- In a Slovak private zoo, the zoo's proprietor was fatally attacked by one of the zoo's leopards.
A leopard at a secluded zoo in Slovakia's region of Banska Bystrica has fatally attacked its owner. The regional police department revealed this grim news on their official Facebook page. The elderly man, aged 63, was discovered unconscious within the leopard's enclosure in the village of Jasenie. The circumstances surrounding this incident are yet to be clarified. There is no current danger to the public.
Running the show solo
The national broadcast station, STVR, relayed information from the locals, stating that the owner of the private zoo managed it single-handedly. Previous concerns had been raised about his ability to manage such a diverse array of animals. The zoo housed around 20 unique species of both domesticated and wild animals, including various monkeys, bird species, and various breeds of dogs. This individual was responsible for the well-being of both the animals and the visitors alike.
Regardless of stricter regulations, there remain small private zoos in Slovakia that host big cats and other wild animals. Tragically, a year ago, a lion also took the life of its owner in one such zoo.
Official police statement via Facebook, STVR news report.
Despite being located in The Slovak Republic, the private zoo in Jasenie was not subject to as stringent regulations as larger facilities. Authorities in The Slovak Republic should reevaluate the safety measures for small private zoos housing dangerous wild animals, such as big cats, following these fatal attacks.
