A male tourist and the walrus' trainer were dragged underwater by the animal and died before emergency personnel could save them. There are currently no barriers at the walrus exhibit, which remains open. (iStock)
A 3,300-pound walrus killed two people in a Chinese wildlife park by “hugging” them tightly and drowning them, according to reports.
A male tourist from Liaoning in Northeast China was visiting the Xixiajou Wildlife Park in the Shandong Province when he lost his footing and tumbled into the walrus pool, according to the Shanghai Daily, which did not provide a specific date of the incident.
The animal’s longtime trainer jumped in the water to try to save the flailing visitor — but the massive pinniped wrapped its arms around both men and plunged the pair deep underwater.
Zoo officials told local media that they initially thought the walrus was just demonstrating playful behavior with its longtime trainer and didn’t think he was in harm’s way.
Disturbing video of the incident has been circulating on Weibo, a popular social media site in China similar to Twitter, leading many to question the park’s safety procedures.
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