Was Roy Horn Attacked By a Confused Tiger?

Oct. 7, 2003 — -- Roy Horn astonished audiences with his white tiger act for nearly 40 years without injury. Now, one animal expert says it's hard to determine exactly why one suddenly turned on the entertainer, critically injuring him Friday night.

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, has worked with tigers for many years.

He says it's possible the nearly deadly incident was not a direct act of aggression by the animal, adding that Horn would not likely have survived a purposeful attack from the animal.

"I have seen a Bengal tiger that size take down a water buffalo in less than 30 seconds, and break his neck," Hanna said on ABCNEWS' Good Morning America. "If he had done that, it would have been over with," he said.

Routine Act Gets Out of Control

After Horn brought 7-year-old Montecore — a white tiger who has appeared in the show since he was 6 months old — on stage Friday night, he told the tiger to lie down.

Montecore didn't listen to Horn's instructions this time. Instead, he grabbed Horn's arm in his mouth. Horn struck Montecore with his microphone, trying to get him to loosen his grip.

Montecore then grabbed Horn by his throat, dragging him backstage where handlers subdued the tiger by spraying him with a fire extinguisher.

As Horn was being transported to the hospital Friday, he made it clear that he wanted his tiger to be protected. He did not want to see the animal put down.

Horn remained in critical but stable condition today.

In an interview with ABCNEWS' Diane Sawyer a few years back, Horn said he had a bond with his animals that allowed him to perform his astonishing acts.

"Being there in, in every need of any moment," Horn said. "Like when they are born, they are basically born with me being there. The first voice they hear is mine. The first face they see is mine. So, most probably they think I am a tiger," he said.

Tiger Seemed Distracted

Bernie Yuman, Horn's longtime friend and manager, said it seemed as it Montecore had been distracted by something in the audience at the Mirage hotel-casino that night.