Volunteer Injury at Audubon Zoo
A veteran Audubon Zoo volunteer suffered an injury Wednesday while assisting an Audubon animal care professional with the feeding of a Louisiana black bear in the Swamp Exhibit.
The male volunteer suffered an injury to the tip of his finger as he and the Audubon staffer were feeding the bear grapes through a mesh enclosure in the habitat.
“All Zoo protocols were followed during the feeding,” said Kyle Burks, Vice President and Managing Director of Audubon Zoo & Park.
The volunteer was treated immediately by Zoo first responders and was taken to a local hospital by an emergency medical unit.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. Wednesday, said Burks.
The black bear was one of two Louisiana black bears at Audubon Zoo.
“While this type of incident is rare at the Zoo, we are reviewing the incident and our protocols to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and guests,’’ Burks said.
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.