There are animals that you cannot legally own without a permit in Virginia, and frankly permitting them would only be done (in terms of) research, scientific study, or as an exhibitor or educator. Even then, that list of animals that are on (the list), that would be closely scrutinized before anybody would be permitted to have them.

The child may have been eating an apple or had apple [scent] on his hands.

Contrary to published reports that the lion was being held in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved and inspected facility and that the authorization for ownership had been given by VDGIF, Mr. Bradley had no permits from either the USDA or VDGIF.

It was not the mother's call. The professionals around the room consulted together. It was our call. We had to go with what was best for the child.

This was the only definitive way to find out if the child had been exposed to rabies. It's a huge loss. It's nothing we wanted to do.