A shocking incident has rocked the world of big cat rescue operations in Florida. Candy Couser, a dedicated volunteer at Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue Centre, suffered devastating injuries when a tiger named Kimba attacked her during what should have been a routine feeding session. The attack was so severe that it nearly tore off Couser’s arm at the shoulder, requiring immediate emergency medical attention.
What Happened During the Tiger Attack
Image by pexels
The attack occurred during what appeared to be a standard feeding routine at the Tampa-based facility. Candy Couser was following her usual responsibilities when she noticed that Kimba wasn’t in his expected location within the enclosure. This seemingly minor detail would prove catastrophic.
According to Carole Baskin’s detailed explanation of events, Couser made a fatal error in judgment. She reached into the cage to unclip a gate that had been deliberately secured shut. At that moment, Kimba grabbed her arm with devastating force, nearly severing it completely at the shoulder.
The severity of the injuries cannot be overstated. Emergency responders described the wounds as life-threatening, requiring immediate surgical intervention. The volunteer’s quick thinking and the rapid response of rescue teams likely saved her life during those critical first moments.
Safety Protocol Violations Highlighted
Baskin’s statement revealed troubling details about the safety breach that led to this tragedy. The clipped gate served as the facility’s “universal symbol NOT to open a gate” – a crucial safety measure that was apparently ignored or misunderstood.
More concerning was Baskin’s admission that reaching into any cage containing a big cat violates their established protocols entirely. This raises serious questions about volunteer training and supervision at the facility. How did an experienced volunteer make such a dangerous mistake?
The incident exposes potential gaps in safety procedures at private rescue facilities. While Baskin emphasized that proper protocols existed, their enforcement and volunteer education clearly failed in this instance.
Tiger Faces Isolation Despite Normal Behavior
Image by pexels
Kimba will spend the next 30 days in isolation following the attack, though Baskin stressed that the tiger was simply behaving naturally. She explained that Kimba was “just acting normal due to the presence of food and the opportunity” when the attack occurred.
Remarkably, Couser herself reportedly wants no consequences for the tiger that nearly killed her. This compassionate response demonstrates the dedication many volunteers feel toward these powerful animals, even after suffering devastating injuries.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of working with large predators, regardless of rescue intentions. Tigers remain wild animals with natural instincts that can turn deadly in seconds, even in supposedly controlled environments.
This attack adds another controversial chapter to Carole Baskin’s already complicated public image, stemming from her prominent role in Tiger King and ongoing questions about her late husband’s disappearance.
