An Akron Zoo employee is recovering after being bitten by a Komodo dragon earlier this month. The Akron Zoo said in a press release the incident happened on March 3 in the Komodo Kingdom employee service area.
“Our chief concern is for our valued team member, who is currently recovering at home,” Akron Zoo officials said. “We will update as more information is available, consistent with privacy requirements and Federal law. We also want to honor our employee’s privacy, so we are providing no other details at this time.”
Two Komodo dragons reside at the Akron Zoo – 4-year-old Jasper and 12-year-old Padar. Fox 8 reported that Padar bit the employee multiple times. Jasper was not involved in the zoo employee’s injuries and was also injured during the incident, but the zoo reported the animal is in stable condition and recovering.
The Akron Zoo said they are working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate the incident and review safety protocols.
On March 19, the zoo said, “The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an investigation beginning on March 4, 2024, and has now determined that there were no employer violations of safety standards by the Akron Zoo.”
Komodo dragon bites – though a relatively “weak” bite strength – can be fatal to humans due to the venom and bacteria in their mouths. “They rely on their sharp, curved teeth and long, sturdy claws to slash and tear at their prey with astonishing force,” the National Zoo reports.
Due to the serrated shape of a Komodo dragon’s tooth, bits of rotten flesh are easily caught in the reptile’s mouth, which creates a mini-habitat of harmful bacteria in their saliva. If bite wounds are left untreated, the bacteria can cause the wounds to become septic.
Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals that can measure up to 10 feet in length and weigh between 150 and 300 pounds.