Tiger attack victim sues Beijing animal park

A Beijing court heard a lawsuit on Tuesday over a fatal tiger attack at Badaling Wildlife World.

The plaintiff, identified as Zhao, has demanded 2.18 million yuan ($329,400) in damages after she was mauled by a Siberian tiger at the animal park on July 23 last year.

Zhao was attacked and dragged away by the tiger after she got out of her car in the park’s drive-through safari zone. Her mother, who attempted to save her, was mauled to death.

Footage of the tragedy was widely shared online.

In November last year, Zhao filed a lawsuit against Badaling Wildlife World, saying the park should take responsibility for the incident because it did not adequately warn visitors of the safety risks.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the plaintiff also argued that the drive-through safari zone was an illegal operation and that the park’s visitor areas have design problems.

Attorneys for the defense said the park denies liability and insists it performed its duties to warn visitors not to exit their cars.

“Rapid rescue measures were also taken immediately after the attack,” they added.

A verdict is expected at a later date.