CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A Cincinnati Zoo employee was hospitalized Friday morning after an animal bit the staff member’s thumb, zoo officials confirmed.

The incident happened in the Jungle Trails habitat hours before the zoo opened to guests.

According to a press release, a member of the primate care team was conducting morning rounds when a bonobo bit the employee’s thumb through the “protective mesh barrier.”

The release said the care team member was administering medicine and food to the bonobo troop when it happened.

Zoo officials say the employee suffered a “partial amputation” and is receiving medical treatment. They are currently listed as stable.

No other staff members or bonobos were involved or injured.

The zoo is currently investigating what led to the incident.

Jungle Trails will be closed to the public on Friday.

correction: The Cincinnati Zoo initially reported that the employee suffered a “full amputation.” They upgraded the employee’s injuries to a “partial amputation.”

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