TAMPA, Fla. — A zookeeper at ZooTampa at Lowry Park was hospitalized Wednesday morning after a female orangutan "nipped the tip of the keeper's middle finger" while the worker was administering daily medications and vitamins to the animal.
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The keeper was taken to the hospital as part of normal routine while following Zoo safety procedures and protocol, according to a press release.
The accident happened shortly after 9 a.m. in the night house before the Zoo opened to visitors. The staff followed emergency protocols and called for emergency services, according to a press release.
The orangutan was not injured in the accident and was not aggressive, says the Director of Communications for ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
The staff member appears to be doing well and recovering from his wound.
