DA: Pittsburgh zoo removing observation deck where tot fell into wild dog exhibit, was mauled
12/6/2012PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Zoo is removing an observation deck from which a 2-year-old boy fell before he was fatally mauled by wild African dogs in an exhibit below.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. issued a statement confirming the platform's removal after he met with zoo leaders and toured the exhibit Thursday.
Zappala announced last week that 34-year-old Elizabeth Derkosh won't be prosecuted in the Nov. 4 death of her son, Maddox. Zappala called his death a "tragic accident."
The boy, who had vision issues, leaned forward and fell into the exhibit after his mother lifted him onto a wooden rail overlooking the dogs' enclosure.
Zappala has said his investigation continues to review how to prevent future accidents and whether anyone at the zoo contributed to the boy's death.