Cat Haven, the big cat park in California where a lion attacked and killed 24-year-old intern Dianna Hanson last Wednesday, re-opened yesterday with the permission of her family.
While Dianna was cleaning the large enclosure, the 4-year-old African male lion allegedly raised the gate to his smaller cage, came out and pounced on her. According to Fresno County Coroner David Hadden, her neck fractured as a result of the impact and she died on the spot. The 550-pound lion named Cous Cous was shot and killed when it could not be coaxed away from her body.
Cat Haven held a moment of silence at noon in memory of the young woman.
The place is a non-profit zoo managed by Project Survival, in Dunlap, a small town in Fresno County near King's Canyon National Park. The sanctuary's Founder Dale Anderson explained to AP that the park was re-opening to the public so that the remaining 29 wildcats could be looked after as Dianna would have wanted.
Wendy Debbas, President of Project Survival, received a note from Dianna's mother, Donna Anderson which contained the words "It is my desire that they continue their mission in support of saving my daughter's beloved creatures…" The victim’s family members were generous in their forgiveness, and helped redeem Cat Haven by starting a fund in her memory, asking the public to donate to the wildlife organizations loved by Dianna.
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