Singapore Zoo employee hospitalised after being bitten by Malayan tapir
A zookeeper at the Singapore Zoo was hospitalized after being bitten by an endangered Malayan tapir during routine end-of-day operations. The zoo is currently reviewing its safety procedures while the employee recovers.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the inherent risks involved in wildlife management and the unpredictable nature of even well-cared-for endangered species.
SINGAPORE: An animal handler at the Singapore Zoo was hospitalised after being bitten by an adult Malayan tapir on the evening of Aug 26.
The incident happened during routine end-of-day activities, when the keeper was guiding the animal back to its off-exhibit den, said a Mandai Wildlife Group spokesperson in reply to queries from The Straits Times on Saturday (Aug 29).
The spokesperson added that a second keeper, who was also in the exhibit, stepped in to help the colleague, and the tapir was secured in its den shortly after.
ST has learnt that the tapir involved in the Aug 26 incident is a 23-year-old female that remains under the care of Mandai Wildlife Group.
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