Marine World Trainer Gored by Elephant

[Kadie]

Marine World Trainer Gored by Elephant

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- An elephant trainer at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo was in critical condition Tuesday after he was gored by one of the pachyderms, a fire department spokesman said.

Patrick Chapple, 39, was standing next to 7,000-pound Misha, a 23-year-old female African elephant, at about 3:30 p.m. when the animal turned suddenly from grazing and knocked him to the ground.

When paramedics arrived, the 39-year-old man was suffering from a penetrating wound to the abdomen, but was alert and talking, according to Vallejo Fire Department spokesman William Tweedy.

"All the way through," Tweedy said of the injury. A park spokesman confirmed that Chapple was gored.

more... http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=1910670

[NMDemDist2]

1. elephants are smart and will get back at anyone who

mistreats them

my bet is this guy has not been gentle with the Dumbos

[kskiska]

2. Elephants usually have a reason

for attacking trainers and caretakers.