The Akron Zoo is currently investigating an incident involving one of its two Komodo dragons that resulted in a staff member being injured on March 3, 2024. The zoo confirmed that the injuries were primarily bite wounds inflicted by one of the Komodo dragons. Following the incident, the zoo initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the event and is collaborating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the process.
Emphasizing safety as a top priority for staff, visitors, and animals, the Akron Zoo has chosen to limit the disclosure of details regarding the injured staff member to protect their privacy. The zoo houses two Komodo dragons, with the one not involved in the incident also sustaining injuries and currently undergoing recovery.
An update from the zoo revealed that OSHA's investigation found no safety standard violations by the Akron Zoo in relation to the biting incident. Komodo dragons, known as the heaviest lizards on Earth, can weigh over 300 pounds, as reported by National Geographic.
In a separate incident at the Fort Worth Zoo, two zookeepers were unintentionally trapped in a silverback gorilla's enclosure in October. Fortunately, there was no physical contact between the keepers and the gorilla, and all staff and animals remained unharmed. The incident occurred when the keepers inadvertently entered the gorilla's habitat while the silverback was still present, leading to a brief but tense situation that was resolved without any harm.
