Wow. I’m stumped by what illusionist Roy Horn is doing. These tigers are gorgeous but they’re animals that hunt. I don’t blame Montecore the tiger for his 2003 actions, but I really question Horn’s explanation for it (emphasis is mine):

Horn was critically injured when the white tiger, Montecore, sank its teeth into his neck and dragged him offstage in front of a horrified audience at The Mirage in October 2003, ending one of the most successful casino shows in Las Vegas history.

The near-fatal mauling left Horn, partially paralyzed, damaged a neck artery and crushed his windpipe.

The pair have said they believed Montecore sensed Horn was having a mini-stroke and was dragging him to safety, rather than attacking him.

Regardless, the duo will be on stage again in 2009. Oh my.