African Painted Dogs Maul Toddler at Pittsburgh Zoo
A horrific tragedy at the Pittsburgh Zoo occurred after a mother tried to give her two-year-old son a better view of wild African dogs.
The boy slipped out of the hands of his mother and fell into the exhibit, where the wild dogs were stationed.
The toddler was killed by the pack of animals as family members watched.
Pittsburg police Lt. Kevin Kraus told the Associated Press that the attack took place at about 11:45 a.m. on Sunday. According to Kraus, the mother put her child on top of a railing at the edge of a viewing deck.
"Almost immediately after that, he lost balance, fell down off the railing into the pit, and he was immediately attacked by 11 dogs," Kraus said. "It was very horrific."
Barbara Baker, President of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, said it's unclear whether the toddler died from the 11-14 feet fall or the attack.
Law officials said both the zoo staff and police responded in minutes. Zookeepers called off seven dogs that immediately went to a back building. After that, three more backed away from the child but the last dog, which was the most aggressive, was shot by police.
Authorities have yet to reveal the name of the boy or his mother. The boy's mother reportedly is 34 years old and lives in Pleasant Hills, just outside of Pittsburg. The toddler's father reportedly appeared on the scene after the accident took place.
The zoo was closed immediately and it is not clear when it will reopen.
The dogs are reportedly as big as medium-sized dogs, and are 37 to 80 pounds. They have large, rounded ears with dark brown circles around their eyes and are considered endangered.
Police investigation is still in progress.