How "Fun" May Weaken A Zoo's Liability For Injuries On Its Grounds
Most people like going to the zoo to see and learn about animals. However, you should never let the fun get into your head. Wild animals can be dangerous to human beings, so you need to be careful and alert when visiting zoos. Since 1990, big cats alone have been involved in more than 300 serious incidents; don't forget in the spirit of not letting the fun get into your head, here are four "fun" activities that aren't appropriate for the zoo:
Skating
All kinds of skating aren't safe in a zoo. It may be fun to zigzag your way rough the walkways, but it puts your life and the lives of other zoo-goers at risk. Skaters do fall, even the professionals (that's why they wear the safety gear); even if you don't fall, there is a risk that you may lose control and veer into a restricted area.
If you lose your balance or control, you may:
- Fall into a cage with a dangerous animal
- Knock a person over into an enclosed area
- Damage a care or barrier and let an animal out
All these may lead to dangerous animal attacks.
Taking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may be your favorite pastime, but the zoo ground isn't a place for intoxicated persons. Alcohol impairs judgment and interferes with your sense of balance; both of these things can easily lead to accidents.
Therefore, don't get intoxicated just before or after getting into the zoo; in fact, don't carry alcohol with you to the zoo because you may not even be allowed to carry it in. Some zoos do allow alcohol, but only in designated areas, and the alcohol must be consumed on the spot. Even then, it's your duty to ensure the alcohol doesn't affect you and make you an injury risk.
Playing Loud Music
Lastly, forget about bringing your portable wireless speaker with you to the zoo if you intend to stream loud music to it. The zoo animals may look docile, but they aren't used to your favorite tunes and loud music like your pets at home. Therefore, the loud music might startle them and make them behave unpredictably. You might be better off with headphones, but then you have to worry about not hearing directions provided by zoo staff and security.
If you do get injured by an animal at a zoo, you may be entitled to compensation by the zoo owners. Those who keep wild animals are held strictly liable for injuries the animals may cause. However, if you contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced in line with your contribution to the accident. In case you are injured, consult an attorney (click here to learn more) to review your case and help you decide on the way forward.
