UPDATE: Two-Year-Old-Child Taken To Hospital After Fall into Rhino Exhibit at Brevard Zoo
By Space Coast Daily // January 2, 2019
mother was also hurt while trying to rescue the child
Frankie has begun making appearances in Expedition Africa—you have to see this 5,300-pound pachyderm in person! pic.twitter.com/qEjUO1g75p
— Brevard Zoo (@BrevardZoo) November 28, 2018
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Brevard County Fire Rescue reports that a 2-year-old girl fell into the Rhino Exhibit at the Brevard Zoo and a Trauma Alert was issued.
The child fell into the Rino Exhibit on Tuesday afternoon and was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital by helicopter.
It was also reported that the child’s mother was also hurt while trying to rescue the child and was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
“During a Rhino Encounter, a hands-on, educational experience with Brevard Zoo’s white rhinoceroses, a young guest entered the rhinoceros yard and was injured,” said Brevard Zoo in a statement.
“During the encounter, participants and the rhinoceroses are separated by a series of steel poles. According to witnesses, the child stumbled and fell in between two of the poles and at this point, the snout of at least one of rhinoceroses made contact with the child. The Zoo has offered this experience daily without incident since 2009.”
The girl suffered an abrasion to her face.
“Our number one concern is the safety and welfare of our guests and our hearts go out to the family,” said Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten.
“Safety has always been of paramount importance to us and we are suspending these encounters until we have thoroughly reviewed our processes and procedures to ensure this cannot happen again.”
According to the Brevard Zoo website, visitors are able to “meet our magnificent, massive rhinos up close and personal in this incredible zookeeper-led experience.”
The girl’s father released this statement: “Today has been a trying day for our family. We’re thankful to everyone who has reached out with their concerns. Our daughter is in good care at Arnold Palmer Hospital and is doing well. My wife was also treated for her injury and has been released from the hospital. At this time, we ask for privacy as we focus on our daughter’s recovery.”
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