When the tapir bites: Singapore Zoo keeper hospitalised

An unnamed 23-year-old female Malayan tapir involved in an incident in which a zookeeper was bitten at Singapore Zoo on August 26, 2026. — Picture from Facebook/Mandai Wildlife Reserve

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 29 Aug 2026 5:25 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Aug 29 — A Singapore Zoo animal handler ended up in hospital after being bitten by a 23-year-old Malayan tapir during a routine end-of-day task on August 26.

The keeper was guiding the female tapir back to her off-exhibit den when the incident happened, Mandai Wildlife Group said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

A second keeper who was in the exhibit stepped in to help, and the tapir was secured in her den shortly afterwards.

The injured keeper remains in hospital and is “on the way to recovery” under close medical supervision, Mandai said, adding that it is also supporting the employee’s family.

The tapir was born under Mandai’s care and has been looked after by her keepers throughout her life, including during her pregnancies and the birth of her calf.

Mandai said tapirs are generally shy and non-confrontational, making incidents like this rare.

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

“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.

Mandai said it is reviewing the incident and its operating procedures to determine whether additional measures are needed to further improve the safety of staff and animals.