Related Experiment Videos
Tiger mauling: fatal spinal injury
1Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 1989
Summary
A zoo keeper survived a severe Sumatran tiger attack, sustaining critical head, neck, and spinal cord injuries. This case highlights the extreme trauma possible from large carnivore encounters in captivity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Zoological Medicine
Background:
- Captive wildlife pose significant risks to zoo personnel.
- Large felid attacks, though rare, can result in severe, life-threatening injuries.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old zoo keeper was attacked by a Sumatran tiger.
- The patient sustained extensive lacerations and penetrating wounds to the head and neck.
- Comminuted fractures of the C1 and C2 vertebrae with high spinal cord injury were present.
Findings:
- The attack resulted in severe vascular and pharyngeal trauma.
- The patient survived the immediate aftermath for 15 hours despite the critical injuries.
- This case underscores the potential for catastrophic injury from captive Sumatran tiger attacks.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for stringent safety protocols in zoological facilities housing dangerous animals.
- Informs emergency response and trauma management strategies for severe animal-inflicted injuries.
- Emphasizes the critical importance of understanding biomechanics in large carnivore attacks for prevention and treatment.