- 12 year old bitten at AZA accredited zoo/aquarium.
Published by -NAWA News Feed- in - AZA Incidents and News - · Wednesday 13 Apr 2022
Emergency responders were on the scene at Turtle Back Zoo, where a 12 year old guest was bitten by an animal on Saturday afternoon, April 9, 2022.
The Honorable Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo said in a statement that a 12-year-old girl was feeding the stingrays in the touch tank, which also has Epaulette Sharks when allegedly a shark bit the girl on the finger.
County Executive DiVincenzo told news crews that Turtle Back Zoo staff responded quickly and provided the girl with first and EMS was called.
Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum)
When EMS arrived, the cut was covered, the bleeding had stopped and the family declined care from the technicians.
“Because the family wanted to leave, Zoo staff provided free passes for a return visit,” County Executive DiVencenzo said.
“We pride ourselves on providing our visitors with an educational and fun experience and all efforts are made to keep our visitors and animals safe.”
The incident is under investigation.
The Turtle Back Zoo, (New Jersey) is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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