Two Illegal Domesticated Siberian Tigers Are Saved In Qingdao (Photo : Getty Images)
Contrary to earlier media reports that a family argument caused a female visitor to the Badaling Wildlife World zoo to leave her car and be attacked by a tiger, the victim, Zhao, said she was carsick. Because she blames the driver of the zoo patrol car nearby when the attack happened of not rescuing her after her husband asked for help, Zhao wants Badaling to pay her 2 million yuan as damage.
However, Chen Xu, a lawyer who specializes in civil dispute, said there is slim chance the park would pay her 2 million yuan because there was also a mistake on her part. He explained, “Compensation would have to be based on evidence that the woman had not made any mistake at the time.”
“But the truth is that she got out of the car herself. So I don't think she will win if she sues the zoo in court,” he continued.
The zoo and Zhao’s family have agreed that Badaling, located in Beijing, would pay the family 1.25 million yuan as compensation for the death of Zhao’s mother who ran after her daughter and attempted to rescue Zhao but got killed instead. But in the case of Zhao, the zoo insisted it is only 20 to 30 percent responsible for the injuries she sustained, China Daily reported.
She and the zoo agreed to pay her 745,000 yuan, however, Badaling is not willing to pay her more for mental anguish and future medical treatment, but Zhao wants more.
The zoo is backed by results of an investigation by the Yanqing District government, released on Aug. 24, that it was Zhao who triggered the tiger attack because of her failure to follow safety warnings. The report pointed out park visitors were reminded several times not to get out of their vehicles and the zoo have also installed reminders all over the place.
But investigators said the zoo must further improve its emergency training and discover more ways to remind visitor to follow rules for their safety.
However, He Bing, law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said Badaling could have some liability and Zhao has the right to sue for money. The professor added telling tourists not to leave their car is not enough, but Badaling must take responsibility for protecting guests.
