Woodland Park Zookeeper Hospitalized After Orangutan Bite

Incident Date:
03/31/2025
Location:
Seattle, WA - USA
Facility Name:
Woodland Park Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Primates
Animal:
Orangutan
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

SEATTLE, WA – An animal keeper at a Seattle zoo was treated at a local hospital Saturday after being bitten by an orangutan.

The Woodland Park Zoo said the keeper suffered a serious but non-life-threatening injury to their hand after the orangutan bit them through a mesh barrier.

The zoo said the bite occurred during a routine training session with the orangutan. A veterinarian responded and did a visual exam on the involved orangutan and determined the animal is safe, unharmed and behaving appropriately.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes: