew this man quite well.There was simply no evidence of the dogs causing the heart attack nor were they attacking.There allegedly was a pre exisitng cardiac history.
I agree with your remark that dogs,all breeds and mixes can attack their owners.Generally speaking,when one looks into these cases,there is significant evidence of neglect and abuse.Neglect can include improper training or lack thereof,lack of medical carein cases where the dogs behaviour changes significantly and without warning,I could bore you with more examples but there generally is a complex interplay of events that can lead to dog attacks even towards their owners.
The media has, by its miopic focus on certain breeds attacking,led the general public to believe that dogs by genectics alone can be classified as family friendly versus land sharks.
The Paris Hiltons of the world,proclaim they love dogs but it appears more as a fashion accessory and not as a living breathing creature.
Dogs are one of mans’ most constant and faithful companions.But we must never forget that they are animals and as such we have the duty to ensure they are good canine citicens.
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your comment. There are so many other wonderful dogs out there that actually save their owners lives. Again, I really appreciate your time in this matter…Take care!
Hi Lee, good news: the article is fixed..and that part is no longer there!!!
Thank you!!
Recently, the dog I loved for so many years died. I have to admit, it was a complete blow to me. However, she was loved and cared.
Anyway, your article speaks the truth. It’s true- once they provoke they’re going to turn against the trainer or the owner. But, they will back to normal afterward.
one reason why circus animals turn on their trainers is because the trainers abuse the animals they train in order to make the animals submissive.
circus elephants are beaten by bullhooks and electric prods at a young age and aren’t fed properly. these elephants are kept in tiny stalls and chains when not performing. any animal will turn on a trainer if treated this way.
and for tigers, which i love the most and apire to train them in movies only, in circuses trainers use whips and sticks. in movies, tigers are trained through positive reinforcement. this is why circus tigers are more likely to attack than tiger actors.