SOURCE: NBC5.com

Thursday, September 9, 2004

Zoo Officials Baffled By Lion Attack

Zookeeper In Serious Condition Following Thursday Morning Attack

CHICAGO -- Lincoln Park Zoo officials Thursday afternoon were trying to figure out how an experienced keeper was seriously injured by African lions in an outdoor exhibit designed to prevent direct contact between humans and large carnivores.

The zookeeper, Nancy DeFiesta, 60, called for help on her radio at about 9 a.m., and an emergency response team arrived to find the woman lying at the bottom of a moat in the outdoor lion exhibit, said Dr. Kathryn Gamble, chief veterinarian at the zoo.

Three adult African lions, one male and two females, were standing near DeFiesta at that time, Gamble said at a news conference held in the Judy Keller Education Center at the zoo.

A rescue ladder was dropped down into the moat, and DeFiesta was able to climb out on her own, despite having suffered several bite wounds and lacerations, Gamble said. There is about a 12-foot drop from the rocky exhibit to the bottom of the moat.

Crews immediately worked to contain the animals by discharging a fire extinguisher, the sound of which gives signals to the lions, she added.

Zoo officials were able to speak with DeFiesta, who remained coherent throughout the rescue, and she was in serious condition at Advocate Illinois Masonic, Gamble said.

Though the injured keeper had been speaking from the hospital with zoo officials, she was unable to describe how the accident occurred because she was still in shock, according to Gamble.

"At this point there has been no discussion with her. We're more concerned about treating Nancy and making sure that she's doing well," Gamble said.

At about 11:45 a.m., the three lions were resting calmly inside the Lion House, which is connected to the outdoor area by a series of shift doors and mesh barriers. The exhibit remained open to the public, but visitors were evacuated from the zoo for around a half hour while emergency crews were at the scene.

Gamble said that the barrier devices are in place to prevent direct contact between zoo staff and carnivorous animals. She added that zoo officials were unclear on how the incident happened and would launch an investigation.

"We don't know how the contact occurred at this point," Gamble said. "The exhibit is designed to prevent any direct contact between our keepers and our carnivores."

DeFiesta had been going about her morning routine when the accident occurred, Gamble said. Though she could not provide specifics of the woman's activities, she said her job includes feeding, caring for and training the animals.

Megan Wilson, curator of mammals at the zoo, called the accident "a very, very unusual circumstance."

Zoo spokeswoman Kelly McGrath added that the zoo has not had a serious accident in about 12 to 15 years. She could not provide details, but said the last incident involved an elephant.