CINCINNNATI, Ohio — A primate care team member at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden “sustained a complete amputation of the thumb” after being bit by a bonobo, the zoo confirmed Friday in a statement to Spectrum News 1.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden confirmed a bonobo bit an employee's thumb Friday

  • They “sustained a complete amputation of the thumb," the zoo said

  • No other people or animals were hurt

The zoo says this occurred behind the scenes while the team member had been giving the troop medication and food. The animal, they said, bit the employee through a protective mesh barrier. They said the team member was receiving medical treatment and was in stable condition.

They also confirmed no other team members, animals or zoo guests were involved with the situation or hurt.

“The Cincinnati Zoo prioritizes the safety of its employees and animals,” the statement read, in part. “Bonobos are highly intelligent and social primates, and interactions with them involve established protocols and safety procedures. At no time were the bonobos outside their habitat and per Zoo policy, animal care staff and great apes do not occupy shared spaces.”

The zoo says they are reviewing the details of the incident and ask that people keep the team in their thoughts.