Tiger attack at Oklahoma animal park

Tiger attack? There, that got your attention; headlines like that usually do. But when all the information is considered, it likely wasn't an attack at all.

A young woman in her 20s working at G.W. Zoological Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma did not follow protocol and had her left arm badly mangled by an adult male 14 year old tiger at the park. Latest updates indicate her arm is saved, but much healing to do. That's not bad for an "attack." It was likely her goose down jacket looked like a new toy and tigers can play a bit rough according to people standards. She got her own arm out and didn't completely lose it to the tiger, so "attack" is likely inaccurate to describe what happened.

Thankfully, the tiger won't be euthanized and the young woman has already said she wants to return to her job. People that work with animals understand the risks, even though sometimes accidents happen, people forget to follow protocol or simply get too lackadaisical in their jobs.

An interesting quote on ABC News: "She will probably be one of the best leaders now to help make sure safety protocols are followed," Schreibvogel said, after stating her job awaits her when she is healed and able to work. Many jobs or even hobbies have had a close call that brought a person back to attention - little happenings that remind us why certain procedures are in place and safety measures - and it isn't just with animals. But the phrase "tiger attack" makes a good media headline, right?

Pay attention to how anti-ownership organizations play this to make tigers out to be wanton killers that no one should be near, yet in the next breath, claim they should all be in the wild. No one has quite ascertained where this "wild" is with the world getting smaller and little "wild" left. Not to mention "wild" tigers kill people in their indigenous territories. Maybe some consideration should be given to those learning and able to live side by side with them, sharing their space and accepting risk and responsibility.

The next time you see the words "tiger attack," consider how it's used and if "attack" is really appropriate, or where that "wild" is that is so often mentioned.