Man attacked by cayman in Wuhan
( 2003-06-30 16:09) (chinadaily.com.cn)
Li Liliang was attacked Sunday afternoon by a cayman
during a stroll with his son in a Wuhan zoo, central China's Hubei Province. The
cayman, which was raised in shallow waters, bit Li's right hand, severing a
tendon.
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Mr Li receives medical treatment in a hospital near the
Qingshan Zoo on Sunday, June 29. [newsphoto.com.cn]
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Zoo workers confirmed Li's injury but blamed him for "trying to provoke the
cayman."
"A male visitor came to the pool with his son around 3:00 pm," said a zoo
official, adding, "The cayman was sleeping underwater. The boy said it was dead
and the father disagreed with him."
According to the official, Li then proved his surmise. Since the pool was
covered with wire netting, Li uncovered it and poked the alligator-like creature
with a short bamboo culm.
The cayman then surfaced and bit Li on the hand, said the official. Li dodged
a second offensive by moving away from the edge of the pool.
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Mr Li waits in the hospital for further medical treatment
with his son. [newsphoto.com.cn] | Li was
receiving medical treatment in a nearby hospital when the press arrived.
According to doctors, twenty-six stitches were needed to mend the severed
tendon.
Li's version of the story, however, was different. He said the cayman broke
through the wire netting and bit him as he was holding his son over the pool for
a better look.
"The zoo should be responsible for this incident," Li said, his hand in
bandages. "Why didn't they lock the netting?"
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