Singapore Zoo employee hospitalised after being bitten by Malayan tapir

SINGAPORE – An animal handler at the Singapore Zoo was hospitalised after being bitten by an adult Malayan tapir on the evening of Aug 26.

The incident happened during routine end-of-day activities, when the keeper was guiding the animal back to its off-exhibit den, said a Mandai Wildlife Group spokesperson in a reply to queries from The Straits Times on Aug 29.

The spokesperson added that a second keeper, who was also in the exhibit, stepped in to help their colleague, and the tapir was secured in its den shortly after.

ST has learnt that the tapir involved in the Aug 26 incident is a 23-year-old female that remains under the care of Mandai Wildlife Group.

The zookeeper, who is currently in hospital, is “on the way to recovery” under close medical supervision, said the spokesperson, adding that the group is in close touch with the employee and their family to provide support.

Tapirs are generally shy and non-confrontational animals, and incidents like this are rare, the spokesperson said.

This tapir involved in the Aug 26 incident was born under Mandai’s care, said the spokesperson, adding that its keepers have worked closely with her throughout her life, including during her pregnancies and the birth of her calf.

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

“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.”

The Malayan tapir – the only tapir species native to Asia – is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. That means it is at high risk of going extinct in the wild.

In its Aug 29 statement, the spokesperson 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.

Daniel Lai is a journalist at the ST Now team, covering breaking news and international affairs.