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Spectators witnesses lioness kill eagle at Greater Toronto Zoo

Article online since June 29th 2008, 23:00
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VANCOUVER - Several spectators at the Greater Vancouver Zoo have had the misfortune of getting a first-hand look at nature taking its course.

A lioness pounced on a trained golden eagle belonging to the zoo's raptor show, killing the bird in its jaws.

Pablo Su and his family saw the whole event unfold Friday at the zoo, which is in Aldergrove, just outside of Vancouver.

He said crows were harassing the eagle as it sat on a log. That attracted the attention of two approaching lioness, but the bird managed to fly away.

"The third lioness was almost anticipating that move and was waiting," Su said. "As the eagle swooped down to pick up speed the third lioness just chased it down and pounced on it."

One of the eagle's trainers screamed at the lion, but despite her best efforts, the bird died.

Gary Worley, master falconer at the zoo, said that while he's mourning the bird's death, he accepts that animals have natural instincts.

This isn't the first time the zoo has attracted attention as a result of unusual circumstances. In May, a spider monkey named Jocko died after being beaten by someone who had broke into his cage.

Jocko's companion Mia was kidnapped and has not been found.

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