Marineland says 2 deer killed after visitors cause ‘stampede’

Marineland has shut down one of its land animal attractions after two visitors allegedly caused a stampede which claimed the lives of two deer.

In a news release issued Sunday, the Niagara Falls amusement park and zoo said they were “deeply disturbed” after a father and son caused a stampede at the park.

“We are very sad to report that these individuals repeatedly attempted to, and were ultimately successful in causing a stampede of deer and laughed in the face of staff as they tried to get them to stop. They refused all instruction by staff, and resisted efforts to remove them from the Deer Park,” said Marineland.

The park said two deer were killed in what they referred to as a “shocking incident.” They said the pair responsible for the stampede managed to get away while staff was trying to calm the animals.

Marineland said there’s never been a situation like this in the past and guests have normally “behaved responsibly” in the park.

“We are all upset by this terrible act against innocent animals,” said officials. “In order to protect our animals, we are closing the Deer Park to make modifications to prevent this type of incident from ever happening again.”