A Brevard Zoo file photos shows visitors petting one of the three southern white rhinos at the zoo. On Jan. 1, 2019, a child fell into the rhino exhibit and was injured, Brevard County officials said. (Image: Brevard Zoo)
BY WKMG
2-year-old taken to Orlando hospital after falling into exhibit
“(Tuesday) has been a trying day for our family,” the girl’s father said. “We’re thankful to everyone who has reached out with their concerns. Our daughter is in good care at Arnold Palmer Hospital and is doing well. My wife was also treated for her injury and has been released from the hospital. At this time, we ask for privacy as we focus on our daughter’s recovery.”
The toddler and her family were taking part in a close-up experience with white rhinos at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne when the girl fell into the exhibit and at least one of the animals came into contact with her.
The family of three were given access to feel and brush the rhinos while supervised by two zookeepers in an area of the zoo where they were separated from the animals only by steel posts, officials said. At some point during the experience, the toddler landed in the rhinos’ yard, said Andrea Hill, the zoo’s marketing and communications director.
The distance between the posts is roughly 11 inches, Hill said.
As two female rhinos approached the toddler, the snout of one of them made contact with the child, Hill said.
The child’s father, who was holding on to her throughout the incident, quickly pulled her out and carried her to the front office before the family was taken to the hospital, the zoo said.
Details about the child’s injuries have not been released.
“Our No. 1 concern is the safety and welfare of our guests, and our hearts go out to the family,” said Keith Winsten, the zoo’s executive director. “Safety has always been of paramount importance to us.”
In a statement, zoo officials said the rhino encounters have been suspended until a safety review is completed.
The experience has been offered daily since 2009 and no other incidents had been reported, the zoo said.
The Brevard Zoo, which houses more than 900 animals, is about 55 miles southeast of Orlando.
Mark Lehman
✔@MarkLehman6
A 2-year-old girl is recovering from injuries after she fell into a rhino exhibit Tuesday afternoon. This morning on #News6, we’re live outside the hospital with details on the investigation and an update from the girl’s family. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/child-injured-after-falling-into-brevard-zoo-rhino-exhibit …
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.
CNN contributed to this report.
