A Bronx Zoo animal keeper is recovering after a crocodile bit his arm inside the park’s reptile house Sunday afternoon, sending a jolt through the busy holiday weekend crowd on Southern Blvd. The 38-year-old keeper, whose name has not been released, was bitten while feeding the crocodile around 2:45 p.m. on May 24. NYPD and FDNY responded to the scene, and the keeper was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police on site.

Visitors reported seeing zoo staff clear the area near the World of Reptiles just after the incident. Families making the most of the warm Memorial Day weekend were temporarily rerouted as keepers managed the enclosure. “They moved really fast—one minute we were watching the crocodile, the next, everyone was being told to leave,” said Kenia Morales, who was visiting from Pelham Parkway with her two kids.

According to a Bronx Zoo spokesperson, the bite was described as ‘small,’ and the keeper is expected to make a full recovery. The enclosure remained closed for the rest of Sunday as teams conducted safety checks and reviewed protocols. No animals escaped or were harmed, zoo officials confirmed.

This marks the first reported incident involving a reptile bite at the Bronx Zoo this season. As the zoo heads into peak spring crowds and school trip season, visitors and staff alike were reminded of the risks that come with handling wild animals—even in the middle of the Bronx. The zoo has not announced any changes to its public programming or hours this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Bronx Zoo keeper on Sunday afternoon?

A Bronx Zoo animal keeper was bitten on the arm by a crocodile while feeding it inside the park’s reptile house on Sunday afternoon.

Was the Bronx Zoo keeper seriously injured by the crocodile bite?

The keeper was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Did any animals escape or get harmed during the Bronx Zoo crocodile incident?

No animals escaped or were harmed during the incident, according to zoo officials.

Was the Bronx Zoo reptile house closed after the crocodile bite?

The enclosure remained closed for the rest of Sunday as teams conducted safety checks and reviewed protocols.

Will the Bronx Zoo change its hours or programming after the crocodile bite incident?

The zoo has not announced any changes to its public programming or hours this week.

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