What was meant to be a peaceful afternoon at Greenwood Wildlife Sanctuary turned into a terrifying scene straight out of a nightmare. Visitors strolled the shaded trails, kids pointed excitedly at birds, and the air buzzed with laughter — until 34-year-old Mark Turner ignored every safety warning and came face-to-face with danger.
Mark, an avid outdoorsman seeking a solo adventure, climbed past the clearly marked barriers at the gorilla enclosure. Moments later, Koba, a 220-kilogram silverback, lunged. Witnesses described the attack as instantaneous. “He grabbed the man and dragged him across the enclosure like lightning,” said visitor Julia Ramirez. Panic swept the sanctuary as staff rushed to intervene.
Trained handlers distracted Koba with loud noises and food, eventually freeing Mark. He was bloodied, bruised, and dazed, with a dislocated shoulder, deep lacerations, and a concussion — but miraculously alive. Paramedics rushed him to St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, where doctors confirmed he would recover fully.
Sanctuary director Dr. Elaine Brooks stressed the preventable nature of the incident. “Our enclosures are designed to protect everyone. Mr. Turner’s actions bypassed those safeguards. Koba reacted instinctively, not aggressively. Gorillas are powerful, sensitive creatures — and they respond when startled.”
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