Another Komodo dragon was injured in the incident at the Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo is taking a closer look at an incident involving one of their two Komodo dragons.
According to a statement on the Ohio Zoo’s website, there was an “incident” on March 3 that injured a staff member.
“On March 3, 2024, an incident occurred in the Komodo Kingdom employee service area that resulted in an injury to a staff member,” the Akron Zoo posted online.
“Our initial investigation determines that most of the injuries were the result of a bite from one of the Komodo dragons,” the zoo added.
After the incident happened, the zoo launched an investigation into what led to the event. The zoo said staff members are “working with [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] OSHA” about the investigation.
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“Safety is and will remain the highest priority for our staff, visitors and animals,” the Akron Zoo said in a statement, adding that information about the injured “valued team member” is being kept to a minimum to protect the individual’s privacy.
The Akron Zoo is home to two Komodo dragons, according to FOX 8. The Komodo dragon, which was “not involved in the injuries to the staff member,” was also injured during the incident with another Komodo dragon and is currently recovering.
OSHA’s investigation into the bite incident found “no employer violation of safety standards by the Akron Zoo,” according to an update from the zoo.
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According to National GeographicKomodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth, often weighing over 300 pounds.
The Fort Worth Zoo recently made headlines for its own incident involving an animal. In October, two zookeepers were accidentally trapped in the silver-necked gorilla’s enclosure with the animal. The gorilla was released into the habitat while two keepers were still working in the area.
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A video of the incident recently went viral. In the video, keepers react to the gorilla’s arrival by quickly creating space between them and the animal. After a few tense moments, both staff members reach the door, avoid the gorilla’s gaze, and leave the enclosure.
In response to the video, a Fort Worth Zoo representative told PEOPLE, “On October 20, 2023, an incident resulted in two of our zookeepers sharing space with our 34-year-old silverback gorilla. Fortunately, there was no physical contact between keeper and gorilla, and all staff and animals are safe.”
“Zoo keepers are moving gorilla troops into their indoor habitat so keepers can put the animals’ lunch in their outdoor habitat. Due to a keeper’s error, staff entered the enclosure unaware that the silverback was still in its habitat,” the zoo added in its response. .
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Source: HIS Education