Handler attacked by zoo tiger

 

An animal handler is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a Bengal tiger at a zoo in Australia owned by the family of late wildlife expert Steve Irwin. The handler, Dave Styles, was taken by helicopter to a hospital after the tiger dragged him into a pool and bit his neck and shoulders during a show at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. 

The zoo said Mr Styles was recovering and in stable condition on Thursday. Officials said he was wearing a poncho, and the tiger may have mistaken him for its favourite biting toy. News reports said several dozen people witnessed the attack. Steve Irwin, whose family owns the zoo, was an Australian television personality and wildlife expert who died while filming an underwater documentary in 2006.