Family of Woman Killed by Lion Releases Statement

March 8, 2013 Updated Mar 8, 2013 at 1:07 PM PDT

PASSING OF DIANNA HANSON: Family Statement

As a family we cannot begin to express how moved and touched we have been by the outpouring of support and condolences.

We are truly going to miss our beloved Dianna and life for us will never be the same.

Dianna was an amazing young woman whose passion for life and her work will forever be remembered in our hearts and all of those who remember her.

Anyone who encountered Dianna will no doubt remember their experience with her; her enthusiasm for life; and the passion she had for her life's work.

Dianna was one of the few people who can say they lived their dream and their work was meaningful.

All too often our childhood dreams give way to settling for something comfortable, but leave us with that lingering feeling, "If only I had..."

Dianna however, is one of the few that at the young and vibrant age of 24 can say she lived without any doubt or questions about the direction and path of her life.

She was a woman who shared her life's passion with everyone around her.

In her passing we are humbled.

There are so many people interested in hearing the story of our Di.

We know in our hearts she has no regrets and would even be upset to hear that lion Cous Cous' was shot.

She would also want continued support of Cat Haven's mission for the preservation and conservation of wild cats in their natural habitat.

Dianna would not want us to be angry at the animals but rather remember the beauty and power these animals possess.

She had a great respect for the power of these cats and was well aware of the risks.

Yet, despite the risk involved Dianna steadfastly belied in the work she was doing and the importance of raising awareness of the threats facing these animals.

Dianna truly believed that educating the public about these magnificent cats would help conserve the few remaining natural habitats they have.

We truly hope people will be moved by Dianna's brief but impactful life.

If you wish to honor Dianna's memory please support some of her favorite organizations that have been a major part of her life:

-Project Survival's Cat Haven
-Snow Leopard Trust
-Soysambu Conservancy
-AKRE Tiger Sanctuary
-Tembo Trading Company
-Seattle PAWS animal shelter

Thank you for your gracious support and condolences,

The Family of Dianna Hanson