More Headline Attacks

06/15/2009

Out of Nowhere?

Travis, the Chimp; Photo credit: AP Photo/The Stamford Advocate, Kathleen O'Rourke

Who can forget the tragic chimpanzee incident last winter, when Travis, a long-tame chimp, suddenly, ferociously attacked his owner's neighbor? Sad and horrible for all involved, but a stark reminder that "wild" animals are just that, no matter how much we dress them in t-shirts or show them off in parades.

A new series, More Headline Attacks, offers just what its title suggests--other vivid examples of animals we accept as beautiful, regal or cute,  flashing back to their age-old instincts faster than you can say "Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!" And honestly, how can we ever be surprised? The magic of videotape proves how wrong we are to think animals will ever be anything but animals.

It's a great wake-up call, especially because some of the incidents involve animals you might think of as passive. Sure, you expect bears, or tigers, or sharks, to tear into humans. But captive elephants, those gentle giants with swinging trunks and that galumphing, rhythmic gait, can morph into monstrous missiles. Ever see elephant polo? New one for me too!  Watch the reaction of a female elephant who decides she's not fond of this sport. And a male elephant "in season" taking part in a tourist parade in Thailand leaves no doubt that these enormous creatures can be as deadly as the running of the bulls.

And, fun fact, in Yellowstone National Park, it is bison, those furry, muscular beasts with shaggy heads and curling horns, that are responsible for far more attacks on people than the park's iconic bears.

How do people who've endured such attacks recover? That's part of the story too, as they grapple with physical injuries and invisible, unfortunate memories.

Ever gaze a tiger in a zoo, or see an alligator in Florida, never thinking twice about the power of those paws or jaws?  This series will prompt us to remember why respect and distance are key to living with those born to be wild.

Watch More Headlines Attack! Premieres Sunday June 21 at 9 p.m.