A Baraboo man is in good condition at UW Hospital after a Siberian tiger bit him at the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center Friday.
Volunteer John Meeker had been watering Kahn, a 7-year-old Siberian tiger, at the rescue facility in Rock Springs. According to the center's co-founder, Jeff Kozlowski, Meeker was wearing a baggy sweatshirt, which the 500-pound tiger grabbed hold of along with Meeker's arm through the fenced enclosure.
""The tiger was playing tug-of-war,"" Kozlowski said.
Volunteers were able to get the 38-year-old Meeker away from the tiger and began first aid until responders from Rock Springs arrived, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Meeker was then flown to UW-Hospital by helicopter and underwent surgery to close the wound.
Kozlowski said none of Meeker's major arteries were hit and he had feeling in all of his fingers.
Kozlowski described the incident as a ""freak accident."" Meeker's wife, who was present at the time of the incident, told Kozlowski the tiger was not growling.
The tiger will stay at the center and is not considered a threat to workers or guests.
The non-profit rescue facility works to rescue abused, abandoned or unwanted big cats, Kozlowski said. The center is open to the public and allows people to see the animals at the facility.
Kozlowski said Meeker had been working as a volunteer at the rescue facility for a while and is excited to return.
""He said he cannot wait to come back and be with the cats again,"" Kozlowski said.
