Deputy Called to Help Intern Killed by Lion Speaks Out

Family, friends, and co-workers mourn the death of the Alex Black, the 22-year-old intern killed by Matthai, a lion who lived at the Caswell County wildlife preserve, Sgt. Michael Griggs who was one of the first people on the scene talked to WRAL News.

Griggs is with the Caswell County’s Sheriff’s Office and was the first deputy on the scene when the call came in on Sunday morning stated that a lion has attacked Alex Black at the Conservators Center.

Firefighters were already on the scene and were trying to get the lion away from Black.

Griggs stated that the firefighters would use water through a hose and aim it at the lion every time would get near the victim. They tried to keep the lion away from her but were unsuccessful. Staff tried to tranquilize the lion but were unsuccessful.

Griggs state that he was one of the people who shot and killed the animal. He stated that he had to shoot him several times. The lion was running on adrenalin and kept walking around the enclosure and would not stop.

The center stated that Black was a 22-year-old from Indiana University who recently graduated. She was cleaning an animal. At that time, the lion escaped where it was being held. She was working for only two weeks at the facility before she was killed.

Those who were close to the woman stated that she majored at Indiana University in animal behavior. She had a strong passion and love for animals.

Professor Cara Wellman stated that she was a real go-getter, enthusiastic and committed. Whenever she had a goal she acted with lots of passion.

Christina Sluka who was Black’s friend stated that her friend was one of the most kind-hearted people she has met. She was dedicated to helping animals and loved what she did. She cared about the planet and was working to help the animals and ensure a bright future. She would want people to mourn the loss of Matthai and not forget him.

After a review, the last time the Conservator’s Center was inspected was in April and there were no violations found. The facility will remain closed as they continue to investigate the incident internally.

The sheriff’s office of Caswell stated while being watched by an animal keeper who was professionally trained, Black was killed while she was complete a routine cleaning of the lion house. Somehow the lion escaped and killed her.

The Caswell sheriff’s office said Black was killed during a routine cleaning of a lion enclosure. During the process, monitored by a professionally trained animal keeper, the animal escaped its enclosure and killed Black.

The Black family wrote in a statement that this was not her first internship and she had three prior. Her goal was to make a career in the animal field.

The Black family stated if anybody wanted to honor Black they should donate to Wolf Park located in Battleground, Indiana. Blck had worked there previously.

The Conservators Center, had it’s doors shut on Monday and is closed indefinitely.

Mindy Stinner, Conservators Center executive director, stated that they need to review and assess the situation and ensure everybody remains safe because what happened was scary and terrible. They stated they will take all the time they need.

Written By Barbara Sobel

Sources:

WRAL: Deputy called to help at NC preserve where worker killed speaks out
Fox 8: NC Zoo discusses safety after deadly attack at Conservators Center in Caswell County
NBC News: NC Zoo discusses safety after deadly attack at Conservators Center in Caswell County

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