The man who was mauled by a tiger at the Bronx Zoo will be arrested for trespassing because of his deliberate decision to be “one with the tiger,” a police spokesman said today.
David Villalobos, 25, remains hospitalized in stable condition with bites and punctures to his arms, legs, shoulder and back. He also has a broken arm and leg, police said.
“We anticipate arresting David Villalobos on a trespassing complaint by Bronx Zoo authorities later today or early next week,” NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said early afternoon.
Police have been in contact with Villalobos and asked him why he made the leap.
“Everybody in life makes choices,” he responded, according to Browne.
The man said he wanted to be “one with the tiger,” the spokesman added.
Under questioning at the hospital this morning, Villalobos told police he incurred most of his injuries when he landed on all fours inside the predator’s den — where he awoke a 400-pound Siberian tiger and spent 10 minutes alone with the animal before being rescued.
“He recalled being dragged by the tiger by the foot, and afterwards being able to pet the tiger,” Browne said.
“No surprise he landed on all fours considering his passion for cats,” Browne said.