Rhinoceros Kills Zoo Keeper, Injures Another In Austria

A rhinoceros has attacked and killed a zookeeper while severely injuring another in their enclosure at the Salzburg Zoo in Austria. The harrowing incident unfolded during the early morning hours as a keeper was conducting routine duties within the rhino enclosure, as reported by local authorities on Tuesday. The police statement explained, "For reasons still unknown, a rhino attacked a 33-year-old female zookeeper," who tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. In an attempt to deter the aggressive animal, another zookeeper, a 34-year-old Austrian man, also faced an attack and sustained serious injuries, subsequently being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The fatal attack, presumed to involve the keeper being trampled to death, occurred shortly before 7:00 am local time. In response to the tragedy, the Salzburg Zoo announced that it would be closed on Tuesday, as shared on its Facebook page. Situated within the scenic gardens of the Hellbrunn Palace, the Salzburg Zoo serves as the home to approximately 1,500 animals and annually draws more than 400,000 visitors. This devastating incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with the care of exotic animals in captivity and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures to protect both zoo staff and the animals they care for.