Ratchaburi Tiger Mauls Caretaker

A tiger at the Khaozon Wildlife Breeding Center in Ratchaburi Province attacked its caretaker, causing injuries to his face and body.

Somchai Chanthorn, an official at the Khaozon Wildlife Breeding Center in Ratchaburi’s Potharam District, showed the cuts and wounds he sustained on the right side of his face, his right arm, and his body when he was attacked by a female tiger under his care.

He was brought to the Somdej Phra Yuparaj to receive stitches for the wounds.

Somchai said he was bringing food to the tiger as normal and was letting it out of the smaller cage to the bigger cage when it suddenly jumped on him and mauled his face and body.

Head of the Khaozon Wildlife Breeding Center Winan Weerana said the female tiger is called Maliwan and is 24-years-old.

It was seized during a raid before being brought to the center and is known for its aggressive nature.

He thinks the tiger may have been stressed from being moved to a smaller cage while repairs are being made to the larger cage to strengthen it.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-05

There you have it: "known for its aggressive nature" but the guy didn't take appropriate caution.

Tigers are not pets.

Too bad he was able to scope out the tiger's mood too late.

It obviously fancied fresh "breathing" food to what they were offering him - it sounds like it was just a nibble, fortunately for him!!!

Tiger says I am to old to hunt the meat you give me everyday, I will hunt human, yum, yum

The guy is very fortunate with the injuries he received. Tigers have plenty of power to smash bones with their jaws & teeth. Saw a big male once completely consume a large pig's hindquarter (meat & bone) in minutes. The bone hardly slowed him down. Scary sight, to see how much strength they have in their jaw muscles.

He was just trying to give the caretaker a cuddle. Tigers dangerous.......naaaaaaa.

Those darn tigers. Just like all cats, you give them an inch and they take over your favourite sofa.