- NAWA files complaint with OSHA for apparent violations related to the recent tiger attack at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa
Published by -NAWA News Feed- in -Zoo News- · Friday 04 Dec 2020
In light of the recent tiger attack on a staff member at Big Cat Rescue, (Tampa, FL) and reading the cause and excuse that BCR attempts are very troubling.
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“In a statement, Baskin explained that the tiger, "Kimba had been locked away from that section for several days as cameras were being installed there. She opened a guillotine tunnel door at one end of the tunnel, and when she went to raise the second door she saw it was clipped shut. This is our universal signal NOT to open a gate without the coordinator coming to assist, but Candy said she just wasn't thinking when she reached in to un clip it. It is against our protocols for anyone to stick any part of their body into a cage with a cat in it. Kimba grabbed her arm and nearly tore it off at the shoulder." Source: FOX13
Those that have been working with such animals for an extended time (such as Ms. Couser) for five years are usually considered a “seasoned keeper”. And looking at Ms. Couser’s past, she does not fit the profile of an idiot, but a rather highly educated person with team-leading experience.
The 69-year-old Couser, from Boston, obtained her MS in Computer Science from Hartford, and her BA in Biology from Wells College, and was a project manager for IBM.
Most credible zoo’s have a very detailed written procedure for briefing and communicating with staff members, especially when it concerns the movement of dangerous animals, their equipment, habitat modifications, temperament, health, upcoming procedures, diet, etc.
The idea that BCR is floating that a clipped door “is our universal signal NOT to open a gate without the coordinator coming to assist”, but Ms. Couser just was not thinking just does not stick. That’s like saying that an experienced driver forgets that a red light means stop, but I just forgot what the red light meant??
A “universal sign not to open a gate” just does not cut it, or satisfy current regulations.
Example of a required "Lock-Out", "Tag-Out" system.
One thing we bet that the OSHA investigators will be asking for is their documentation and equipment for “Lock-Out” systems and locks (also referred to as “tag-outs”) that are REQUIRED for all situations such as this. Just ask Wild Cat Haven, (OR) , yet another GFAS facility, that had a keeper killed by a big cat under similar situations and not providing such required safeguards.
NAWA also expects to amend it’s complaint as the facts on the terrible incident are revealed.
One thing that is ironically worth noting is that the US House just passed a bill titled the “Big Cat Public Safety Act” that would apply yet more regulation on the zoo industry in the name of safety, but interestingly enough, the bill specifically exempts a facility like Big Cat Rescue from these further oversight regulations.