Drama unfolded on December 12 at the National Zoo after a bearcat bit two people, sending them to the hospital. Learn what caused the Washington D.C. zoo’s binturong Lola to attack, as well as the fate of the two injured employees.
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Bearcat Bites Two People At The National Zoo
The term bearcat is a misleading name, because this animal is neither a bear nor a cat. The bearcat, also known as a binturong, is a shaggy-haired mammal from Southeast Asian forests. The Smithsonian National Zoo shares that they more closely resemble maskless raccoons. Also, they are “in the family Viverridae with other small cat-like mammals.”
The bearcat is not typically a threat to humans, as it is usually a shy, docile animal. However, like any other wild animal, when it feels provoked or threatened, it can attack. While it is unclear what fully provoked this bearcat to bite two zoo workers, PEOPLE has the details surrounding the incident.
The attack occurred during a “routine weight check and training session.” Additionally, it occurred in an area of the zoo that is closed off to the public. In theory, if it were a routine procedure and there were no loud noises or other distractions, it should have gone well, alas it did not. The binturong bit the employee handling it and did not want to let go.
How One Binturong Bite Turns Into Two
According to a statement issued by the National Zoo, another staff member raced to assist the zookeeper who was being bitten. In the process of removing the animal the other animal care colleague was also bitten. Both staff members sustained “non-life-threatening injuries.”
The zoo’s safety announcement shared that “both staff were transported to a local hospital for treatment out of an abundance of caution.” Lola the bearcat as well as the two zoo workers all appear to be doing fine. As does the other bearcat that lives in the zoo, 11-year-old Hank.
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