Leopard escape at Odessa Zoo leaves worker hospitalized
A dramatic incident unfolded at the Odessa Zoo when a leopard attacked an employee, leaving the man with serious injuries and requiring hospitalization.
The dangerous event occurred as the employee, unaware of the nearby leopard, attempted to clean the cage. Consequently, he suffered severe injuries to his head, neck, and spine and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police officers arrived at the scene to find two employees in the enclosure, with one trying to assist the injured colleague. The leopard, which had escaped the enclosure, posed a significant threat to people. Attempts to sedate the animal proved unsuccessful, compelling the police to resort to using firearms.
The zoo director, Ihor Biljakov, explained that the cause of the attack was the employee's violation of safety rules. He stressed that the young leopard, named Casanova, was not to blame for the incident. The injured employee remains hospitalized with multiple injuries.
