Potawatomi Zoo worker recovering after leopard attack
Potawatomi Zoo worker recovering after leopard attack Save Email Print
Posted: 5:06 PM May 24, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:37 AM May 26, 2008
34 comments
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It was a rough start to the Memorial Day weekend in Michiana.

In South Bend, a Potawatomi Zoo worker was attacked Saturday by one of the zoo's leopards.

The zookeeper, Jeri Ellis, was taken to a local hospital for care, but was able to return home Sunday.

The attack happened about 11:30 a.m. in the leopard’s holding area.

The zoo's director says the zookeeper was doing her daily routine when the leopard attacked.

“It's sort of the nature of the business, as you said. We work with wild animals, and that potential is always there, and people really need to be careful when they are dealing with animals,” Terry DeRosa explained. “Unfortunately, something happened today.”

The director admits he is not sure why the animal was with the keeper in the holding area, but stresses that there was never any risk to anyone visiting the zoo.
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Posted by: Ryan Location: Elkhart on Jun 8, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I was just at the zoo. It is very nice. However I do think they should send the lions and the chimps to another zoo until they can give them a larger area. I'm not sure they could get enough space for the lions.
Posted by: Garry Asmus Location: Pokagon on May 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I am glad that the zoo keeper is going to be fine. Attention fellow Baby Boomers, remember the zoo 40 yeas ago, My God the zoo is a palace now compared to 40 years ago!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 28, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I am relieved the keeper will recover. Working in zoos there are many hazards and should not fault the zoo or the keeper in this incident. It happens and is a job risk they are willing to take for the love of what they do.
Posted by: Jim B on May 28, 2008 at 03:47 PM
The animals pacing is supposed to mean it's a bad zoo? Get a grip! As one who lived and worked in farming all my life, and with a wide variety of pets/livestock- ALL animals pace from time to time- even the notoriously lazy swine. Perhaps Jackie saw these animals right before feeding (which ALWAYS makes my cats and dogs pace and look annoyed) and made that all to common foolish leap to an obscure conclusion. Not having been in the Potowatomi Zoo in "umpteen" years, I couldn't assess how good they are for their animals, but to accuse them because "animals paced" is absurd. As for "natural" conditions, the fact is animals live longer and are more healthy in captivity than they are in nature, and they have to be observed to sustain their luxurious living quarters. I wasted my money once going to a zoo where the "natural" conditions hid most of the animals. Won't do that again, and neither would you, if you are honest about it.
Posted by: Megan Location: Elkhart on May 27, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Hey Jackie- It's a ZOO..how "natural" can their conditions be in an enclosed pen?! Would you prefer 15-acre exhibits with replica swamps and jungles? sheesh. Sorry it doesn't live up to your standards. Again, too many nay-sayers. I'm glad we at least have a decent zoo so close to home, and I'm relieved that the keeper wasn't seriously injured! I will be taking my son very soon because it's money and time well spent and I very much appreciate all the workers, volunteers, and donations that make my family outings there possible:)
Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on May 27, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Thank You Nancy!! That is the reason for the zoo! Does anyone has a problem with conserving animals?!?!? If you do then I am sure your not the one complaining about tight spaces.. you'd rather just let them become extinct! I have seen many animals in their natural habitats in Africa and other places. These animals are treated with the utmost respect from their Keepers! I know these people personally. They aren't there for the publics approval ... they are there for the animals! They love their jobs and anything that they can do to improve the quality of life, they do and push for funding in those areas. If you have issues with the zoo, notify the city. It's their responsibility to make sure it has the funding it needs.
Posted by: Nancy Location: Mishawaka on May 27, 2008 at 03:33 AM
An accredited zoos' main purpose is conservation. Captive breeding environments are necessary for many endangered species to avoid extinction. By allowing public to view the animals, the conservation program is able to raise $$$ for care of their animals. Thus, a zoo is born. Animals pace out of boredom, because they have nothing to do. Accredited zoos make sure all animals are thoroughly entertained and are comfortable at all times. However, despite zoos' best efforts, some animals still get bored, and pace. Also, animals that have lived in horrible, boring environments before coming to their zoos, may continue to pace, not out of boredom, but out of habit. There are horrible zoos out there, that's true. But please stop having misconceptions about accredited zoos. Accredited zoos create environments in which animals may behave the same way they would've in the wild. Zoos don't keep animals for fun; they keep them for 2 reasons: to help save these animals & because of YOU, the public.
Posted by: Anna Location: Niles on May 26, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I go to the zoo quite often.Jackie to tell you the truth I'm glad to see the animals being active. Pacing animals does not mean they have gone mad.This zoo has been around a long time.Have you seen how big the lions cage is? They have room.The Leopards have plenty of room too.The Leopard apparently had a cub,and felt threatned.I agree with ME Shut up please! The zoo did make many repairs.
