Zoo's escaped ape attacks keeper

A Blackpool Zoo keeper was taken to hospital for treatment after being bitten by an orang-utan.

The woman suffered injuries to her arm and foot when she was attacked by the female orang-utan in the staff access corridor to the Ape House.

An investigation into the incident is under way, but it is not yet known how the animal got into the corridor.

Zoo bosses described it as an isolated incident and said no members of the public were put in danger.

"At no point was the public in any danger"
Blackpool Zoo spokeswoman

Members of staff are in the process of being interviewed in an attempt to find out how the orang-utan got out of the ape enclosure on Friday.

The primate keeper, who has worked at the zoo for five years, was taken to hospital for treatment and later released.

A spokeswoman said: "At no point was the public in any danger, as the orang-utan was confined to the staff access corridor, inside the ape house, where a series of safety doors prevent access to outside the exhibit.

"Blackpool Zoo has protocols and procedures for all aspects of its operation and has an exemplary safety record."

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