Hugo, Okla. – The organization said on Sunday that the animal therapist was killed by a tiger under his auspices in a large cat reserve in southeast Oklahoma.
“Ryan Isley died on Saturday in” accident “that included a tiger in the property near Hugo, not far from the borders of Texas.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder for each of the beauty and the inability to predict the natural world,” said the reserve on its Facebook page. “Ryan understood these risks – not motivated by recklessness but out of love. Animals under his care were not just animals, but they are a link with them – one rooted in respect, daily care and love.”
The statement said that all the tours were canceled until further notice.
The Preserve is a special facility where visitors can book tours to display tigers and see demonstrations on how to train animals and care for them, according to their website.