MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) - Officials at a Florida zoo where a toddler stumbled into a rhinoceros exhibit say the welfare of the animals was never compromised and the rhinos won't be punished in any way.
The Brevard Zoo said in a statement on Wednesday that the Rhino Encounters exhibit, as well as other exhibits involving "premium" animal experiences, has been suspended while zoo officials review safety protocol.
The 2-year-old girl was taken to a hospital for treatment Tuesday afternoon after she stumbled through steel poles separating the rhinos and spectators.
Officials at the zoo on Florida's Space Coast say a rhino's snout touched the girl before she was retrieved in a matter of seconds.
The girl's condition is unknown.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating.
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