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South American Rodent Bites Toddler at Beardsley Zoo In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A young visitor to Beardsley Zoo got a little closer to the wildlife than she’d hoped Sunday when a South American rodent bit her finger through a gap in a Rainforest Building enclosure.

A red-rumped agouti bit a toddler's finger at Beardsley Zoo Sunday.

A red-rumped agouti bit a toddler's finger at Beardsley Zoo Sunday.

Photo Credit: www.beardsleyzoo.com

The small covered gap that fell off of a glass barrier left just enough room for the red-rumped agouti, similar to a guinea pig, to reach the toddler’s tiny finger, said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho.

“We make every effort to create a safe environment for our guests at the Zoo,” Dancho said. “This was an unfortunate event that has been immediately addressed by closing the rainforest building while repairs are made at that one area.”

The girl was treated first at the zoo by EMT professionals and later evaluated at an area hospital.

There are no health concerns with the animal, and like all members of the zoo collection, it receives appropriate examinations and immunizations on a regular basis.

Dancho said he sent the family best wishes for a complete recovery.

“The entire zoo staff is dedicated to guest safety, and an event of this nature is taken seriously,” he said.

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