Posted by: Tracy Location: Indiana on May 26, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I have to side with Jackie and Julie as far as the zoo having too little room for the animals. Has anyone been to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo lately? Now there's a zoo that was built to accommodate the animals! My kids like both zoos, but I'm not going to pay a ridiculous amount of money to visit the South Bend zoo anytime soon. Glad to hear the worker in the leopard holding area is doing fine.
Posted by: Joe Location: Goshen on May 26, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Come on now, I don't think it's neccesary to resort to name calling on the basis of differing opinions. The statements by Julie and Jackie seem to be made about one day at the zoo. Like I said previously, we have a membership and we are at the zoo at least a dozen times per year. Some days the animals do seem a bit lethargic and bored. But that could be from the weather or another factor. Most days we see something new from a few different animals. As far as the space issues, that seems like pressing to find fault to me. Some of the exhibits seem almost too big. One of the tigers does tend to pace back and forth but if you stand close to the glass and make yourself seen he will usually come over and stand up or bat at your hands in a playful manner. These animals are kept safe and well fed and have excellent care provided for them. They lead a much better life than they would struggling to survive in the wild.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 26, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Our school went on a field trip to the zoo about 2 weeks ago, and inside the reptile house, there were cockroaches everywhere!
Posted by: single standard on May 26, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Everyone says julies crazy, wasnt there a story not long ago how the zoo was in bad shape and needed money and they were looking at closing it cuz it needed so many repairs? I think this very station ran the story about how the zoo didnt pass some sort of testing.
Posted by: anonymous on May 26, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I talked to a SBFD friend yesterday, and he said the zoo keeper got into the middle of the mother and her cub and mom didn't like it. Leopards are like any other wild or not, you don't get to close to there babies.
Posted by: Me Location: South Bend on May 26, 2008 at 05:03 AM
I am glad to see the rest of the community is giving positive feedback on the zoo. We need this! As for Julie and Jackie, you two are the biggest morons around. You apparently don't have any idea of animals and what they are like. Shut up please!
Posted by: Jackie Location: Goshen on May 25, 2008 at 09:03 PM
I agree with Julie. These animals are not in natural conditions. I was there last summer, and several of the animals seemed as is they had gone "mad". Pacing back and forth in the same path over and over. My son and I felt very sad when we saw this. The conditons were not terrible, they were just not large enough or anywhere near natural. I do hope the zoo worker is ok.
Posted by: Liz Location: South Bend on May 25, 2008 at 07:36 PM
My children love the zoo. They even have gotten to know some of the animals names by talking with the zoo staff. We have a zoo pass and visit at least once a week. I think that the zoo is in very good shape. They have something for everyone ( except Julie), come out and take a look, it is a great family place! My prayers go to the zoo staff, and my heart is hurting for the negitive comment about my families favorite place.
Posted by: Laurie Location: Niles on May 25, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I think every zoo looked at safety again after the tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo this past Christmas. Give people a break, the administration is aware of safety issues, I'm sure.
Posted by: Alicia Location: Benton HArbor, MI on May 25, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I just wanted to say to julie, you are crazy. I took my 1 year old there on May 24, 2008 and we loved it. The amimals were out and playing and all look happy and healthy to me. All areas were clean and well taken care of. The animals in the inside exibit were being feed, and the areas were being cleaned when we first arrived. I had not been there since I was a kid and I think I had more fun than the 8 year old and 1 year old I had with me. I got a zoo membership and plan on making more tips there this summer. The zoo is a great family outing.
Posted by: Becky Location: S.B. on May 25, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Glad the keeper is ok. Could have been alot worse. For the keeper and the leopard.Zoos are needed, like it or not. Most zoos today are working on improving themselves, for the sake of the animals, and the visitors. A lot of times, it all comes down to $$$ and politics. Look at the St. Joe Humane Society. It has been in bad shape for tooo long.
Posted by: bill Location: mishawaka on May 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with this person who was injured. Just think about how dangerous some people's everyday job is. What a reminder to not ever let your gaurd down no matter how many times you do the same dangerous thing. obviously the animal was not supposed to be in the holding area when the worker was in there. someone forgot to do their job correctly. too bad.
Posted by: Betty Location: Mishawaka on May 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
As a zoo volunteer and frequent visitor, I am shocked and saddened about this attack. But this does not prove that living conditions are poor or that animals are attacking because they are unhappy. Our zoo needs constant support from the community to improve both guest and resident experiences. Please: go to the zoo, pay admission or buy a membership, ride the train, visit the butterflies, enjoy the concession food, find a treasure in the gift shop, buy a commemorative brick in memory of a loved one, donate money or time, and see how much the keepers love their animals!
