A recent worker injury at Ohio’s Akron Zoo didn’t result in an OSHA citation, but it will lead to more training for employees regarding a very specific hazard: handling Komodo dragons.
OSHA investigated the March 3, 2024 incident that saw an employee bit multiple times by one of the reptiles, named Padar. However, the agency found no employer violations during its investigation, according to Fox 8 News.
“In this incident, two male Komodo Dragons unintentionally entered the same cage and attacked each other,” OSHA told Fox 8 News. “The injured employee instinctively tried to intervene and was injured by the larger male Komodo Dragon.”
The employee was working in the service area of the Komodo Kingdom area of the zoo when the incident occurred. The injured employee is recovering at home.
The other Komodo dragon, Jasper, was also hurt and is now recovering. Jasper did not cause any of the employee’s injuries, according to the zoo.
Zoo plans ‘extensive follow-up training’ for affected employees
Komodo dragons can reach up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 300 pounds. Their teeth are sharped and curved and can cause wounds to become septic from venom and bacteria. Attacks by Komodo dragons can be fatal to humans.
The zoo worked with OSHA during the agency’s investigation, which involved a review and evaluation of the zoo’s written procedures, training program and PPE requirements related to the care of Komodo dragons.
“OSHA did not identify any deficiencies in the information provided by the Akron Zoo,” the agency told Fox 8 News.
The agency pointed out that the zoo “has planned extensive follow-up training for affected employees.”
