Exotic Incident #617

Incident Date:
09/30/2003
Location:
Miami, FL - USA
Facility Name:
Miami Metrozoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Primates
Animal:
Orangutan
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

Thelma, a 20-year-old, 150-pound orangutan, bit the veterinarian’s hand at the Miami Metrozoo. Thelma, on loan from Oakland Zoo, was being treated for a small foot injury through the bars of her holding area when she grabbed the woman’s arm, pulled it through the bars, and bit down, crushing bones. The veterinarian was treated at Baptist Hospital.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes: