OCHOPEE, Fla.—A Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours employee received injuries to his hands and arms today while feeding tigers in the company’s animal sanctuary. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The tigers were not injured and remain in their enclosure.
Wooten’s is licensed to care for tigers by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Department of Agriculture.
Wooten’s is working with law enforcement in an ongoing investigation of the incident. When the investigation is finished, a report will be released. After that time, Wooten’s will publish an updated statement.
All of us at Wooten’s offer our sincere sympathies to the employee and his family, and wish him a speedy recovery.
April 15, 2022 Update
The Collier County Sherriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have completed their investigations. The Commission’s official report was issued with no violations.
The employee involved in the incident has received medical care and is expected to make a full recovery. He has returned to work at Wooten’s.