Oshkosh
city officials are instituting changes at the Menominee Park Zoo after a
wolf bit a child's fingers in May, causing authorities to euthanize the
animal, newly obtained documents show.
Among the changes are the updating of operating procedures, conducting additional employee training, posting new signs and installing an additional fence around the non-public area of the zoo where the child entered and put its fingers through a fence, according to a memo from city parks director Ray Maurer to Oshkosh Common Council members.
"We have determined that the incident was a result of human error after a gate to a non-public area of the zoo was left open by staff," Maurer wrote in the June 22 memo. "Due to the multiple causes that resulted in this incident, there is no employee discipline planned."
The changes were the result of a joint investigation by the city Parks, Human Resources and Risk Management/Safety departments, according to the memo, which Oshkosh Northwestern Media obtained Tuesday, July 28, along with a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report.
"Gates that are left open that serve as a part of the public barrier pose a danger to the animals and the public by not restricting access to the animals by members of the viewing public," according to the USDA report, dated May 27. "The integrity of the public barriers must be maintained to assure the safety of the animals and the viewing public."
The gate in question was one that staff uses to access the wolf and elk exhibits, according to the inspection report.
"Safety is of the utmost importance to our zoo facility in order to ensure that our visitors, employees and animals are safe," Maurer said. "Although I regret that this incident occurred, I am confident that the assessments conducted and the measures taken will allow the zoo to be a safer and more enjoyable place."
Related story: Menominee Park Zoo wolf euthanized after biting child
The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor finger injuries, Maurer said previously. The child's parents did not want to put their child through rabies shots, and because the incubation period for rabies in wild animals is unknown, the animal was euthanized. A brain sample then was sent to Madison for a rabies test, which came back negative.
Reach Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter @onwnshuda.
Among the changes are the updating of operating procedures, conducting additional employee training, posting new signs and installing an additional fence around the non-public area of the zoo where the child entered and put its fingers through a fence, according to a memo from city parks director Ray Maurer to Oshkosh Common Council members.
"We have determined that the incident was a result of human error after a gate to a non-public area of the zoo was left open by staff," Maurer wrote in the June 22 memo. "Due to the multiple causes that resulted in this incident, there is no employee discipline planned."
The changes were the result of a joint investigation by the city Parks, Human Resources and Risk Management/Safety departments, according to the memo, which Oshkosh Northwestern Media obtained Tuesday, July 28, along with a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report.
"Gates that are left open that serve as a part of the public barrier pose a danger to the animals and the public by not restricting access to the animals by members of the viewing public," according to the USDA report, dated May 27. "The integrity of the public barriers must be maintained to assure the safety of the animals and the viewing public."
The gate in question was one that staff uses to access the wolf and elk exhibits, according to the inspection report.
"Safety is of the utmost importance to our zoo facility in order to ensure that our visitors, employees and animals are safe," Maurer said. "Although I regret that this incident occurred, I am confident that the assessments conducted and the measures taken will allow the zoo to be a safer and more enjoyable place."
Related story: Menominee Park Zoo wolf euthanized after biting child
The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor finger injuries, Maurer said previously. The child's parents did not want to put their child through rabies shots, and because the incubation period for rabies in wild animals is unknown, the animal was euthanized. A brain sample then was sent to Madison for a rabies test, which came back negative.
Reach Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter @onwnshuda.
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