Topeka zookeeper’s condition improving after tiger attack

photo by: Chris Neal/The Topeka Capital-Journal via AP, File

This November 2018 file photo shows Sanjiv, a Sumatran tiger at the Topeka Zoo in Topeka. City officials say Sanjiv attacked a zookeeper early Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the zoo. (Chris Neal/The Topeka Capital-Journal via AP, File)

Topeka — The director of the Topeka Zoo says a zookeeper who was attacked by a Sumatran tiger remains in intensive care but her prognosis for recovery is good.

The zookeeper was attacked Saturday while in the outdoor tiger habitat of Sanjiv, a 7-year-old male tiger.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports zoo director Brendan Wiley said the zookeeper was talking Saturday night. Wiley said she remained in intensive care Sunday but could be transferred out of the unit soon.

The woman has worked at the zoo since 2002 and has several years of experience with tigers.

Wiley said the zoo is conducting an investigation and will determine what protocol changes might be needed after talking to the injured employee.

The zoo has no plans to euthanize Sanjiv, who was back on display Sunday.

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