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Photographs in a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows the graphic aftermath of a tiger mauling that resulted in the shooting death of the tiger.
The incident occurred Dec. 29, 2021, when 26-year-old River Rosenquist jumped a barrier fence at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and put his arm into the enclosure of Eko, a critically endangered Malayan tiger. Eko latched onto Rosenquist’s arm and would not let go. Police shot and killed Eko. The incident was captured on body camera footage.
Graphic photographs show the lifeless body of Eko after he was shot.
Rosenquist was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. Warning: The gallery below contains extremely graphic images of Rosenquist's injury.
Rosenquist was part of a third-party cleaning company that was contracted to clean bathrooms, a gift shop and commissary areas. He had entered an unauthorized area of the zoo when the incident occurred.
Rosenquist has obtained a lawyer who issued a statement yesterday that he remains in stable condition in the hospital. The medical team successfully avoided amputating his arm.
The FWC report notes that a nurse said she smelled alcohol on Rosenquist’s breath before he was intubated for surgery.
FWC investigated the mauling and the subsequent shooting death of Eko and they determined that Naples Zoo was not at fault.
The Collier County Sheriffs Office announced on social media today that they will not press charges against Rosenquist because there are no existing criminal laws that apply to this situation.
Statement from Rosenquist's lawyer:
In the wake of this tragic event, the Rosenquist family retained Attorneys Rita Jackman and Diana Castrillon with Powell, Jackman, Stevens & Ricciardi, P.A., to assist with navigating through the uncertainties they have been facing over the past several weeks.
At this time there is an ongoing investigation upon which we cannot comment. River Rosenquist does remain hospitalized currently in stable condition. River and his family relay their most heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in saving his life from the police officers and first responders, to the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel.
Miraculously, and contrary to some media coverage and investigative reports, the incredibly talented medical team at Lee Memorial Hospital were successful in avoiding amputation to River’s severely damaged arm. While River’s recovery is unknown, the family remains steadfast in their faith for his future improvement on the long road ahead.
River’s mental health and recovery continue to be our primary focus and we remain thankful for the respect and privacy everyone has allowed the family to have during this difficult process.
FWC report on the Naple's Zoo incident: