Eagle attempts to carry off boy in Australian park
An eagle tried to carry away a small child during a popular wildlife show in central Australia.
The wedge-tailed eagle was supposed to fly back to its perch to have a photo taken when it instead flew towards the boy and tried to latch its talons onto his head and fly away, leaving him with a 'superficial' gash.
The incident took place last week at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Christine O'Connell was visiting the park at the time and managed to take a well-timed photo of the scary moment.
On Instagram, Christine described how she thought the eagle had become agitated by the boy pullling his hoodie zipper up and down.
"For some reason the Wedge Tailed Eagle did not like it and instead of flying over to the log he is meant to for a photo opportunity he flew straight at the young boy and attacked him."
The show was quickly cancelled and first aid applied. The BBC reports that "the attack left the boy crying and bleeding, but his injuries were not severe".
The park issued a statement to the media:
"On Wednesday, 6 July, an incident occurred at the Alice Springs Desert Park where an eagle made contact with an audience member," the park said in a statement.
"A thorough investigation regarding the circumstances behind this incident is under way and the eagle will be removed from the show while this investigation is ongoing."
