[LIConFem]

"Once a dangerous animal like a tiger has lost it's fear or respect for a human as a equal, i.e. surrogate alpha predator it will come to see all humans as just another prey animal."

The idea that any human can reliably maintain such a relationship with any large, non-domesticated predatory species is absurd. And even if it was possible, such a large predator can kill or maim you without meaning to.

In this particular case, there was no choice but to put the animal down (once it escaped its enclosure). But climbing into a cage with a fully conscious tiger is inherently dangerous, and anyone doing so should accept the responsibility for the consequences rather than push that responsibility off onto the animal. We're supposed to be the more intelligent of the two species. Perhaps it's better to use that intelligence and NOT take unnecessary risks with the lives of the zoo staff and animals.

[RedMonqey]

We're supposed to be the more intelligent of the two species.

Yeah . So I am told but evidently there are exceptions to the rule.

Sometimes I think television lulls some people into thinking it is safe to be in the same vicinity as top predators. After all the host(pick any nature show) gets close enough (and the zoom camera lens) gives the unreal sense o intimacy and safety when viewed in the security of our living rooms.

Add in the "Disneyifcation" as all animals are cuddly fuzzy creatures and just like humans It's no wonder people have lost their natural self preservation instinct of danger.

Just my humble opinion. Take it for what's it worth, ;-)