Horrific moment Florida cop shoots and kills tiger that seized screaming zoo cleaner’s arm after he tried to ‘pet and feed’ the apex predator
- Video shows the moment Eko, an eight-year-old Malayan tiger at Naples Zoo, was fatally shot Wednesday night after seizing a cleaner River Rosenquist’s arm
- Police claim Rosenquist entered an unauthorized part of the tiger enclosure and stuck his arm through the fencing in an attempt to feed or pet Eko
- The tiger clamped down on his arm, leaving the worker screaming out in pain: ‘Please help me! Please help me!’
- Sheriff’s deputies tried kicking the enclosure in an attempt to get Eko to free the worker but were unsuccessful, prompting the gunfire
- The deputy who shot the tiger allegedly believed it was the only way to save Rosenquist’s life
- It is unclear at this time if Rosenquist, who is employed by a third-party cleaning service, will face criminal charges over the incident
Police body camera video shows the horrific moment a Florida cop shot and killed a tiger after it seized the arm of a zoo cleaner who allegedly tried to pet and feed it.
The graphic video shows River Rosenquist, 26, of Naples, bloodied and on the ground at the Naples Zoo tiger enclosure as he screams out in pain: ‘Please help me! Please help me! Oh my God! Shoot it! I’m going to die!’
Collier County sheriff’s deputies tried kicking the enclosure, where Eko, an eight-year-old Malayan tiger, was housed, in an attempt to get the animal to free the worker.
After an unsuccessful attempt, the deputy – believing he had no other options – fired a single shot at the tiger in an attempt to save Rosenquist’s life.
Eko could be heart grunting around the time the fatal shot was fired, then retreated to the rear of the enclosure where he died.
Police body camera video shows the horrific moment a Florida cop shot and killed a tiger after it seized the arm of a zoo cleaner River Rosenquist, 26, who tried to pet and feed it
Eko (pictured), an eight-year-old Malayan tiger, was killed Wednesday night after a deputy struck him with a single shot
Deputies were called to the zoo around 6.26pm Wednesday after Rosenquist violated the park’s rules by entering the tiger enclosure.
Preliminary investigation revealed he was supposed to be cleaning the restrooms and gift shop when he decided to enter an unauthorized area of the tiger enclosure and stuck his hand through.
He appeared to be either petting or feeding the tiger, both of which police say are ‘unauthorized and dangerous activities’.
Eko then grabbed his arm and attempted to pull him into the enclosure, prompting authorities authorities to step in.
Video shows Rosenquist, of Naples, bloodied and on the ground at the Naples Zoo tiger enclosure as he screams out in pain: ‘Please help me! Please help me!’
Rosenquist appeared to be either petting or feeding the tiger, both of which police say are ‘unauthorized and dangerous activities’
Collier County sheriff’s deputies tried kicking the enclosure, where Eko was housed, in an attempt to free the worker. However, their attempts were unsuccessful
‘Our deputy did everything he could do in that situation and he ultimately made the only possible decision he could in order to save this man’s life,’ Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a press release.
‘This was a tragic encounter at our world-class zoo facility. We value our community partnership with the Naples Zoo and their focus on conservation and education.’
Rosenquist was seriously injured during the incident and to a nearby hospital for treatment. His current condition remains unknown.
After the shooting, deputies flew a drown over the enclosure, attempting to determine Eko’s injuries, and found him unresponsive.
A zoo veterinarian tranquilized the tiger and entered the enclosure to assess his injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed Rosenquist was supposed to be cleaning the restrooms and gift shop when he decided to enter an unauthorized area of the tiger enclosure and stuck his hand through
After the shooting, deputies flew a drown over the enclosure, attempting to determine Eko’s injuries, and found him unresponsive. A zoo veterinarian later determined he had died from his injuries
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is working with state and federal prosecutors to investigate the incident and determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Rosenquist. Officials also note he is employed by a third-party cleaning service and not a member of zoo staff
The animal medical expert determined Eko had died from his injuries.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is working with state and federal prosecutors to investigate the incident and determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Rosenquist.
Officials also note the cleaner is employed by a third-party cleaning service and not a member of zoo staff.
It remains unclear what company he works for or if the organization will take disciplinary action.
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