08-21-2008, 11:10 AM
Swift response by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement and other officers averted potential tragedy when a lion and Bengal tiger escaped from their cage at McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary in Palm Beach County. The adult tiger and lion escaped sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Officers captured both animals by Wednesday morning and returned them to secure cages.
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary has been operated by Mark McCarthy as a traveling educational exhibit since the mid-1980s. McCarthy also holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
The FWC last inspected the facility on Jan. 29 and found no problems, except for an unlocked venomous reptile cage.
"The sanctuary has a good record with the FWC," said Capt. John West, FWC's captive wildlife coordinator. "They have met caging and sanitation requirements and have the required permits."
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary houses one lion, six tigers, five cougars, five leopards and other cats. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary also assisted in securing the tiger and lion. The FWC is investigating how the animals escaped their cage.
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary has been operated by Mark McCarthy as a traveling educational exhibit since the mid-1980s. McCarthy also holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
The FWC last inspected the facility on Jan. 29 and found no problems, except for an unlocked venomous reptile cage.
"The sanctuary has a good record with the FWC," said Capt. John West, FWC's captive wildlife coordinator. "They have met caging and sanitation requirements and have the required permits."
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary houses one lion, six tigers, five cougars, five leopards and other cats. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary also assisted in securing the tiger and lion. The FWC is investigating how the animals escaped their cage.