Orangutan bites volunteer at Ohio zoo during encounter, detaches thumb

Orangutan bites zoo volunteer during encounter, detaches thumb

A volunteer at the Toledo Zoo was seriously injured over the weekend after Bajik, a 14-year-old male orangutan, reached through a mesh enclosure and 'made contact with the unpaid staff member’s hand.' The woman's thumb became detached during the encounter.

A volunteer at an Ohio zoo was seriously injured over the weekend after an orangutan reached through a barrier and bit her hand, officials said.

The Toledo Zoo said the incident took place on Saturday when Bajik, a 14-year-old male orangutan, reached through a mesh enclosure and "made contact with the unpaid staff member’s hand."

Zoo officials told the Toledo Blade the woman's thumb became detached during the encounter.

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The incident took place as the woman was with two paid staff members in an area not accessible to visitors while the orangutans were being fed.

Shayla Bell Moriarty, zoo vice president and chief of staff, told the Blade the entire incident lasted only a few seconds and there was no threat to the public.

“As we do an internal review of the incident, it shows that safety protocols were followed and at no time did the orangutan get out of the enclosure or pose any danger to the public,” she told the paper.

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The woman's injuries were not life-threatening and the volunteer was treated at a hospital, according to the zoo.

Officials stressed that what happened was not the orangutan’s fault.

Zoo officials said that all its great apes attempt to sneak their fingers through to grab things and that it’s a known behavior staff must watch for while they’re near the enclosure.

All orangutans, including Bajik, remain on exhibit at the facility with no change to their daily care or schedules.

“The Zoo appreciates the concern for our staff member and Bajik, the orangutan,” zoo officials told WTOL.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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