Tiger Attack z Crisis By: JennaGrace Morrison z Topeka Zoo - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Topeka Zoo Tiger Attack Crisis

By: JennaGrace Morrison

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Topeka Zoo Background

• Nonprofit in Topeka, Kansas
• Works with other zoos by

providing research regarding conservation efforts

z Crisis

▪ April 20, 2019: zookeeper was attacked by tiger named Sanjiv ▪ The employee received care in less than 10 minutes ▪ The zoo was open during the time of the attack, and patrons

witnessed the crisis

z Threats

▪ Crisis Type: Human-error accident ▪ The employee and tiger should have never been in the

same space

▪ The zoo takes specific safety measures in handling tigers ▪ Euthanization

z Media Response ▪

CNN, CBS, and ABC news covered the story.

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These news outlets had zoo director, Brendan Wiley, explain all the details of the crisis that took place.

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Wiley's statement, "The attack happened because of human error, and it was not the tiger's fault. They should have never been in the space together."

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The public made tweets about how they were glad the zookeeper will be okay, and how they were thankful that the tiger would not be euthanized.

z Organization Response ▪

The zoo closed for 45 minutes after the attack happened.

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Crisis strategy: Reminding

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Reminding: Wiley reminded the public that because they have such intense safety procedures, they were able to save the zookeepers life.

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"While the incident is very unfortunate, he did what a wild animal, what a wild tiger does."

z Evaluation: ▪

The steps that the zoo took during this crisis were extremely effective.

• 1. The zoo made sure the zookeeper and tiger were okay.
• 2. The zoo informed the public during every step of the crisis.
• 3. The zoo explained why the crisis happened.
• 4. The zoo took immediate actions in making sure the crisis won't

ever happen again.