Animal magic in short supply for zookeepers

FROM being mauled by a doomed bison to being set upon by an out-of-control gibbon, a new dossier lifts the lid on the perilous world of the zookeeper.

- Matthew Davis

The attacks were among 65 incidents at zoos and safari parks last year which were reported to the Health and Safety Executive because the injuries were so severe.

There were 26 involving staff and 39 with visitors.

One animal trainer at Paradise Wildlife Park, Herts, got bitten on the finger by a pouch rat they had been trying to coach for a show. It left them needing stitches.