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Binturong Attacks and Bites Zookeepers at National Zoo

Incident Date:
12/12/2026
Location:
Washington, D.C., DC - USA
Facility Name:
National Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Binturong
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

WASHINGTON, DC – A binturong bit two National Zoo employees on Dec. 12, sending both to the hospital. The Washington D.C. zoo’s binturong Lola — a dog-sized mammal known as a bearcat that is native to Southeast Asia — was undergoing a routine weight check and training session with a staff member when the incident occurred on Dec. 12. The check took place in an area of the zoo that is closed to the public. Around 10 a.m. local time, the binturong bit the employee and “did not readily let go,” the National Zoo shared in a statement about the “safety incident.”

The staff member sustained “non-life-threatening injuries” during the attack. Another animal care specialist at the zoo stepped in to help. They removed Lola from the area and placed her in a separate enclosure. This second animal care staff member was bitten while moving the bearcat, the zoo stated. Both employees were sent to the hospital to have their injuries treated.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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