Zoo officials in Styria have ruled out a tragedy like the one in Salzburg, where a rhino killed a keeper. But it also says: “Wild animals must remain wild animals.”
The tragedy surrounding a dead zookeeper at the Salzburg Zoo has also caused a stir in Styrian zoos. “Unfortunately, dealing with dangerous animals is always a delicate matter. Safety therefore has the highest priority,” says Reinhard Pichler, zoological director of Tierwelt Herberstein, Styria’s largest zoo.
In Eastern Styria, animal keepers are therefore familiarized with the safety regulations from the start of their internship – training courses are also provided regularly. The lion enclosure is secured twice and there are two locks on each door. “This means that there are always at least two barriers between the keeper and the animal,” Pichler explains. What the expert also wants to emphasize: “Wild animals must remain wild animals. The fence is their territory that you just have to respect. That is why we avoid direct contact with all animals as much as possible.”
You see a similar situation on the Wilder Berg in Mautern. “There is no direct contact with our three brown bears, everything is double secured with bars and sliders,” explains zookeeper Sonja Gollenz. Other enclosures, such as those of wolves or lynxes, are entered even though there are residents. “But always at least in pairs and armed with a stick or tool such as a rake.”
Contrary to popular belief, wolves are shy and retreat when their keepers enter the enclosure; the lynxes are more “curious”. “If they have children, we don’t go inside at all for the first few weeks.”
Participating in the race in this way is unthinkable for Hermann Skof. Together with his partner Elke Weber he runs the Bärenhof in Berghausen. “Of course I am in the accommodation every day, but I am always secured with locks that can be operated manually. I am only with him when the animal is anesthetized.”
Fortunately, those responsible for Styria’s zoos cannot remember a tragedy like the one in Salzburg.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
