Mexican zoo-keeper dies of cardiac arrest after being attacked by tiger he was petting (Graphic video)
A 23-year-old zookeeper in Mexico died of a heart attack after he was attacked by a tiger he was petting.
José de Jesús stood next to the chain-link fence enclosure and called over the Bengal tiger for feeding time.
De Jesús extended his right hand through the gate to pet the tiger who initially appeared to accept the gesture.
The tiger suddenly grabbed the keeper’s right hand that he placed on the top of the enclosure.
The man started screaming in agony as the tiger used its claws and clenched jaw to pull him closer.
The animal later left him after others rallied around the attacked zoo keeper. But severe damage had been done to the hand.
After he was taken to the hospital, De Jesús refused to allow medics to amputate his mangled hand. Over time, his condition worsened until he died of a heart attack.
Footage of the aftermath was released by the owner of the Bengal tiger, which was being kept in their private zoo. These graphic images were allegedly made available to the public to prove negligence on de Jesús’ behalf.
However, the owner said he covered the medical bills of the unfortunate zoo keeper.
