x
Breaking News
More () »

OSHA cites Jacksonville Zoo after rhinoceros injures zookeeper

The zoo now faces $14,661 in proposed penalties, the department says.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for "exposing employees to workplace safety hazards," according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday.

RELATED: Zookeeper seriously injured after being struck by rhino at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

The zoo now faces $14,661 in proposed penalties, the department says.

“Zoos and animal parks must ensure safety measures include proper design to protect employees when training and caring for animals,” said OSHA Area Office Director Michelle Gonzalez.

OSHA initially launched an inspection at the zoo after a rhinoceros attacked a zookeeper back in March.

RELATED: Safety audit underway at Jacksonville Zoo following March rhino attack

Pamela Quinn Robie, 31, was attacked by a rhinoceros named Archie while conducting a training exercise, according to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

The report said Robie was positioned at the front of a training chute where the rhino’s head was and another zookeeper was behind the rhino, both separated by metal bars. 

While walking to the front of the training area where Robie was, the other keeper heard Robie call her name and say “he’s got me.” She then ran around the wall and realized the rhino had dragged Robie into the chute and flung her into the air. 

The other keeper had Robie move out of the training chute doorway so that she could secure the door between them. The incident was about 10 seconds long.

Robie told FWC that she was outside of the chute, kneeling down when at some point, the rhino was startled and went towards her. The rhino hit her arm and part of her shoulder against the bars. Instead of falling backward, she lost her balance and fell forward, in-between the two lower, horizontal bars.

FWC said there was never a threat to the public when this incident occurred.

Before You Leave, Check This Out