Two Year Old Girl and Mother Hospitalised After Attack at Dublin Zoo

A two-year-old girl has been seriously injured after being attacked by a tapir at Dublin Zoo.

According to reports, the young girl was knocked unconscious when a female tapir panicked and attacked the girl, leaving serious lacerations to her arm and stomach.

The girl’s mother was also injured while trying intervene.

The animal, known as Rio, had recently given birth and was taking part in a supervised show and tell event yesterday afternoon where the participants were invited to take a closer look at the animals. Tapirs are often seen to be "docile" animals.

The child was brought to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for treatment while her mother was treated at the Mater Hospital.

Dublin Zoo managers are said to be launching an investigation into the attack and staff are said to be shocked.