Zoo officials said the incident happened behind the scenes in the Jungle Trails habitat, which is closed to the public on Friday while the zoo investigates the details of what led to the bite.
“During morning rounds, a bonobo bit a care team member’s thumb through a protective mesh barrier while the care team member was administering medication and food to the bonobo troop,” the zoo wrote in a statement.
The care team member is receiving medical treatment and is expected to be OK, the zoo said. Because the incident happened behind the scenes, the zoo said no other staff, guests or animals were involved or hurt.
“The Cincinati Zoo prioritizes the safety of its employees and animals,” wrote the zoo. “Bonobos are highly intelligent and social primates, and interactions with them involve established protocols and safety procedures.”
None of the bonobos were outside of their habitat; the zoo said care team members and great apes do not occupy shared spaces.
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