Altamont — A local teenager who was killed while having her picture taken with a Siberian tiger was remembered by classmates and teachers for her energy and "zeal for life," while two animal welfare groups demanded investigations into the attack.
Haley Hil-derbrand, 17, was visiting the Lost Creek Animal Sanctuary on Thursday in Mound Valley, where, for years, high school seniors have gone to have their class photos taken alongside the sanctuary's exotic fauna.
While the 7-year-old tiger was being restrained by the sanctuary's owner, Doug Billingsly, it turned and severely bit Hilderbrand, who later died of her wounds.
The tiger was killed and has been sent to Kansas State University for a necropsy.
Authorities said this was the first incident involving the sanctuary's animals since it opened in 1994 as a home to almost two dozen wild animals.
Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said state and federal officials should investigate.
"People are naturally fascinated by these wild and dangerous creatures, but that doesn't mean they should have direct access to these powerful and unpredictable animals," Pacelle said. "A spate of recent attacks demonstrates that these animals pose a threat to public safety and should only be handled by highly trained professionals in controlled environments at accredited zoos."
Labette County emergency medical service Capt. Terry Staggs walks behind a 7-year-old Siberian tiger that was shot dead by Labette County law enforcement officers at the Lost Creek Animal Sanctuary on Thursday morning in Mound Valley. Law enforcement officials are investigating what made the animal turn and attack 17-year-old Haley Hilderbrand as she posed for a picture at the sanctuary.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals went a step further, demanding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture yank Billingsly's exhibitor license to operate the sanctuary.
"Keeping animals in totally unnatural, cramped, substandard conditions isn't just inhumane, it's downright dangerous," said director Debbie Leahy.
USDA spokesman Darby Holladay said regulations required that exhibitors of big cats kept adequate distance or barriers between the animals and the viewing public and said an investigation was ongoing.
Billingsly declined to comment to the Parsons Sun and hasn't returned phone calls and e-mails from The Associated Press for comment.
Billingsly's neighbors said they haven't had problems with the animals and said Billingsly ran a good operation.
Dean Fouts said his two daughters both had their senior pictures taken with the big cats.
"(Billingsly) has put a lot of time and work into it, and I'd hate to see him lose his business," Fouts said.
The photographer, Gail Weldon, declined to comment Friday. She did tell the Parsons Sun that she has taken photos with the tigers before and never had any problems.
Hilderbrand's family has avoided talking to the media.
At Labette County High School, crisis teams were set up to help students cope on the first day of school, which is Monday.
English teacher Catherine Dean, who had Hilderbrand in some of her classes and even used her as a baby sitter, said Hilderbrand often went to the sanctuary. She described the girl as a "good student" and "a real joy to have in class."
"She kind of had this zeal for life, and she wanted to live it to the fullest," Dean said. "Anytime someone this young dies, it's horrible. I feel numb."
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