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StumblePublished Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 | 11:48 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010 | 1:27 p.m.
Lion Habitat attack
It would have been something of a miracle if video didn't surface from the Sept. 1 incident at the MGM Grand Lion Habitat, in which one of the lions in captivity took after one of the attraction's trainers.
And, almost inevitably, video of the incident was captured and aired early Wednesday on the CBS "Early Show." Newlyweds Titus and Drew Ellis of Bozeman, Mont., were interviewed by Harry Smith about witnessing the attack during their honeymoon in Vegas.
"When you go to Las Vegas, you often expect to see some wild things, but this is taking it to a whole new level," Smith said, leading into the report. When Smith asked Titus Ellis what the response of the crowd was, he said, "Shock, a lot of gasps, and a couple screams. People were pretty upset about the whole thing going on."
The trainer's name has not been made public. MGM Resorts spokeswoman Yvette Monet told the Associated Press he was treated and released from a Las Vegas hospital. In the video, he does not appear seriously injured.
The lions used in the attraction live on an 8.5-acre ranch 12 miles from the hotel and are handled by exotic animal trainer Keith Evans, who is contracted by the hotel to oversee the habitat. Spectators are separated from the animals by 1.5 inches of glass.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.
lol. Look at the way the trainer is glaring at the lion. I'd take a bite at him too!
Chunky says:
If he were locked up in an exhibit and generally not allowed his freedom he'd be taking a bite out of something or someone himself!
That's what Chunky thinks!
The lion could have easily killed the trainer. While he was certainly fixated on the one guy, it appears as though the lion wanted to "play," at least at first. Unfortunately, when a 600 lb. lion wants to play with a human, the results can be deadly. I'm frankly surprised this hasn't happened before. I wonder how many MGM guests will sue for "distress" over witnessing the attack.
I knew someone who took care of wild cats. She told me that it is not the cats fault. It is the handler. Also, when a person steps into a cage, it is expected. This is a Big, Hugh, Powerful, Wild animal and the trainer slipped. If a human does this job and is not on his toes, it is a good chance he won't get hurt. If not, this is what to expect. When Roy was mauled by his tiger on stage, he said "don't hurt the tiger" he knew he slipped, not the cat. Lions and tigers and other wild animals can never be totally tamed.