Police Officer Cleared In Tiger Attack At Zoo

Thu., Sept. 21, 2000

From Staff

Ada County prosecutors exonerated Boise police Sgt. Rich Schnebly of any wrongdoing from his involvement in a tiger attack that occurred more than a month ago.

Jan Gold was one of a dozen people led into the zookeeper’s hallway in the tiger building during the annual Feast for the Beast fundraiser Aug. 11. The door to the tiger’s den had been left unlocked.

Taiga, a 2-year-old male tiger, escaped and jumped on Gold. Schnebly fired three shots at the 600-pound cat to drive it back into its cage. One of the rounds broke Gold’s leg and caused nerve damage.

Still recovering at home, Gold said Tuesday she was pleased that Schnebly was cleared and expressed gratitude for the officer’s actions.

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Police Officer Cleared In Tiger Attack At Zoo

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