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Police Commission praises officers who stopped zoo attack, orders commendation process
Summary
Chief Fong told the commission that officers coordinated with zoo staff and other responders to stop a Dec. 25 attack by a loose tiger, praised four officers by name and said the department will seek formal commendations and update interagency protocols.
Chief Fong recounted the department—s response to the Dec. 25 incident at the city zoo and recommended formal commendations for officers who intervened.
In a report to the San Francisco Police Commission on Jan. 9, 2008, Chief Fong described how patrol officers, working with zoo staff and a California Highway Patrol helicopter, located injured victims, disrupted further attacks and searched the facility through the night and again the next morning to ensure no other animals or victims remained. "Help me. Help me," he quoted a victim saying as officers arrived, and he said the actions of the first responders likely prevented additional casualties.
The chief identified the four officers who first intervened as Officer Scott Biggs, Officer Kevin O—Leary, Officer Daniel Cruz and an officer identified only as Chris. Commissioners thanked the officers and asked the chief to pursue formal commendations; the chief said he expected the paperwork to take time but would move forward.
Fong also addressed questions about why nonlethal options such as a tranquilizer gun were not used during the attack, saying that when an animal is actively attacking people, the immediate risk to victims and responding personnel can make sedation impractical and dangerous. He said the priority was to stop the threat without creating additional harm.
The chief announced steps to improve coordination with the zoo and other large facilities, including walk-throughs for officers assigned to Taraval Station, placing zoo maps in patrol cars, tabletop exercises with animal care and control and expanded joint protocols for first responders.
The commission requested copies of any planned commendation materials and the chief said he would bring a formal recommendation when ready. The item concluded with commissioners praising the officers— response and support for improved interagency procedures.
