Keeper Improves After Tiger Attack

SAN ANTONIO - A keeper who was attacked by a tiger at the city's zoo improved to stable condition Sunday, a hospital official said.

Jeff Tierney, 28, who specializes in large cats and has worked at the San Antonio Zoo for five years, was attacked by the male Sumatran tiger Saturday afternoon, zoo spokeswoman Dawn Campos said. A critically injured Tierney was flown to University Hospital, where he remained in intensive care Sunday.

Campos said she didn't have details on Tierney's injuries.

He was alone in the tiger exhibit with the animal, named Berani, when the attack occurred, Campos said. The exhibit is separated from visitors by a moat and bars, but several people witnessed the attack.

The zoo was closed after the attack but reopened Sunday.

Berani is about 5 years old and has been at the zoo for three years, Campos said. He is one of two Sumatran tigers at the zoo. Nothing will be done to Berani, Campos said.