I was fairly tempted to lean over the fence for a better view of the leopard, until I saw this sign - yes folks, a dangerous large carnivore and it still feels there is the need for a sign :p
I was fairly tempted to lean over the fence for a better view of the leopard, until I saw this sign - yes folks, a dangerous large carnivore and it still feels there is the need for a sign
That is true, my comment was tongue-in-cheek - I can see why the zoo need that sign for legal reasons. If somebody did fall in and get injured or killed, then I suppose without a sign then the zoo would be at fault. It's one of those common sense not working in court things.
"Did you have a sign to warn visitors?"
"No, but there was a leopard in the enclosure below, as well as the fact that it isn't a short drop and you would in all probability break a bone at least if you fell."
"But you don't have a sign, that to me is negligence to warn visitors of any dangers."
Yes, that is what I figured. There have been absurd legal cases in the US where a buglar breaks into someone's home and gets injured and then sues the homeowners for negligence. In the recent November election, my state of Arizona actually had a proposition to prevent lawsuits of this sort. (Thankfully it passed). (Of course whenever you hear about these kind of negligence cases, you never hear any specifics, so I am not sure if it really happens much or if it is a kind of urban legend).
Anyway, my favorite railing signs are at the lion (and other predator) exhibits at the Houston Zoo. They have very large letters that state "Crossing the Barrier is Dangerous and Illegal."
Anyway, my favorite railing signs are at the lion (and other predator) exhibits at the Houston Zoo. They have very large letters that state "Crossing the Barrier is Dangerous and Illegal."
Unfortunately though, signs like this are a necessity - it isn't always too often, but you do see members of the public doing foolish things that can be dangerous, and sometimes they have drastic consequences - take for example the recent Pittsburgh incident, which involved leaning a child over a fence that I imagine is just like this one.
