Animal lovers in West Virginia may have heard that an orangutan at an Ohio zoo injured a volunteer in late January when it reached through the barrier and bit the victim’s hand. Officials from the zoo in Toledo say that the victim’s thumb detached during the incident. The injury occurred in a location that is not accessible to zoo visitors, and officials have said there was no threat to the public.

Officials from the zoo where the injury occurred claim that the accident was not the fault of the animal. It’s normal behavior for these great apes to sneak their fingers through the bars of the enclosure to grab things like treats. They do not understand their own strength and can cause injury without intending any harm to the victim.

The Ohio zoo released a statement that the orangutan who injured the volunteer’s thumb will remain on a normal schedule. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and they were treated successfully at a nearby hospital. The zoo also stated that they appreciate the concern the public has shown for the injured volunteer. Injuries like this at zoos gain a lot of attention but are relatively uncommon.

A person who gets injured at a zoo or other location may be able to get compensation for their medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Not all injuries that occur at a business or public premises are the responsibility of the owner. A lawyer who practices in the area of premises liability may evaluate an incident and recommend a course of legal action for their client.

Source: FOX News, “Orangutan bites volunteer at Ohio zoo during encounter, detaches thumb“, Travis Fedschun, 01/23/2019