CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) – A Cincinnati Zoo employee was hospitalized on Friday morning after an animal bit the staff member’s thumb.
According to zoo officials, a member of the primate care team was conducting morning rounds when they were bitten on the thumb by a bonobo through the protective mesh barrier.
The zoo team said the worker was administering medication and food to the bonobo troop when the incident happened before the area opened for the day.
Zoo officials said the employee sustained a partial amputation of their thumb and was receiving medical treatment.
No other staff members or bonobos were involved or injured.
The zoo said it is currently reviewing what led up to the bite.
The Jungle Trails area was closed to the public for the day.
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