Shark Attack in US: Bamboo Shark Bites Blue Zoo Aquarium Employee's Hand in Iowa, Rescuers Euthanize the Fish to Free Him

A bamboo shark at Blue Zoo in Iowa bit an employee during a transfer, leading to the shark being euthanized after rescuers couldn't free the staff member's hand. Minor injuries were reported.

Representative Image (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

Mumbai, July 25: A bamboo shark in West Des Moines, USA, was euthanized on Monday, July 22, after it attacked a Lowa aquarium staff member. The incident occurred on July 22 while the Blue Zoo staff transferred the shark to another tank. The marine predator clamped its teeth between the employee's thumb and index finger. The injured staff member was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries that did not require stitches.

While attempting to transport the shark to a larger tank to resuscitate it from signs of distress, the aquarium reported that the shark suddenly regained its strength. It became alarmed and bit down on the staff member's hand, clamping its sharp teeth between her thumb and index finger, the New York Post reported. Shark Attack in US: Shark Attacks Four People on South Padre Island During July 4 Celebrations, One Hospitalised (Watch Video).

Blue Zoo informed that the team tried several times to open the shark's mouth, but the shark's hook-like teeth made it challenging. As a result, management chose to call emergency responders. However, the EMTs who arrived were unable to release the employee's hands from the shark's jaws, which led to the decision to put the shark down humanely. Shark Attack in Florida: Man Bitten by Shark He Caught While Fishing in Fernandina Beach (See Pic).

The staff was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries that did not require stitches. The aquarium noted that such an incident had never occurred before and stated that moving forward, employees will wear gloves while handling the fish to prevent future occurrences. 

What Are Bamboo Sharks?

Bamboo sharks are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their distinctively elongated bodies. Despite their relatively harmless nature, bamboo sharks possess small, hook-like teeth that can make handling challenging. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2024 09:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

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