Blame Trainer, Not Monkey, For Tiger Escape

Investigators looking at monkey trainer in weekend tiger escape

A Jungle Island employee may be to blame for the monkey business that occurred at the attraction over the weekend that saw a 700-pound Bengal tiger jump out of its enclosure, giving visitors an up-close and personal view of the big cat.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said Monday they suspect human error is to blame for the escape of Watson, the white-handed gibbon monkey that excited the tiger so much that it jumped out of its cage to get after the primate.

While the tiger's escape may have been a freak accident, the monkey's escape likely wasn't.

"We are looking into the trainer got a little too comfortable and whether they did not close the gate," said Jorge Pino, spokesman for the FWC.

Investigators are also trying to determine the lock on the monkey cage malfunction and if it was installed properly. Jungle Island, which has never had an animal escape from its enclosure, can expect a hefty fine once the investigation concludes.

Luckily, that's the only penalty for a large predator escaping its cage and coming in close contact with helpless humans.

On Saturday, Mahesh, the leaping tiger in question, jumped over a 12-foot high fence after spotting a monkey on the loose. Once the tiger landed on the other side, he walked around the area as frantic spectators scrambled to get away from the big cat.

One woman claims the tiger got within 10 feet of her 2-year-old daughter.

At no point did Mahesh charge or make any threatening motions at any visitor, officials have said. Still the panic was enough to shut down the park as zoo officials tried to collar the cat.

Almost as quickly as he jumped over the fence, Mahesh calmly walked into his traveling cage without incident.

The tiger has been taken out of contact with the viewing public while the investigation continues, as has the troublesome monkey. It's unclear how long the animal timeout will go on.

In the meantime, Jungle Island has been ordered to add as much as four feet to its already 12-foot high fences around the tiger enclosure. The tiger exhibit has also been closed indefinitely.

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