What led to a Komodo dragon attack at the Akron Zoo
AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – New details are emerging about what led to a Komodo dragon attack on an employee at the Akron Zoo.
According to a press release, an incident happened on March 3 in the “Komodo Kingdom employee service area.”
A staff member had injuries from multiple bite wounds inflicted by one of the Komodo dragons, named Padar, the zoo said.
Two large sharks reported minutes from one another
According to an update from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, “In this incident, two male Komodo Dragons unintentionally entered the same cage and attacked each other. The injured employee instinctively tried to intervene and was injured by the larger male Komodo Dragon.”
According to the National Zoo, a Komodo dragon attack can be fatal to humans.
They use sharp, curved teeth and claws to slash and tear at their prey, and also can cause wounds to become septic from venom and bacteria.
Komodo dragons can reach up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 300 pounds.
Komodo Dragon lying on a rock in Singapore. Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard in the world.
“Our chief concern is for our valued team member, who is currently recovering at home. We will update as more information is available, consistent with privacy requirements and Federal law. We also want to honor our employee’s privacy, so we are providing no other details at this time,” a press release stated.
The zoo is working with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in its review of the incident.
“Safety is, and will remain, the utmost priority for our staff, visitors and animals,” the zoo press release states.
The zoo reports OSHA found no employer violations of safety standards.
OSHA confirmed to FOX 8: “OSHA initiated an investigation into the incident and evaluated the zoo’s written procedures, training program, and personal protective equipment requirements related to the care of Komodo Dragons. OSHA did not identify any deficiencies in the information provided by the Akron Zoo.”
Video: Black bear spotted in Lorain Co. backyard
The zoo’s other Komodo dragon, Jasper, who was not involved in the staff member’s injuries was also hurt and is recovering the zoo said.
The Akron Zoo has two Komodo dragons, according to its website. Padar, a male, was born on August 6, 2011. Jasper, also a male, was born on August 4, 2019.
Komodo dragons are solitary creatures, and the zoo noted that the two males would be in the habitat separately when it announced the addition of Jasper.
“They’re extremely intelligent, they live in a very localized niche in Indonesia and some of the islands, where they’re protected. They can get pretty big, they can get 10 foot, 150 plus pounds and they are a predator,” an Akron area exotic animal veterinarian told FOX 8.
Tuesday, the Akron Zoo allowed FOX 8 to visit the Komodo Kingdom, where Padar was out for the public to see.
OSHA noted, “The zoo was responsive to OSHA’s inquiry into this incident and has planned extensive follow-up training for affected employees.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
