Zookeeper attacked by Whipsnade rhino still in hospital but ‘stable’

A Whipsnade zookeeper who was seriously injured by a rhino spent Christmas and New Year in hospital as he continues to recover from injuries.
Rhinos at ZSL Whipsnade ZooRhinos at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Rhinos at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

The keeper, a man in his 50s, was found by other members of staff in water in the zoo’s Asian rhino enclosure at 8.15am on November 19.

Paramedics gave him enhanced pain relief at the scene and took measures to keep him warm as his body temperature had dropped considerably after being immersed in the water.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and underwent surgery after sustaining serious injuries to the chest, abdomen and pelvis in the incident.

The zookeeper remains in a stable condition but was forced to spend the festive season in hospital.

The Zoological Society of London, Health and Safety Executive and Central Beds Council continue to investigate what occurred.

Five one-horned rhinos are kept in the enclosure where the incident took place.