The Cat Haven is preparing to reopen Sunday, just days after a lion attacked and killed 24-year-old Dianna Hanson.
The sanctuary says it consulted with the victim’s family, and they agree it’s time to reopen the Cat Haven.
They say there are 29 other cats housed there and they too need attention.
CBS 47 was given access to the enclosure where the 550-pound African Lion killed 24-year old volunteer intern Dianna Hanson.
The gate is at the center of the investigation.
But the question remains how did 5-year old Cous Cous escape his cage...and attack Hanson while she was cleaning it?
“One possibility is that the lion nudged it open. We don't know that for sure however we can't rule it out,” said Sheriff Margaret Mims.
Two deputies shot Cous Cous with a shotgun... but couldn't save Hanson.
The coroner believes the lion broke her neck; and moments before... she apparently was communicating with a co-worker on a walkie-talkie, not cell phone as initially reported.
“What was the other person on the other side saying? What was she listening to? That will help in the investigation,” he said.
The Cat Haven's founder insists that safety protocols were followed, and the sanctuary has been accident free since it opened in 1998.
As the Sheriff Department’s investigation continues... the gates will reopen for education programs Sunday.
“Of course they're going to be subject to inspections from the regulatory agencies that take care of that,” said Sheriff Mims.
The examination on the lion is also in progress and should reveal more on why he attacked.
Click the related link for information about charitable organizations the family is asking the public to donate to in their daughter's honor.