Posted by: MJ Location: South Bend on May 25, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Julie - you say that you don't go there anymore well that says it all. People who do not know what they are talking about, need to refrain from commenting. I remember when this zoo was not the most appealing place to go many many years ago. I recently took my kids there and I have to say they have made strides and the place looked great! We will be going again soon, as my daughter asks me almost daily when we will be going back! :)
Posted by: angie Location: Osceola on May 25, 2008 at 08:17 AM
The Potawatomi zoo is a beautiful zoo with animals in clean, spacious conditions. Julia obvoiusly does not know what she is talking about. The zoo is helping breed animals that otherwise would no longer be in existance. If you feel the need to trash such a beautiful, well cared for place maybe you should donate time or money for larger spaces for these animals. I know that they could use volunteers and can always use supplies and cash for the many things needed to keep it running so our children and the next generation can learn all about the species that live there!
Posted by: Joe Location: Goshen on May 25, 2008 at 08:13 AM
The zoo is one of the best values for parents in the area. Granted, if you only visit once and pay the normal admission prices it can be outrageous but we buy a membership every year for $55.00 which is about what we would pay to go twice. We then get to go as often as we want. Each of us has our own favorite animals and it's nice to be able to visit them several times per year. Julie's comment is the same arguement against zoos that has become cliche. There has to be a balance between space for the animals and space for them to be viewed by the visitors. The wild dog exhibit they opened is an example of this. There is just too much space and it's often hard to see these two animals. And of all of the animals there I have never seen any looking mistreated or miserable. A lot of them seem to really enjoy the attention they receive. And what's not mentioned in the leopard attack article is that there is a baby leopard at the zoo. I'm thinking the mother might have felt threatened somehow.
Posted by: Me Location: South Bend on May 25, 2008 at 04:33 AM
I am sad to hear about the accident to the zookeeper. My prayers are with this individual. To 'Julie', you are a complete moron! To log on here and 'slam' the Potowatimi zoo is horrible. This is an awesome zoo! We live in a smaller community and it is nice to have something like this. My wife and I take our son there a lot and he loves learning about the zoo and animals. STOP trying to ruin it for people like us who love it. I've enjoyed this zoo since I was a little kid, they have done many many improvements over the years, and it gets better. I agree with 'Tim', try donating to help the cause INSTEAD of being the PROBLEM. Shut up for once!!
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Elkhart on May 25, 2008 at 02:20 AM
I don't know if the male or female attacked, but they do have a cub, that could be reason. Julie, the zoo is great shape. The AZA comes next year. If the zoo did not pass, the AZA would yank alot of animals for other zoos. You have no clue what you are talking about.
Posted by: Leo the Lion Location: Powatatomi on May 24, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Looks like Leopard 1 Zookeeper0 Game Set and Match
Posted by: JL Location: Michigan on May 24, 2008 at 11:46 PM
We actually visited the zoo today and were there when this happened and besides seeing the emergency vehicles, didn't really know what was going on. My thoughts are with the zookeeper. On another note, we had a wonderful time today. The zoo has made many improvements over the last couple of years and it is a great place to take your family. The butterfly house has been a beautiful new addition that our 1 and 8 year old children really enjoyed today. I think maybe some of the local residents are missing out on an enjoyable and memorable trip to the zoo.
Posted by: Tim Location: SB on May 24, 2008 at 10:44 PM
To "Julie". You do not know what you are talking about. P-zoo, and most zoos, do all that they can for their animals. In a perfect world zoos would not have to exist, but this isn't a perfect world. The animals at zoos are loved by their keepers. How about, instead of making unfounded accusations about the living conditions at the zoo, try helping somehow. Maybe donate much needed money or supplies, or even your time. Whatever you do, educate yourself, before tossing around any more rash opinions. Also, accreditation isn't until '09. So, once again, you don't know what you are talking about.
Posted by: Frank Location: SB on May 24, 2008 at 09:28 PM
My Prayers are with the zookeeper, and my hopes are that she recovers soon.
Posted by: Joe Location: Mishawaka on May 24, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Wear a shark proof suit next time. Or get some chainmail to wear over your arms and legs and head and neck. Let him bite into that........
Posted by: julie Location: South Bend on May 24, 2008 at 07:24 PM
The animals are kept in cramped spaces, far too little to accomadate their needs and the zoo is in deplorable condition. I no longer take my kids there because it saddens me to see such beautiful creatures kept in such horrific areas. Maybe it attacked out of fear. Been to the zoo lately to see the conditions? It didn't even pass accredidation.
Posted by: LW Location: Mishawaka on May 24, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Ugh, which zoo keeper was it? I know someone who does that job there.
Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on May 24, 2008 at 05:29 PM
To bad this had to hapen. Glad to hear the injuries were non-life threatening. Hope the zookeeper recovers quickly. I used to go to this zoo alot many years back. It was always like a nice place to take the kids.

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