"The tiger handler who was fatally mauled by one of his charges in Oklahoma recently was killed as horrified onlookers including his wife and daughter watched during the end of a big cat show, local officials said Monday. Ryan Easley, 37, was dead when deputies arrived on Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, not far from the Texas border, just minutes after dispatchers received an emergency call, said the Choctaw county sheriff, Terry Park."
"Park said the tiger unexpectedly started to bite and then shake Easley while the two were inside of a large cage. It was a big tiger, Park told the Associated Press. This particular one he'd had for quite some time. Park said Easley's wife and young daughter were present when the attack occurred. Messages left on Monday with Growler Pines Tiger Preserve were not immediately returned."
"This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world, the preserve said in a statement on its Facebook page. Ryan understood those risks not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with one rooted in respect, daily care and love. All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said."
Ryan Easley, 37, was fatally mauled by a tiger at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, Oklahoma, and was found dead when deputies arrived minutes after an emergency call. The tiger unexpectedly began to bite and shake Easley while both were inside a large cage. Easley's wife and young daughter were present during the attack. The preserve described the death as a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of nature and said Easley cared for the animals with respect and love. All tours have been canceled until further notice. The facility operates private tours and demonstrations and would require federal permits.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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