Zookeeper attacked by a rhinoceros at Mogo Zoo

A senior zookeeper who was attacked by a rhinoceros was feeding the four-tonne beast when she suffered a shocking puncture to her forearm.

The woman’s arm is also suspected to be broken after she was gored by Kei, a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as ‘minor’.

‘A first aider at the scene applied treatment and as a precaution an ambulance was called,’ the statement read.

The woman’s arm was gored by Kei (pictured), a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday

The woman is pictured shortly before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment on her arm

The woman is pictured shortly before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment on her arm

‘Assistance was rendered­ and both keeper and rhino are OK.’ 

Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman’s injuries as a ‘puncture wound’ and the incident as a ‘freak accident’.  

‘To tell you the truth, I don’t know exactly what happened yet and she is not in the position to answer questions. That will come later,’ Ms Padey told Sunrise. 

She said the victim was recovering in hospital and was ‘doing very well’.   

The woman was airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment where she remains in a stable condition.

The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as 'minor'. 

The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as ‘minor’. 

Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman's injuries as a 'puncture wound' and the incident as a 'freak accident'

Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman’s injuries as a ‘puncture wound’ and the incident as a ‘freak accident’

In another statement the zoo confirmed both the woman and the rhino, named Kei, ‘are okay’, and that the occurrence was a ‘minor incident’. 

Mogo Zoo is located about 10 kilometres of Batemans Bay. The attack occurred in a part of the park that is closed to the public. 

Kei arrived at the park in 2015, alongside his half-brother Jabari. The two white rhinos are both aged 11. 

The facility offers a wide range of hands on experiences with its rare animals, including meeting and feeding the creatures.

They offer a 45-minute session with their rhinos for as much as $150 per person.

The 47-year-old was attacked around 1pm while feeding Kei at Mogo Zoo

The 47-year-old was attacked around 1pm while feeding Kei at Mogo Zoo

‘For the animal enthusiast who wants to get behind the scenes and see how it all works. This encounter not only brings you Up Close and Personal with our impressive male White Rhinos but also allows you access to our off exhibit area,’ the program description reads.

‘You will be guided behind the scenes by an experienced keeper where you can see the night dens, yards, feed area and learn all about how we manage these two beautiful boys.’

‘Why not bring the whole family down to enjoy and learn together? You might even get to have a scratch! What an amazing photo opportunity.’

Mogo Zoo say they will be investigating their current safety protocols. 



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