Who Is Alexandra Black? New Details About The Intern Who Was Mauled To Death By A Lion At A North Carolina Zoo
She was just two weeks into her internship.
Instagram On December 30, 2018, an intern lion keeper was mauled to death by a lion at the Conservators Center in Burlington, North Carolina after the animal escaped from a locked enclosure. The intern was 22-year-old Alexandra Black, who was part of a team doing a routine cleaning at the zoo. The lion reportedly entered the area Alexandra was in and quickly attacked and killed her. She died instantly. The lion was a male named Matthai. Black had been working at the zoo for just two weeks. The lion was immediately shot and killed following the attack. The zoo was founded in 1999 and is home to more than 20 species and 80 animals. The Conservators Center will remained closed until further notice. Who is Alexandra Black?
1. Recent college grad
Alexandra Black was from New Palestine, Indiana. She was a recent graduate of Indiana State University. Her degree was in animal behavior. She had previously interned at Bloomington, Indiana's Wildcare Inc. and Wildcat Wildlife Center.
2. Passionate about animals
Black's social media accounts show she was deeply devoted to the care of animals. The top photo on her Facebook page is of her kissing a wolf. The center where she died describes itself as a "non-profit dedicated to reconnecting people with wildlife through education and conservation."
3. Her family's statement
Alexandra's family released the following statement: "Alex loved animals. Our beautiful, intelligent, passionate Alex had worked, unpaid, at several animal-related ventures, most recently at Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana. This was her fourth internship, because she really wanted to make a career of working with animals. She was looking forward to this first out-of-state internship at the Conservators Center in North Carolina that started 10 days ago. She was a beautiful young woman who had just started her career, there was a terrible accident, and we are mourning. But she died following her passion. We ask that you consider donating to Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana, to honor Alex."
4. She wanted to be a zookeeper
Alex's life was devoted to animal welfare. She wrote on her LinkedIn page: “I’m a recent graduate of Indiana University where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Behavior while minoring in Biology. I am currently looking to gain experience in animal husbandry, specifically with ‘exotic’ species as I hope to eventually become a zookeeper!”
5. She socialized dogs
Alexandra worked as a volunteer at Frenzy Animal Rescue, Inc. where she administered medication, fed, cleaned, supervised dog on dog interactions and socialized dogs.
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.