Feb 29, 2008 10:21 pm US/Pacific
Two Men Cited For Taunting San Francisco Zoo Rhino
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS / AP) ―
Security measures put in place following the fatal tiger mauling at the San Francisco Zoo last December have lead to two men being cited for antagonizing animals in the park, officials said Friday.
The men, in their early 20s, were detained about 4:30 p.m. Thursday and then cited for disturbing the animals, a misdemeanor.
The pair allegedly were throwing acorns at the zoo's two black rhinos. They were reported to authorities by another zoo visitor, who took heed of signs now posted encouraging people to call a zoo hotline when they see inappropriate behavior.
"We got a call regarding two men that apparently were throwing the items, possibly some tree branches, as well as some nuts from a tree nearby the black rhino exhibit," said Zoo Spokesman Paul Garcia.
He said the zoo obviously takes this issue very seriously in the wake of the Christmas Day tragedy. Two men and a teenager from San Jose were accused of taunting the tigers until one of the animals scaled the wall and went on the attack. The teen was killed, while the other two suffered serious injuries.
"It's pretty much the first time that it's come full circle," said Garcia. "We have received calls since posting these signs, which alert guests to respect the animals. The signs also alert guests that if they see anyone acting inappropriately to notify a zoo official."
Garcia said the rhinos, which are endangered, did not appear to be agitated by the incident, and are still on display to the public.
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