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Volunteer at Toledo Zoo loses thumb during encounter with orangutan

The Toledo Zoo says one of its volunteer's thumbs became detached when an orangutan reached through a barrier and bit her arm.
File photo (@TheToledoZoo / Facebook)

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A zoo in Ohio says one of its volunteer's thumbs became detached when an orangutan reached through a barrier and bit her arm.

The Toledo Zoo says the volunteer's injuries were not life-threatening and that she was treated at a hospital.

Zoo officials tell The Blade that what happened isn't the orangutan's fault. It is not clear how the volunteer's finger became detached.

The incident took place Saturday in an area not accessible to visitors while the orangutans were being fed.

Zoo officials say all its great apes attempt to sneak their fingers through to grab things and that it's a known behavior staff must watch for while they're near the enclosure.

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