Rhino Wanders Into Animal Yard At Denver Zoo
DENVER (CBS4)- The Denver Zoo said their staff's quick thinking and appropriate response helped make sure there was a safe outcome when one of the rhinos got into an animal yard that had been off limits.
The greater one-horned rhino, Bandhu, accessed an animal yard where staff and volunteers were working just before 10 a.m. on Thursday. The zoo said those working in the yard left immediately and went to a behind the scenes area.
Guests at the zoo were safe at all times and the rhino never left the enclosure.
"Safety is our top priority at Denver Zoo. Fortunately, our staff followed safety response procedures well. We practice and train for these types of situations through drills regularly. The response was exceptional and very fast. All was resolved within moments," said Denver Zoo VP for External Relations Tiffany Grunert in a statement.
The zoo said the rhino was in the yard next to where staff were working when the animal passed through a gate that was left open.
Staff said Bandhu has an exceptionally calm and sweet demeanor and appeared surprised by their presence and stood calmly while they exited. Bandhu was moved to indoor quarters immediately following the incident and is doing fine.
The zoo said it will be thoroughly reviewing all matters related to the incident to see what additional preventive measures can be taken.