Zoo Will Remove Painted Dogs Observation Platform
'Out of respect for the community and for the Derkosh family, the observation platform of the exhibit at issue would be removed,' stated Mike Manko, district attorney's office.
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The observation platform at the Pittsburgh Zoo from which 2-year-old Maddox Derkosh of Whitehall Borough fell into an African painted dogs exhibit will be removed, according to a spokesman at the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.
"In an effort to facilitate the ongoing review of the circumstances surrounding the death of Maddox Derkosh at the Pittsburgh Zoo, District Attorney (Stephen A.) Zappala (Jr.) met this morning with Dr. Barbara Baker and the City of Pittsburgh police officers who responded to the scene," said spokesman Mike Manko in an email to reporters.
Maddox was visiting the zoo with his mother on Nov. 4 when he fell from the top of a platform railing to the ground inside of the dogs exhibit and was mauled to death.
"The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, included a walk-through of the exhibit and was a productive step towards ensuring that this tragedy will not reoccur in the future," Manko said.
"To that end, Dr. Baker advised the district attorney that, out of respect for the community and for the Derkosh family, the observation platform of the exhibit at issue would be removed."
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Borough of Whitehall Municipal Complex (Administrative Offices and Outdoor Recreation)
100 Borough Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA -
william atwell
11:17 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Oh reall? Figures. I'm sorry the kid died. But here is my question how the heck couldn't you tell there was no plexus glass? Really? Why is it that when stupid people do stupid stuff we are all made to suffer? I think the zoo should make the family pay for the dog that was destroyed. Sorry but where is common sense?
william atwell
11:19 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This person placed her kid in harms way! By being foolish and not looking. What does this teach the rest of us? What's next she going to sue the zoo because she acted irresponsible? Why not just close the zoo? Lord have mercy on this country!
Bryan
11:24 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I think this response is appropriate. There are 2 observation areas anyhow and the dogs are almost always near the one not getting removed.
william atwell
11:04 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Not the point. Point is someone was stupid! And now we are all made to suffer
malbm
11:14 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I dont not believe that the rest of us will "suffer" because the observation platform will be removed. As Bryan mentioned there is another observation areas where you can get a better view of the dogs. It irks me when people take the holier than thou approach to situations as these. The zoo is doing the right thing and being respectful of the situation. While I don't feel I would make the same lapse in judgement this poor mother did, I also recognize that there are times as a parent I have made mistakes. This story haunts me every day and I do not judge this poor mother, but keep her and her family in my prayers.