Singapore Zoo explains why tranquilliser guns weren't used in fatal mauling
<!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --> I REFER to the online letter on Tuesday from Ms Soumitra Ray ("Fatal mauling: Disheartened by zoo's response").
We would like to assure and address Ms Ray's concerns posed in her letter.
During the incident, tranquilliser guns were not used because they do not work instantaneously. Essentially, it takes between five and 10 minutes before the effect sets in. If darted, the tiger may react adversely to the sudden impact and redirect it to Mr Nordin. As for the weapons that had been drawn out, there was no need to use them as by then the tigers had already been safely confined in their dens. The 16 licensed shooters we have on hand will take the necessary steps if a human life is at risk. This will require them to draw firearms from a gun safe and report to the scene of the emergency. They will then assist the veterinarians in subduing the animal, and if necessary, shoot to kill a dangerous animal. We would like to assure Ms Ray that we conduct regular audits on our exhibits and have frequent emergency drills. The standard operating procedure we have in place is comprehensive and effective. On a daily and regular basis, we have 80 zookeepers and operations staff patrolling the park. We would like to also clarify that the safety of both visitors and zookeepers are our top priority. Where safety and human life are concerned, visitors and keepers are equally important. The Singapore Zoo upholds stringent international safety standards and maintains these safety measures at all times. Our exhibits are designed with precautionary features that comply with (and sometimes even exceed) international safety standards and guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. There are safety features built into our exhibits to prevent people from falling into the moat. We are also reviewing the possibility of setting up alarms at various points within the park so that visitors can sound the alarm should they need help. We would like to thank Ms Ray for her letter. We hope this clarifies.
Subash Chandran
Curator, Zoology
Singapore Zoo
<!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --> I REFER to the online letter on Tuesday from Ms Soumitra Ray ("Fatal mauling: Disheartened by zoo's response").
We would like to assure and address Ms Ray's concerns posed in her letter.
During the incident, tranquilliser guns were not used because they do not work instantaneously. Essentially, it takes between five and 10 minutes before the effect sets in. If darted, the tiger may react adversely to the sudden impact and redirect it to Mr Nordin. As for the weapons that had been drawn out, there was no need to use them as by then the tigers had already been safely confined in their dens. The 16 licensed shooters we have on hand will take the necessary steps if a human life is at risk. This will require them to draw firearms from a gun safe and report to the scene of the emergency. They will then assist the veterinarians in subduing the animal, and if necessary, shoot to kill a dangerous animal. We would like to assure Ms Ray that we conduct regular audits on our exhibits and have frequent emergency drills. The standard operating procedure we have in place is comprehensive and effective. On a daily and regular basis, we have 80 zookeepers and operations staff patrolling the park. We would like to also clarify that the safety of both visitors and zookeepers are our top priority. Where safety and human life are concerned, visitors and keepers are equally important. The Singapore Zoo upholds stringent international safety standards and maintains these safety measures at all times. Our exhibits are designed with precautionary features that comply with (and sometimes even exceed) international safety standards and guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. There are safety features built into our exhibits to prevent people from falling into the moat. We are also reviewing the possibility of setting up alarms at various points within the park so that visitors can sound the alarm should they need help. We would like to thank Ms Ray for her letter. We hope this clarifies.
Subash Chandran
Curator, Zoology
Singapore Zoo
