BROKEN ARROW, Okla., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A 32-year-old man who volunteered at Safari's Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Broken Arrow, Okla., has died after being attacked by a liger, a site official says.
Lori Ensign, the owner and operator of the wildlife site, said Peter Getz died from wounds he received while feeding a lion-tiger hybrid cat last week, The Oklahoman said Saturday.
Ensign said details concerning last Wednesday's incident were still being determined, but it appeared the door to the animal's cage had been left open.
"For some reason, the gate door was opened, which never happens," Ensign said. "There were two other people there when it happened. We don't really know what exactly happened. It was just a routine feeding."
KJRH of Tulsa, Okla., said Ensign has already posted a message on her MySpace page remembering Getz and his work at the animal locale.
"I feel honored to have been able to work with such a man," Ensign said in the posting. "I dreamt of leaving our Safari's Sanctuary legacy to him for him to continue. That's how highly I think of this man."
