The mother and child injured in an incident at Dublin Zoo are said to be recovering. It comes after a Brazilian tapir attacked a 2-year-old girl during a supervised visit.
Dublin Zoo says the incident was isolated as tapirs are normally extremely calm and passive. An investigation has been launched and all supervised animal encounters have ceased for the time being.
The zoo says staff are 'deeply upset'.
The distinctive animal, with a long snout, had recently given birth to a calf and is believed to have panicked during the supervised visit.
In a statement, Dublin Zoo says the incident was "unfortunate" and its immediate concern is the health and well-being of the visitors involved.
The girl was reportedly left unconscious when the female animal inflicted deep lacerations to her arm and stomach. The girl's mother was also injured when she tried to fend off the animal, known as 'Rio'.
Adult & baby tapirs at the zoo
The child was last night receiving treatment at Temple Street Children's Hospital while the her mother was treated at the Mater Hospital.
Reporter with the Irish Examiner Fiachra O' Cionnaith says the animal had recently given birth and is believed to have panicked.
He spoke earlier with Breakfast here on Newstalk.
The zoo posted video of the baby tapir after it was born in July.
