BLOOD-CRAZED ZOO BEAR KILLED! Escaped beast shot four times while ripping worker to shreds
ARAMPAGING zoo bear was shot and killed after escaping from his enclosure and ferociously mauling a screaming zookeeper, who was chased down by the blood-crazed bruin.
Known as a gentle and compliant critter before the attack, the North American black bear known as Johnny spent his five-year life at Florida’s Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens without a problem until
5:10 p.m. on Dec. 21 when the gate of his habitat was somehow left open. Johnny, who weighed about 400 pounds and was nearly six feet tall on his hind legs, rushed out and “went directly” after 35-year-old zookeeper Jennifer McCabe, according to police.
Terrified McCabe began crying for help and was heard by another worker who immediately called the zoo’s weapons team, says facility rep Kelly Rouillard. Meanwhile, zoo workers and at least one visitor began throwing things at the attacking bear to try to get him off the woman. Initially, a zoo official and the lethal weapons team stood by as the frenzied critter savaged Jennifer’s head, back and thighs, hoping veterinarians armed with tranquilizer guns would immediately arrive.
But when the docs didn’t show, a police report says the official “made the executive decision to move in and shoot the bear” fearing for Jennifer’s life as the beast continued to “viciously attack.” Johnny was hit with four 12-gauge shotgun blasts, suffering wounds in his head, chest and back. He crawled back into his pen, where he died. McCabe was rushed to a hospital, where she’s recovering.
State wildlife officials are keeping details of Johnny’s escape under wraps.
Last year, a zoo visitor was clawed by a jaguar after he jumped a gate and stuck his hand inside the exhibit.