[FEL-L] FCF Press Release - Cheetah Injury a Rare Event

[Lynn Culver]

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb815824.htm

Cheetah Injury a Rare Event

Like all professional handlers at zoos and other conservation centers and
facilities, Ms. Berens understands the work-related hazards associated with
exotic cats. Statistics show Injuries from cheetah are very rare, but under
certain circumstances, any animal, whether domestic or wild, can be
stimulated to bite or scratch.

Wellington, FL (PRWEB) April 1, 2008 -- Panther Ridge Conservation Center
founder Judy Berens was injured by her two cheetahs Saturday during an
educational fund raiser at the center in Wellington, Florida. Ms. Berens,
who was in the cat's enclosure, was the only person injured. The adult males
had been hand raised in Africa and came to the U.S. as two-year-olds to act
as educational ambassadors.

Panther Ridge Conservation Center is accredited by the Feline Conservation
Federation. FCF accreditation committee chairperson Kevin Chambers says,
"Felines at Panther Ridge receive exceptional care and enrichment to keep
them healthy and mentally stimulated. The center is well designed and excels
in husbandry practices and maintains written contingency plans. "

"This was an unfortunate incident," Chambers notes, " but, the public was
never in danger." The FCF accreditation committee will review the facility's
protocol to see if any changes are recommended. A spokesperson for the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has stated it appears that
no violations and no laws were broken.

Preliminary reports are that a young attendee at the function excited one of
the cheetahs by kicking a ball outside the enclosure. The cheetah ran
towards the ball and in the process knocked Ms. Berens to the ground. As a
result, she sustained multiple punctures and scratches. She received
intravenous antibiotics and some stitches at the Delray Medical Center.

Panther Ridge is an important conservation education link that serves the
community by bringing awareness of wild felines and natural ecosystem
threats. Large felines are especially important in nature as their predation
balances the more numerous prey populations. Cheetahs in Africa are
endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Ms. Berens and the Feline
Conservation Federation understand that cheetahs in captivity are even more
at risk and need to be protected from harm.

Panther Ridge Conservation Center is state licensed to maintain clouded
leopard, ocelot, jaguar, black leopard, as well as cheetah and other feline
species. The facility also holds a federal license to exhibit and is
inspected by U.S. Department of Agriculture animal care officers.

Like all professional handlers at zoos and other conservation centers and
facilities, Ms. Berens understands the work-related hazards associated with
exotic cats. Being bitten or scratched is a possibility. "It's something you
can expect if you're going to be dealing with these animals," Ms. Berens
said.

Statistics show injuries from cheetah are very rare, but under certain
circumstances, any animal, whether domestic or wild, can be stimulated to
bite or scratch. The larger the feline, the greater potential injury, which
is why the Feline Conservation Federation Big Cat Policy discourages novice
ownership of the large cat species.

Feline Conservation Federation members are educators, trainers, private
owners, and those who manage felines at sanctuary, zoological and
conservation facilities. FCF president Lynn Culver says, "Ms. Berens is a
very dedicated conservationist, attending many educational seminars
nationally. She has a long record of supporting felid conservation globally.
Her contribution to conservation is important work. FCF supports her fully
and we wish her a quick and complete recovery."

###

Press Contact: LYNN CULVER
Company Name: Feline Conservation Federation
Email: Email Us Here: http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=815824
Phone: 4793945235
Website: www.felineconservation.org

More Information: http://www.prweb.com//releases/2008/4/prweb815824.htm
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