Zookeeper injured by tiger

Toledo Zoo says during normal procedures of caring for the tigers, a keeper sustained three minor lacerations to the chest

By Kristi Branam
Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.

TOLEDO, OH — The Toledo Zoo said Sunday that a zookeeper suffered three minor lacerations to the chest while caring for the tigers.

Toledo Zoo spokesperson, Andi Norman, tells NBC24 that the incident occurred about 8:30 am during the normal procedures of caring for the tigers. The tiger’s paw made it through a double mesh barrier at an odd angle, enabling the tiger to come into contact with the keeper. The keeper was transported to the hospital and was treated and released. The keeper did not return to work Sunday, but was able to leave on a planned trip Sunday afternoon.

Norman says the keeper has worked this area in the past without incident.

She says the zoo is in the process of reviewing the incident and will make any necessary changes to the exhibit.

The zoo was not open to the public at the time of the incident.

“There was never any danger to the public and the tigers are still secure in the exhibit. At no time was the tiger outside the exhibit, nor was there any danger that the tiger could escape,” said Toledo Zoo Director, Dr. Anne Baker.

The Zoo’s two female tigers, Marta and Kat, were born at The Toledo Zoo on May 29, 2003. They are on exhibit in Tiger Terrace, which has been under construction recently to improve drainage.

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