Volunteer’s arm ‘almost torn’ in tiger attack at Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue

A volunteer was bitten and seriously injured by a tiger Thursday morning at Big Cat Rescue, the Florida wildlife sanctuary run by Carole Baskin.

The non-profit organization said in a statement on Facebook that volunteer Candy Couser reached her arm in a doorway during lunchtime when she was attacked by a tiger named Kimba.

“It is against our protocols for anyone to put part of their body in a cage with a cat in it. Kimba grabbed his arm and almost tore it in the shoulder,” the statement said.

A worker heard the commotion and ran to help as the tiger released its hold on Couser. A nurse helped stop the bleeding while another worker did a makeshift tourniquet.

An ambulance arrived within 15 to 20 minutes of the crash, depending on the facility.

The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Service, which answered the call, referred questions to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which issued a statement only stating that the incident was under investigation. investigation.

“Carole has reminded everyone that this kind of tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye and we can’t let go of our guard for a second around these dangerous cats,” Big Cat Rescue said, adding advisers in mourning would be available.

Couser was rushed to hospital and was conscious when she arrived, according to Big Cat Rescue.

Kimba will be quarantined for the next 30 days as a precaution.

The Sanctuary and Baskin were featured in Netflix’s “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” documentary. Baskin, an outspoken animal rights advocate, founded Big Cat Rescue in November 1992. He currently has over 50 exotic cats.