Update from Taronga Giraffe Keeper, Tracy
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve had lots of calls from people who have seen a news segment featuring me being bumped on the head by one of our Giraffe.Firstly, I want to apologise if people have been upset by this. I am completely fine and only had some minor injuries which didn’t require medical attention. To be on the safe side, the Zoo sent me to Emergency to be checked over. I wasn’t admitted to hospital and was able to go home the same afternoon.I also want to let everyone know that our giraffe didn’t ‘lash out’, as has been reported. A giraffe swinging its head at another giraffe is a natural behaviour and that’s what happened in this case. I’ve worked with these amazing animals for more than seven years and know there was no ill intent. At no time did I feel unsafe, nor have I since. I am really saddened that people might be worried by aspects of this report. We have rigorous safety procedures in place, in fact Taronga is one of the safest zoos in the world, as a professional Zoo Keeper it's important to me that people know that. Thanks again to everyone for their calls and enquiries. I want to reassure everyone that I am well and I hope to see you at the Zoo learning more about wildlife.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Posted on 11 July 2018 by Media Post
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve had lots of calls from people who have seen a news segment featuring me being bumped on the head by one of our Giraffe.Firstly, I want to apologise if people have been upset by this. I am completely fine and only had some minor injuries which didn’t require medical attention. To be on the safe side, the Zoo sent me to Emergency to be checked over. I wasn’t admitted to hospital and was able to go home the same afternoon.I also want to let everyone know that our giraffe didn’t ‘lash out’, as has been reported. A giraffe swinging its head at another giraffe is a natural behaviour and that’s what happened in this case. I’ve worked with these amazing animals for more than seven years and know there was no ill intent. At no time did I feel unsafe, nor have I since. I am really saddened that people might be worried by aspects of this report. We have rigorous safety procedures in place, in fact Taronga is one of the safest zoos in the world, as a professional Zoo Keeper it's important to me that people know that. Thanks again to everyone for their calls and enquiries. I want to reassure everyone that I am well and I hope to see you at the Zoo learning more about wildlife.
Media Relations
Taronga Zoo Sydney
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