GW Exotic Animal Park Identifies Employee Injured In Tiger Mauling

The G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, has identified an employee who was injured in a tiger mauling incident at the park on Saturday.

Monday, October 7th 2013, 6:42 pm

By: News 9


The G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, has identified an employee who was injured in a tiger mauling incident at the park on Saturday.

Joe Schreibvogel, Entertainment Director of the park and owner of the tigers, hosted a news conference Monday afternoon.

Click on the video to watch the complete news conference.

Schreibvogel identified the employee as 27-year-old Kelci Saffery, who has been working at the park for nearly a year. 

According to Schreibvogel, Saffery violated safety protocol by sticking her hand into the tiger's cage. Her sleeve became stuck, and the tiger attacked.

10/6/2013 Related Story: New Information On Tiger Mauling At Wynnewood Animal Sanctuary

Saffery underwent surgery and doctors were able to save her arm. Schreibvogel said she was able to move all her fingers on Monday. She will be released from the hospital within 10 to 15 days.

Schreibvogel said doctors had to remove a small tip of Saffery's ring finger.

10/5/2013 Related Story: Zoo Owner Talks About Tiger Mauling At Wynnewood Animal Sanctuary

The 400 pound tiger has been moved from his enclosure and placed in quarantine. The tiger will stay there for 10 days as vets make sure he is not rabid.

Schreibvogel said there are 150 big cats at the park. They have never had an injury or incident like this one. 

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