Tragic incident at London Zoo - 4.30pm, 20th October 2001

Today, Saturday 20 October 2001, at 2.00pm a Senior Keeper was injured by an elephant at London Zoo. It is understood that he tripped and fell and was stepped on by one of the three female Asian elephants. Colleagues who were nearby, went to his aid within minutes, and emergency services were contacted immediately and arrived soon after. Colleagues brought the three elephants into the House before safe access could be assured for the paramedics. He was then taken to the Royal Free Hospital. We cannot provide details of the keeper involved until relatives have been contacted. Staff at London Zoo are shocked and deeply saddened by today's events, and our thoughts are with our colleague and his family.

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

Debbie Curtis/Peter Beatty
Mobile: 07889 043 843