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Komodo Dragon Attacks Zoo Employee

Incident Date:
03/03/2024
Location:
Akron, OH - USA
Facility Name:
Akron Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Komodo dragon
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

Akron, OH – A staff member at the Akron Zoo suffered injuries from multiple bite wounds inflicted by one of the Komodo dragons, named Padar, in the “Komodo Kingdom employee service area.” The incident occurred when two male Komodo Dragons entered the same enclosure and attacked each other. When the injured employee tried to intervene, they were injured by the larger male Komodo dragon. The zoo’s other Komodo dragon, Jasper, was not involved in the staff member’s injuries was also hurt and is now recovering, the zoo said. A Komodo dragon attack can be fatal to humans. Komodo dragons can reach up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 300 pounds, and are typically solitary in the wild. The zoo is working with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in its review of the incident.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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