Woman Calls Cheetah Attack 'Not a Big Deal'

WELLINGTON, Fla. – The owner of a South Florida wildlife refuge who was attacked by two cheetahs said the attack was "not a big deal."

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that Judy Berens expects to be released from the hospital Monday and back at work.

Berens owns the Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington, which provides homes for exotic cats.

Authorities say Berens was airlifted to a hospital Saturday with 40 puncture wounds.

She was conducting an exhibition with two male cheetahs when one got excited by someone bouncing a ball outside. The cheetah ran toward the ball and knocked Berens over. It then began to claw and bite her. At some point, the other cheetah joined in the attack.

She was saved by people who ran into the enclosure.