KAKE (Wichita, Kansas) 10 January 11 Sedgwick Co. Zookeeper Injured By Venomous Snake

A Sedgwick County Zoo Amphibian & Reptile keeper was grazed by the strike of a venomous Kanburi pit viper during routine feeding today.

A zoo spokesperson said the snake was being fed with feeding tongs when it grazed the zookeeper's finger.

The zookeeper was admitted to the hospital for observation. Antivenin went with the keeper as a precaution, but at the time of this report none has been used.

Kanburi pit viper snakes are native to Thailand. Although documented to cause swelling and pain, bites from this species are not known to be life threatening.

Sedgwick County Zoo Amphibian & Reptile keepers perform animal escape drills and venomous snake bite drills regularly.

http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Sedgwick_Co_Zookeeper_Injured_By_Venomous_Snake_113235274.html



WICHITA EAGLE (Kansas) 10 January 11 Zoo employee hospitalized after snakebite

Wichita: A Sedgwick County Zoo employee was admitted to the hospital for observation today after he was grazed by the strike of a venomous Kanburi pit viper during routine feeding.

Kanburi pit vipers are native to Thailand. Although documented to cause swelling and pain, bites from this species are not known to be life-threatening.

The employee was an Amphibian & Reptile keeper. So far, zoo officials said, he has not had to use any antivenin.

The zoo said its employees regularly perform animal escape drills and venomous snakebite drills. Following this incident, the zoo will review its policies and procedures to look for opportunities to improve the safety of employees and animals.

http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/10/1668388/zookeeper-hospitalized-after-snake.html#

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