Singapore zookeeper bitten by adult Malayan tapir, currently recovering in hospital

A keeper at Singapore Zoo is recovering in hospital after being bitten by an adult Malayan tapir.

The incident took place on the evening of Aug 26 during routine end-of-day activities, when the keeper was guiding the animal back to its off-exhibit den, Mandai Wildlife Group said in a statement to AsiaOne.

A second keeper who was also in the exhibit stepped in to assist, and the tapir was secured in its den shortly after.

"The keeper is currently in hospital and on the way to recovery under close medical supervision," a Mandai Wildlife Group spokesperson said.

"We're in close touch with our staff and the family to provide support."

The tapir involved is a 23-year-old female. Malayan tapirs are the only tapir species native to Asia and are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Mandai Wildlife Group pointed out that tapirs are generally shy and non-confrontational animals, making such incidents rare.

The spokesperson added that the tapir was born under the group's care and that keepers have worked closely with her throughout her life, including during her pregnancies and the birth of her calf.

"The strong relationships our animal care teams build with the animals allow us to provide a high standard of care and husbandry," the spokesperson said.

"At the same time, this incident is a reminder that all wild animals, even those familiar to their caregivers and generally accustomed to human presence, can behave unpredictably and have the potential to cause injury."

Mandai Wildlife Group said it is reviewing the incident and its operating procedures to determine whether additional measures can further enhance the safety of both staff and animals.

The incident comes just days after a wild painted bronzeback snake was spotted outside RepTopia at Singapore Zoo, startling visitors. 

The snake was subsequently captured and released into the wild.

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