NewsNet5.comNews
House & HomeFoodTechHomeTown ExpertsLiving GreenReal EstateWEDDINGSDatingAutosTravel
PoliticsEntertainmentEducationLegal SearchEmploymentDealsHealth ExpertsHoliday GuideCleveland247Family


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Elephant Crushes Handler At Pittsburgh Zoo

Man, Animal Were On Routine Morning Walk; Incident Appears Unprovoked

POSTED: 4:50 pm EST November 18, 2002
UPDATED: 6:52 pm EST November 18, 2002

A handler died from injuries inflicted by a 3-ton elephant during a Monday morning walk at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

Video

The 6,200-pound female African elephant hit Mike Gatti with her head, knocked him down and pinned him to the ground shortly before 9 a.m., zoo officials said. Gatti, 46, of Butler, Pa., was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Dr. Barbara Baker, Zoo and Aquarium president, said Gatti and a custodian were leading the elephant and her calf on a daily morning walk when the elephant stopped.

Gatti, a handler with 15 years of experience, attempted to get the elephant moving, but it attacked him. Baker said the incident was unprovoked.

"For whatever reason, she became agitated and upset at what she was being requested to do," Baker said.

Police were called. Other handlers were able to get the elephants back to their holding area.

Officials said the elephant is in quarantine for the time being, but it will not be destroyed.

The zoo was not open to the public at the time of the attack. It remained closed all day.

Pittsburgh police homicide detectives, the United States Department of Agriculture and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident.




Links We Like
Sponsored Content
After weight-loss surgery, your diet will change drastically. Learn what foods to avoid, and how to change your eating habits for the better. More Details


A little short on space? Learn how to make the best of your limited square footage with these helpful tips to better small home style. More Details

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More Details

Looking for a new car? Find your ride with the Model Showcase featuring all the new cars from top manufacturers. More Details

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

Sponsored Links

Your Credit Report

FreeCreditReport.com Experts recommend checking your credit report regularly. See where your credit stands with a FREE credit report and score!

Diet & Fitness Tools

SparkPeople
Get in the competitive spirit and lose weight! SparkPeople is challenging cities across America to get fit and we want Cleveland to lead the charge! Go to SparkCleveland.com make it happen! Join Now.
SparkPeople

Sponsor

Desktop Alert

Desktop Alert
Download FREE Desktop Alert:
- Breaking News
- Severe Weather
Click here to download!

Premium Weather

Premium Weather
How will the weather affect you? Know for sure. Monitor storms, animate your forecast, create personal alerts! Try it now! or Log in here.


Find Local Businesses