Cheetah attacks Ohio zookeeper, scent of other animals likely triggered the cat
"The scent of these other animals on the keeper triggered a natural instinct," zoo officials said
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A 4-year-old cheetah attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Thursday morning.
The cheetah, Isabelle, was being walked by two Animal Programs staff members for her daily exercise when a zookeeper approached.
"At this time, Isabelle’s care team had her sit and she was calm and purring," officials from the zoo explained in a statement. "When the keeper approached them, Isabelle crouched down and lunged toward the Heart of Africa keeper, who works around giraffes and other hoofstock."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We believe that, due to normal animal behavior, the scent of these other animals on the keeper triggered a natural instinct in Isabelle, who reacted."
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Isabelle, a 4-year-old cheetah, attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo Thursday. (Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
The zookeeper was transported to a local hospital for treatment but has since been released.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The zoo said this was Isabelle's first incident and she will now be placed in a 30-day quarantine to ensure that she is not sick.
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She'll return to the Heart of Africa section of the zoo after the 30 days.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"She shares a close bond with her care team and participates in the cheetah run as one of the fastest runners," zoo officials said.