The 2016 incident at Badaling Wildlife World happened in a matter of seconds
A Tragic Day at Badaling Wildlife World
A 2016 safari trip at Badaling Wildlife World in Beijing, China, ended in unimaginable tragedy when a tiger attacked and killed a woman, while another guest sustained serious injuries. The horrifying incident, which was captured on video, highlighted the dangers of ignoring safety rules in wildlife parks.
Visitors to Badaling Wildlife World are allowed to drive their own cars through certain enclosures, including the Siberian tiger exhibit, but exiting vehicles is strictly forbidden. Prior to entering the park, guests must sign an agreement acknowledging this rule. The victim, identified by her surname Zhao, later claimed she misunderstood the purpose of the document she signed, believing it was merely a registration form to enter the park.
The Moment the Safari Turned Deadly
The chilling footage shows Zhao stepping out of her vehicle during the safari. She reportedly felt carsick and exited to walk to the other side of the car. As she stood near the open door, a tiger suddenly appeared, lunged at her, and dragged her off-screen. Her family immediately sprang into action, with a man—believed to be her husband—and an older woman, later identified as Zhao’s mother, rushing to her aid.
While Zhao survived the initial attack, her mother was fatally mauled by another tiger as she tried to rescue her daughter. Despite their courageous attempts, the incident ended in heartbreak.
Mixed Reactions and Lawsuit
The aftermath of the tragedy sparked widespread debate online. Many viewers blamed the victims for violating park rules, pointing out the clear warnings against exiting vehicles in dangerous enclosures. Others expressed sympathy for the family, questioning whether the park had done enough to ensure visitors fully understood the risks.
Zhao later filed a lawsuit against Badaling Wildlife World, accusing the park of failing to adequately explain the dangers and alleging negligence on the part of a nearby park official who she claimed did not intervene. However, an investigation by authorities in the Yanqing District determined that the park was not at fault. Their report concluded that the incident was not an “industry security accident” and occurred due to the visitors’ failure to adhere to the park’s rules.
A Reminder of the Dangers in Wildlife Parks
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety protocols in wildlife parks. The rules, though sometimes inconvenient, are designed to protect both visitors and the animals within these environments. Zhao’s devastating loss underscores the potentially fatal consequences of ignoring them.