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Trainer Jeff Lucky Escape From Bengal Tiger

     13th July' 2010,

Trainer Jeff Lucky Escape From Bengal Tiger :

A wildlife park worker had a lucky escape after slipping during a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a giant Bengal white tiger. A crowd of onlookers held their breath as the park worker narrowly escaped a mauling after falling over while running from the fearsome beast. The dramatic scene was captured during a daily 'tiger splash' event at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, in Arizona, U.S.

The quick-thinking Mr Harwell immediately tries to distract the tiger with the inflatable dolphin they were using for the game. The tigers are usually so excited about capturing and popping the toy they do not harm the park workers. The workers then jump into a pool with the tiger at the end of the game. But this time Mr Harwell slipped over on the wet grass - and found himself between the two-year-old white tiger called Chalet and his inflatable toy. The tigers are supposed to chase and pop the inflatable toys, rather than the trainers - and sure enough Chalet's attention is diverted as the dolphin sails over his head. Chalet reaches out a lethal paw to claw the toy as Mr Harwell quickly rolls to his feet, ready to flee if necessary.

Gasps of horror were heard from the audience. But Mr Harwell - who was unharmed in the incident - continued to play with the tigers. Wildlife photographer Kathleen Reeder, who took the pictures said: 'It's an unbelievable event to watch and even more unbelievable when situations like this occur. 'We could tell Jeff's fall was unexpected and that he could easily be injured if he didn't react instantaneously. 'The other park workers were ready to jump in to help and watched intently while he reacted swiftly. 'Without missing a step, Jeff successfully diverted the tiger's attention, and the show went on as though this is all part of the event.