Toddler Falls Into Rhino Exhibit At Florida Zoo

A 2-year old girl was injured after falling into the rhino exhibit at the Brevard Zoo on New Year's Day. 

The child and her mother were rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Regional Medical Center where they were both treated for injuries. 

The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, FL offers a "hands on, educational experience with the zoo's white rhinos. The zoo said it was during this encounter that the child fell. 

In the statement, the Brevard Zoo said, 

"During the encounter, participants and the rhinoceroses are separated by a series of steel poles," it added. "According to witnesses, the child stumbled and fell in between two of the poles and at this point, the snout of at least one of rhinoceroses made contact with the child."

The zoo also noted that the zoo-keeper led exhibit for ages 3+ has been operating without incident since 2009. However, the program has been suspended for safety evaluations. 

The Florida FWC also spoke out sharing, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family right now for a speedy recovery. The FWC is conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. Public safety is our number one priority."

Source: ABC News, Video: NBC Nightly News


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