31 Jan 2012

Auckland zoo cheetah takes swipe at keeper

3:42 pm on 31 January 2012

An Auckland Zoo cheetah handler has been injured by of one of the big cats.

The Zoo says the cheetah took a swipe at the zookeeper as she was walking the animal on a lead on Tuesday morning.

Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says the keeper was taken to an accident and emergency centre but her injuries were minor and she has returned to work.

Mr Wilcken says the zoo is serious about safety and is conducting a full review of its cheetah handling procedures to ensure the welfare of its animals, staff and visitors.