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Hyena bites off Albuquerque zookeeper’s finger, investigation finds breach of protocol
KOB4 ^ | March 02, 2020 | Nathan O'Neal

Posted on 03/04/2020 10:46:10 PM PST by nickcarraway

A hyena bit off the finger of a zookeeper at the Albuquerque Biopark in a November incident after the worker violated zoo protocol, an internal investigation found.

Surveillance video of the Nov. 7 incident was obtained by the 4 Investigates team. The video shows the worker enter the hyena enclosure and repeatedly poke her fingers through the chain link fence, appearing to pet the animals.

The surveillance video shows the situation escalate almost instantly as the hyena bites down on the zookeeper’s hand and refuses to let go.

Security records obtained by the 4 Investigates team reveal the zookeeper lost her left middle finger in the incident. One security officer wrote that the “finger was eaten.”

Zoo officials said an internal investigation was conducted and found that the zookeeper violated protocol in the lead-up to the hyena attack. However, city officials insist there was no threat to other staff members or to the public.

“ABQ BioPark professionals care for almost 130 different species, including some that can be dangerous and require specialized care and safety. Despite stringent protocols, dangerous outcomes can still result any time humans are caring for wild animals,” said a statement provided by city officials.

“A thorough investigation was completed and the appropriate actions were taken. Personnel matters are privileged information therefore we cannot share more details,” said zoo spokesperson Tanya Lenti

The hyena at the center of the attack remains in its current habitat enclosure – with no change to the animal’s daily routine.

“KEEPING IT ON ‘THE LOW’”

In one report taken following the incident, one security officer said when he arrived on scene “very little information was given by zoo staff.”

The officer suggested that they were “keeping it on ‘the low.’”

In response to the 4 Investigates team questions regarding the allegation, zoo officials said a Biopark staff member was trying to contain the incident to avoid creating a “panic or speculation” and to protect the zookeeper’s medical privacy.


TOPICS: Local News; Pets/Animals
KEYWORDS: hyenas; protocol
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To: nickcarraway

Did it taste funny?

21 posted on 03/05/2020 3:00:31 AM PST by Jonah Hex
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To: Jonah Hex

...a lot like chicken.


22 posted on 03/05/2020 3:25:15 AM PST by gov_bean_ counter (AOC the bartender would have had to work on the second floor at Miss KittyÂ’s saloon...)
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To: gov_bean_ counter

Hyenas behaving exactly like hyenas. Who knew?


23 posted on 03/05/2020 3:27:46 AM PST by sgt_lau (Being tolerant to the most intolerant people on the planet is a losing proposition. Reject islam.)
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To: sgt_lau
Jaw bite up to 1100 psi.

Finger loses, or loses finger, every time.

24 posted on 03/05/2020 3:36:48 AM PST by gov_bean_ counter (AOC the bartender would have had to work on the second floor at Miss KittyÂ’s saloon...)
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To: nickcarraway

Some pit bull owners actually think their dog would have a chance against a hyena. Hyena would kill any pit bull inside 30 seconds.


25 posted on 03/05/2020 3:52:56 AM PST by vespa300
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To: nickcarraway

Big suckers, well feed. Not sure they get that large in the wild.


26 posted on 03/05/2020 4:07:05 AM PST by DAC21 ( and Naflet)
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To: BenLurkin

What happened?

“Well, I put a piece of meat in the cage and they ate it.”


27 posted on 03/05/2020 4:28:17 AM PST by glorgau
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To: BenLurkin

What is the correct protocol for biting off a zookeeper’s finger?


28 posted on 03/05/2020 4:42:09 AM PST by arthurus (bote)
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To: quilterdebbie

LOL! Lot’s of them around


29 posted on 03/05/2020 4:53:23 AM PST by gr8eman (Stupid should hurt! Treason should hurt more!)
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To: nickcarraway

Hardy Har Har was unavailable for comment.


30 posted on 03/05/2020 5:19:47 AM PST by Freestate316 (Know what you believe and why you believe it.)
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To: nickcarraway

Bet she won’t do that again. At least...with that finger.

Red Robin...yummmm.


31 posted on 03/05/2020 6:27:24 AM PST by moovova
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To: nickcarraway

Hyenas and Tasmanian Devils: don’t stick your finger in their snout.


32 posted on 03/05/2020 8:31:53 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever po)
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