MGM Grand Will Keep Lion Exhibit Despite Attack

The MGM Grand will not close its lion exhibit at the Las Vegas Casino, even though feeling the need to vigorously defend the live display after a video appeared on YouTube of a trainer being attacked while hotel guest watched.

The incident occurred on September 1, when an animal trainer working in the exhibit was attacked by a male lion. The trainer was able to free himself with the help of another trainer also working in the exhibit at the time.

According to the statement released by casino owner MGM Resorts International on Wednesday the trainer needed stitches but was otherwise in “good health”.

A spokesman for MGM said that the lions have been on display for more than 13 years and the popular attraction “promotes the preservation of the species for future generations.”

Spokesman Gordon Absher continued to explain that the animals were provided by, Keith Evans, an expert in the field with more than 30 years of experience and were housed off site and brought in only one day a week on a rotating schedule to “uphold the highest safety standards at all times.”

“Incidents where animal handlers are bitten are very rare,” Absher explained.