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Binturong Attack Injures Two Zookeepers at Smithsonian Zoo

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 12, 2025, two zookeepers at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., were injured by a 12-year-old binturong named Lola during a training session around 10 a.m.
One staff member was bitten while weighing Lola, and the other was injured while assisting.
Both staff members were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The Smithsonian National Zoo confirmed Lola and another binturong, Hank, are the facility's only binturongs.

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Story summary

On December 12, 2025, two zookeepers at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., were injured by a 12-year-old binturong named Lola during a training session around 10 a.m.
One staff member was bitten while weighing Lola, and the other was injured while assisting.
Both staff members were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The Smithsonian National Zoo confirmed Lola and another binturong, Hank, are the facility's only binturongs.