And the head and the neck...
An animal lover was mauled to death by cheetahs after entering their cage at a zoo in northern Belgium, authorities and zoo officials said Monday.Karen Aerts, 37, of Antwerp, was found dead in the cage, Olmense Zoo spokesman Jan Libot said. Police said they ruled out any foul play.
Authorities believe Aerts, a regular visitor to the zoo, hid in the park late Sunday until it closed and managed to find the keys to the cheetah cage.
"Karen loved animals. Unfortunately the cheetahs betrayed her trust," Libot said.
One of the cats that killed Aerts was named Bongo, whom the woman had adopted under a special program. She paid for Bongo's food, Libot said.
Animal rights group GAIA called for the immediate closure of the zoo, located 55 miles northeast of Brussels, saying it was unsafe for both visitors and the cats.
It's probably just unsafe for crazy cat ladies, much in the same way that Sea World is for those desiring a clandestine midnight skinnydip with killer whales.
Posted by floridacracker at February 14, 2007 02:01 AM"Police ruled out foul play."
Well, obviously, as cheetahs are felines.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at February 14, 2007 09:09 AM"She paid for Bongo's food..." in more ways than one. Now that's a food critic.
Posted by: Retread at February 14, 2007 10:33 AMRule #1
When playing poker in the Zoo and something doesn't seem right never confront the suspected cheetah with the words "eat me."
I understand authorities said she was found clutching an inferior pen.
What was that about (?)
"[T]he cheetahs betrayed her trust"?
Trusting a preditor not to do what comes naturally when you invade its home is not a wise move.
Posted by: marybeth at February 15, 2007 03:11 PMIt was that poker game and the total of 9 aces that caused the fight where the cat killed and ate the woman. But Yankee folk wisdom indicates that it won't do the bottom-dealing cat much good.
Everyone from Boston knows that "Cheetahs nevah prospah."
"why, I bit you because, ..because I am a Scorpion....."
Posted by: csason at February 18, 2007 09:55 AM