LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. — A woman attacked by a jaguar Saturday at an Arizona zoo after crossing a barrier to the animal’s enclosure is apologizing.
Update 5:35 p.m. EDT March 11: The woman, who was trying to take a selfie too close the big cat's cage when it attacked, returned to the Wildlife World Zoo Sunday to apologize for her behavior, zoo spokeswoman Kristy Morcum told azfamily.com.
The unidentified woman also reportedly admitted the incident was her fault during a discussion with the zoo’s owner.
She said she loved the zoo and "feels horrible about the bad publicity the zoo is getting regarding the incident," Morcum said.
(Original story)
A woman was attacked by a jaguar Saturday after crossing a barrier to take a selfie at an Arizona zoo.
The woman was cut on her arm by a female jaguar around 6:40 p.m. at the Wildlife World Zoo when she tried to take a selfie near the jaguar enclosure, the Arizona Republic reported. The animal was never out of her enclosure.
“Please understand why barriers are put in place. Sending prayers to the family tonight,” the zoo said on social media.
Please understand why barriers are put in place. Sending prayers to the family tonight. pic.twitter.com/2MPb8bXhwR
— Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (@ZooWildlife) March 10, 2019
Paramedics responded and took the woman to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the Arizona Republic reported.
The zoo said the jaguar will not be euthanized.
“She won’t be put down,” officials said on social media.
She won’t be put down.
— Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (@ZooWildlife) March 10, 2019
The zoo said the incident is being investigated.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office did not indicate if the woman will be charged or cited, the Arizona Republic reported.
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