Tippi Hedren, mother of Hollywood film actress Melanie Griffith, operates an 80 acre wildlife habitat outside of Los Angeles. One of her Bengal tigers mauled a worker as he was cleaning the animals cage.
Chris Orr, the 40 year old worker, was listed in critical but stable condition after suffering bits to his neck. He was being assisted by the animal’s trainer when the 450 pound animal attacked.
Shambala Preserve was developed by Hedren in 1970. She took in the Bengal tiger in 2003 from a facility that had been shut down for illegal breeding practices. Hedren does not know what would have caused the animal to strike. The preserve is home to 60 endangered cats, including lions and tigers. Most were given up by zoos, circuses and private owners.
The California Department of Fish and Game is investigating the accident.