Zookeeper seriously injured after being attacked by 200kg gorilla in Madrid

A zookeeper has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being mauled by a giant gorilla who broke through three doors.

A Spanish zookeeper was left with serious chest and head injuries after being mauled by a 200kg gorilla who broke through three security doors, according to officials.

The 46-year-old keeper was serving breakfast at the Madrid Zoo Aquarium Sunday when she was surprised by 29-year-old great ape Malabo in what should have been a secure area, officials told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“The zoo team managed to separate the animal from her and later, a veterinary team anaesthetised it with a tranquilliser dart,” the zoo said.

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The zookeeper was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries today after the animal broke through three safety doors.

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“The animal was taken to its pen where it is calm,” the zoo said of Malabo, who was raised there since birth is normally “close to his caregivers.”

The worker — who was not identified but had worked there 19 years — suffered head and chest injuries as well as two broken arms, and remains in serious condition in a hospital, according to AFP.

Police and the zoo said they were investigating how the gorilla was able to enter the enclosure, which is protected with a triple door.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and has been republished with permission