Tiger encounter gets too close

TAMPA -- For several New York firefighters and their families, it was a chance to get a closeup look at a Bengal tiger during one of Busch Gardens' animal encounters. But the event provoked alarm Friday when the leashed tiger suddenly lurched toward a child.

The young boy fell over but was not hurt. Park officials who witnessed it said they didn't know whether the 200-pound tiger hit the child or whether someone trying to get out of the way accidentally knocked him over.

"He was startled. It happened so fast," said park spokesman Gerard Hoeppner.

Park officials said the year-old tiger, Jafari, may have recognized a zoo keeper who was standing next to the child. The tiger also may have been curious or wanted to play.

"We are taking it very seriously and we will definitely re-evaluate. We don't think it was an aggressive thing, but we certainly don't want it to happen again," said Glenn Young, vice president of zoological operations.

In the meantime, Busch Gardens will suspend its tiger encounters.

Two trainers were holding Jafari on leashes about noon when she stood up and darted toward the boy a few feet away. Officials described it as a fast, forward motion, not a lunge. The tiger's mouth was closed and her paw was not extended.

"I don't want to minimize the walk, but it definitely wasn't a leap. It was a quick movement forward," Young said.

First aid workers checked on the child, who was crying but not visibly hurt. Park personnel took the parents to the air-conditioned Hospitality House and gave them water. The rest of the group resumed taking pictures with Jafari.

Once the situation calmed down, the family, who was not identified, returned to the park. The mother was upset, but not screaming.

"I think she was concerned about her child like any mom would be, but I think she wanted to enjoy the day," Hoeppner said.

During animal encounters, trainers routinely take animals, such as tigers, snakes and llamas, into the park to interact with guests. The idea is to educate visitors and promote conservation.

Busch Gardens arranged the visit with Jafari as an added surprise for the families when they arrived at the park. Busch Gardens gave free admission to about 125 people, including about 35 New York firefighters and members of the Krewe of St. Florian, a group of local firefighters.

Park officials suspended Jafari from future interactions until they evaluate the situation and determine whether changes are warranted. The Bengal tiger has taken part in several encounters and never demonstrated any aggressive behavior, Young said.

The amusement park obtained Jafari as a cub from St. Louis, where she was confiscated from someone who kept her illegally. Jafari has been around people her entire life.

The families spent the rest of the day riding roller coasters and looking at the animal exhibits. They left by bus on schedule about 4:30 p.m.

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