3:22 p.m.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo (GVZoo) issued a statement this afternoon via Twitter, confirming a child was bitten at the black bear enclosure. The child was bitten while in an unauthorized area to the public.
The statement in full reads:
The Greater Vancouver Zoo statement on the incident that took place at the zoo yesterday, August 5th 2019: Let us first start by saying our primary concern is with the injured child and family at this time.
The team at the zoo are deeply shocked and saddened by the accident that occurred yesterday and we are working on all fronts to gather all the information with all parties involved.
The GVZoo adheres to the safety standards put forth by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) to ensure the safety and well being of all patrons and our animals. Barriers are purposefully put in place to maintain a safe distance between patrons and our animals.
We can confirm that the incident occurred at our black bear enclosure and that the child was bitten by one of the bears while she was in an unauthorized area to the public.
This is an active investigation on our end to confirm all details and ensure the safety of all our guests, staff and animals.
12:11 p.m.
A child has been injured after being bitten by a bear at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says it received information Monday night that a child was injured due to an animal bite at the zoo in Langley.
A spokesman for the Environment Ministry confirmed a bear bit the child.
B.C. Emergency Health Services says it received a call just before 7 p.m. Monday and dispatched two critical care teams and an air ambulance.
It says in a statement that a patient was taken by air ambulance to hospital in serious condition.
In a statement, the conservation service says its officers are investigating and it won't comment further.
No details on the circumstances of the incident have been released, and neither the age nor gender of the child have been disclosed.
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