A 50-year-old man in Florida, United States has been mauled by a black leopard after paying $150 (N57,000) for a “full-contact experience” with the animal.
Natushka Turner, wife of the victim, Dwight Turner, in a sworn written statement to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said he has undergone two surgeries since being attacked by the animal on August 31, CNN reports.
Dwight and the leopard’s owner, Michael Poggi, 54, arranged for him to “play with it, rub its belly and take pictures” on Poggi‘s property in Davie, FWC said in a captive wildfire report.
FWC in the report stated;
After Poggi unlocked the leopard’s cage, Dwight Turner entered and sat on a bench inside when the leopard growled and attacked Mr. Turner biting him on the head and ear.
Mr. Turner sustained injuries to the right side of his head and right ear. Mrs. Turner stated that she had to place part of Mr. Turner’s scalp back in place because it was hanging from his head and his right ear was torn in half.
Poggi was issued two misdemeanor citations for allowing full contact with an extremely dangerous animal and with maintaining captive wildlife in an unsafe condition causing extensive damage.
According to Broward County court documents, Poogie’s hearing via Zoom video conferencing platform is scheduled for December 2,.
Poggi admitted to FWC investigators that he knew what he did was illegal and answered questions, but would not provide a written statement.
On his personal Facebook page, Poggi said he is;
An Exotic Animal Breeder of rare or endangered species and has rescued thousands of exotic animals over the past 35 years.
A Facebook page called “Poggi’s Animal House,” claiming to be for an animal sanctuary, has been deactivated.
