Tiger escape mishandled by zoo workers

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- San Francisco Zoo workers reportedly did not follow established protocol when facing an escaped tiger that fatally mauled a patron this week.

The San Francisco Chronicle said Saturday that, according to the zoo's official emergency plan, workers should have focused on warning patrons of the escaped tiger before attempting to recapture the animal.

Several individuals at the zoo during the tiger attack Tuesday said they were heard of any escape. Zoo visitor Rajesh Bhatia said he and his family were never told of the escaped tiger's presence until they were leaving the zoo.

"I don't know why they didn't let us know sooner," he told the Chronicle. "It's shocking. Thank God my family is alive."

Before being shot and killed by zoo workers, the escaped Siberian tiger fatally mauled 17-year-old Carlos Sousa Jr. and injured two of his friends.