Zoo faces trial over tapir attack on girl

Dublin Zoo is facing criminal proceedings after a two-year-old girl and her mother were attacked and injured during a supervised "close encounter" with a Brazilian tapir.

The zoo, one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions, is accused of ignoring a health risk assessment carried out seven years before the toddler was mauled by the animal, in August 2013.

The girl, who suffered stomach and arm injuries, had to receive treatment from surgeons at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, while her mother also required medical attention.

The Zoological Society of Ireland is being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Authority on behalf of the DPP as a result of the incident, which occurred on August 8 last year.

Antonia Boyle, prosecuting, told Judge John O’Neill at Dublin District Court the zoo is facing a single count contrary to Section 19.4 of the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.

During the proceedings yesterday, Ms Boyle asked Judge O’Neill to hear a summary of the allegations before making a trial venue ruling to determine whether the case will be dealt with at district court level or be sent to the circuit court.

HSA inspector Mairead Wall told Judge O’Neill that on August 8, 2013, a zoo-keeper and members of the public were having “a close encounter in the tapir enclosure in Dublin Zoo.”

She said eight people, four children and four adults, had been in the enclosure when the animal became agitated before it attacked the woman and her daughter.

A risk assessment had been carried out in 2006, stating members of the public were not to have access to areas in the tapir exhibition, she said.

She agreed with Ms Boyle that the case against the zoo is for it failing to implement the most recent risk assessment. Counsel also told the judge that no charges have been brought in relation to personal injuries sustained.

Judge O’Neill accepted jurisdiction meaning the case will be dealt with in the district court which, on conviction, can impose a maximum €5,000 fine.

Shay Fleming, defending, for the Zoological Society of Ireland, asked for a three-week adjournment.

Judge O’Neill granted the adjournment.

The Zoological Society of Ireland will be expected to indicate how it will plead when the case resumes in October.