Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo staff member stung by freshwater stingray
A Henry Doorly Zoo staff member was accidentally stung in the ankle by a freshwater stingray Friday, according to a spokesperson for the Omaha zoo.The staff member was working in the Lied Jungle and was servicing the habitat, according to the zoo.The zoo said the stingray barb “went through the staff member’s protective rubber boots.”According to the zoo, four zoo EMTs responded and began treatment. The staff member was then transported to a local hospital.“A sting by a freshwater stingray is painful and warrants precautions regarding infection or allergic reactions but is not considered life-threatening,” the zoo said in a statement.The zoo said they will review their standard operating procedures and protocols to ensure safety for staff, guests and animals.“Our number one concern was the immediate care of our staff member,” Dr. Luis Padilla, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said in a statement. “The health and safety of our staff, guests and animals is of the utmost priority to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.”Padilla also said that the stingrays in the Lied Jungle are different from the stingrays at the zoo’s interactive Stingray Beach.“The Stingray Beach stingrays are also managed differently so that they are unable to sting,” Padilla said.
A Henry Doorly Zoo staff member was accidentally stung in the ankle by a freshwater stingray Friday, according to a spokesperson for the Omaha zoo.
The staff member was working in the Lied Jungle and was servicing the habitat, according to the zoo.
The zoo said the stingray barb “went through the staff member’s protective rubber boots.”
According to the zoo, four zoo EMTs responded and began treatment. The staff member was then transported to a local hospital.
“A sting by a freshwater stingray is painful and warrants precautions regarding infection or allergic reactions but is not considered life-threatening,” the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo said they will review their standard operating procedures and protocols to ensure safety for staff, guests and animals.
“Our number one concern was the immediate care of our staff member,” Dr. Luis Padilla, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said in a statement. “The health and safety of our staff, guests and animals is of the utmost priority to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.”
Padilla also said that the stingrays in the Lied Jungle are different from the stingrays at the zoo’s interactive Stingray Beach.
“The Stingray Beach stingrays are also managed differently so that they are unable to sting,” Padilla said.