Statement 6.30pm, 20th October - Tragic incident at London Zoo

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our colleague Jim Robson, Senior Keeper of the elephants at London Zoo, as a result of the injuries he sustained following an incident that occurred today - Saturday 20 October 2001. At 2.00pm, Jim was injured by an elephant whilst outside in the elephant paddock at London Zoo. It is understood that he tripped and fell and was stepped on by one of the three female Asian elephants. Despite colleagues going to his aid and the emergency services arriving soon after, he died later in hospital of multiple injuries. Jim, 44 yrs was an experienced and dedicated elephant keeper who had worked at the Zoo for 26 years (16 of which were working with elephants), he was unmarried and has no children. Everyone at London Zoo is devastated and deeply saddened by today's events and will miss him greatly, and all our thoughts are with Jim's family. London Zoo will hold a full internal investigation into the incident.

As a mark of respect, London Zoo will be closed tomorrow, Sunday 21 October.

Please contact Public Relations at the Zoological Society of London for any further information:

Debbie Curtis/Peter Beatty
Mobile: 07889 043 843