CLEVELAND — Just a few days after surgery, Russell Shuey found the strength to talk about the puncture wounds in his neck and shoulder blade from a 500-pound Siberian tiger's attack.

        The tiger sunk its teeth into him Monday at Burnette's Pet Farm in Olmsted Township, a Cleveland suburb.

        The animal, named Tigger, was shipped off to an exotic animal refuge on Thursday. Mr. Shuey remained in stable condition at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

        Mr. Shuey, a 39-year-old carpet cleaner from suburban North Ridgeville, said he had just dumped a second wheelbarrow of gravel in the tiger's cage when Tigger jumped him from behind.

        “I never saw it coming, but I could almost sense it there right before it attacked me,” he said.

        Jim Burnette, the pet farm owner, said he yelled at the tiger and hit it in the head with a shovel. Two other workers carried Mr. Shuey out of the cage.

        “I knew if I was still in that cage I was a goner,” said Mr. Shuey, who credits Mr. Burnette and other farm workers with saving his life.

        Mr. Shuey started working at the farm in January as part of court-ordered community service for failing to pay child support. He put in about half of the 200 required hours but doesn't plan to return.

        According to Administrative Judge Timothy Flanagan at the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, Mr. Shuey chose the community service over a $700 payment or 60 days in jail.

        Mr. Shuey said he picked the nonprofit farm because it was the first choice listed and seemed like something he'd enjoy.

        “I figured, rabbits,” he said.

        Mr. Burnette said he had told Mr. Shuey not to go near the tiger. Mr. Shuey said he was just trying to be helpful.

        “He acted like it was harmless,” Mr. Shuey said. “Everybody did.”

        Mr. Shuey is disappointed that the tiger seems to be getting more sympathy from the public.

        “It seems like everybody cares about the tiger, the poor tiger,” Mr. Shuey said, a tear trickling down his cheek. “It's a wild beast. What about Rusty? What about me?”

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