Update: Wolf Killed at Chicago Zoo
Published November 20, 2003
BROOKFIELD -- Brookfield Zoo officials have not decided whether to seek charges against a middle-age woman injured last week after she reached into an adult wolf's cage, a zoo spokeswoman said Wednesday.
The wolf, an 11-year-old northern gray named Cinnamon Bear, was shot and killed by a zoo police officer Nov. 12 to prevent the woman from suffering further injuries to her forearm. The woman apparently hopped a 3 1/2-foot-high fence and reached through a second chain-link fence to pet the wolf, who was in its favorite sleeping corner at the time.
Zoo officials are reviewing their options, said spokeswoman Sondra Katzen, who would not elaborate.
"It could take days, weeks or months," Katzen said. "It's something that [officials] don't want to jump into lightly, if they choose to pursue it."
After the attack, the woman was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Zoo and hospital officials have declined to release information about her identity or condition.
Since the incident, Katzen said the zoo has received more than 375 calls and e-mails, most expressing outrage that the woman's actions led to the wolf's death.
Copyright © 2003, Chicago Tribune
