I woke up this morning to this article via a Google News Alert email.
I commented on the ABC site: (Note that my comment was split into parts and ABC deleted all but the first part. So I requested them delete the full post, since I find censoring public News forums in violation of the Constitution.)
As someone who is a frequent Zoo Visitor I remember this day well. I was there. Unfortunately not at the right time, as maybe I'd have seen the Dahliwals taunting the Animals and I would have said something that might have made them stop before this tragedy they allegedly caused. I went a if route that day and was there earlier, possibly capturing the last photo of Tatiana at 2:48pm. Happy and lounging in the sun with her companion Tony. .. Yes the Zoo made changes to the Big Cat Grottos, but there is no such sign to not taunt the Tigers. As well there are many other exhibits that leave the Animals vulnerable to Visitor harassment and stupidity, the later which could result in an event much like the one last month at the Pittsburgh Zoo. In my opinion, the SFZoo and Zoo's in general have not made any changes in the past five years that keep up with the mounting acts of misbehavior of Visitors.
Additionally, I will say in referenece to what is reported in this article, there are no specific signs that say not to taunt the Tigers. In fact I recently witnessed a kid about to throw objects at one of the Tigers. There are generic signs that request Visitors "Respect the Animals". Althought these signs have become more plentiful, they are still not enough both in quantity and in words. Visitor misbehavior is rampant, both in harassing the Animals and breaching barriers.
As well, to my knowledge the only tribute to Tatiana at the Zoo is a bench that sits in front of the grotto she shared with her companion Tony. The bench was purchased by a small group of her friends who were heartbroken that she lost her life defending her home and companion, because of alleged, yet apparent Visitor misbehavior. That said, neither of the bronze statues at the entrance, are not of Tatiana, they are not even of Tigers. I'd like to know where this rumor got started, as I've heard this before. Writers these days do not seem to do any investigative reporting.
There's more I could say but won't. Its Christmas and I'm sure there are innocent people who were affected by the acts of these three boys.
RIP Tatiana
December 25, 2007 2:48pm
Two hours later Tatiana was dead. Remember when visiting any Zoo, Act with Empathy. Do not harrass, heckle, throw stuff at, mimic, or otherwise taunt that Beings that live there in captivity so that we can enjoy their beauty and learn about them. As well, please report any misbehavior you witness and if you are able to, tell people yourself not to behave in such a way. You might save a life. There was reportedly a woman who saw the Dahliwals harrassing the Lions prior to the Tigers. Tatiana might still be alive if she had reported this.
