<<A Source>> Animal sanctuary worker dies after attack by ‘liger’
Against protocol, handler entered lion-tiger hybrid’s space during feedingBy Mike Celizic
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 9:12 a.m. ET, Fri., Oct. 31, 2008
An animal handler with thousands of hours of experience has died after being mauled by a 1,000-pound lion-tiger hybrid he was feeding at an Oklahoma animal sanctuary.
Peter Getz, 32, had entered the big cat’s enclosure on Wednesday while it was feeding, a violation of standard procedures. The hybrid cat, called a liger, bit Getz on the neck and back before other handlers rescued him and called 911. He was taken to a Tulsa hospital, where he died Thursday night.