"I'd be more freaked out in combat with a tiger than a gang of hoodlums"
Funny, I have been thinking the same thing. Tiger? Witnessed dead body? Lots of places to hide? In the DARK? Shudder!! Oh, and +1000 on bringing the 12 gauge along.
For what it is worth, we just heard a news report centered on a family who were in the park during (and after) the whole event. They were at several venues within the park (exhibits, cafe, gifts) and were never once asked to leave nor told there was a problem. They walked past SFPD who also failed to notify them! Their claims as to time frame were verified on camera by showing the times and dates on zoo cafe and gift shop recipts.
Methinks the SF Zoo (and the city) needs to seriously rethink their emergency response training. Leaving potential victims around w/o a clue is asking for more lawsuits than the major ones that are already going to be filed.
As to what provoked it, the yute who was killed (17 year old from San Jose, idiot, sorry for my judgement call) was apparently witnessed taunting the animal. There are still conflicting reports as to whether or not the two mauled victims (19 and 20 years of age, also from SJ) were involved or just innocent bystanders.