Jamaica Zoo Attractions Limited is today (May 24) offering its first update on the condition of the injured contractor, and assured it will fully cooperate with ongoing investigations led by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). 

The man, identified as Ricardo Jones, was attacked by Jamaica Zoo lion ‘Santa Cruz’ on Friday afternoon, May 20. 

Jones had his right ring finger degloved by Santa Cruz during an exhibition tour, where he appeared to be taunting the animal for entertainment purposes.

Jamaica Zoo, in its statement following the incident that went viral on social media platforms, said Jones’ injuries were “relatively minor”.

“Firstly, we are pleased to advise that our team member who was injured in the incident has been receiving medical care. He is recovering from what – in light of the circumstances – can be described as relatively minor injuries,” Jamaica Zoo said on Tuesday. 

The main priority of Jamaica Zoo, according to its statement, was to ensure that affected staff members understood what took place and received counselling. 

In the meantime, Jamaica Zoo acknowledged the comprehensive NEPA investigation in conjunction with the Veterinary Services Division and Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA). 

The Lacovia-based facility re-emphasised the high standard of care for its animals, and committed to ensuring “our patrons and stakeholders are safe and enjoy wholesome experiences when they visit our facility”.

See statement in full: 

“The Management of Jamaica Zoo uses this opportunity to update members of the public on steps now underway in light of an incident involving Ricardo Jones, a contractor, and Santa Cruz, a lion at our facility.

Firstly, we are pleased to advise that our team member who was injured in the incident has been receiving medical care. He is recovering from what – in light of the circumstances – can be described as relatively minor injuries.

Secondly, we place on record that our first order of business in the wake of last Friday’s occurrence was to immediately see to the medical care of our team member. 

Since the incident which has been widely seen and reported across media, there have been no less than two occasions where staff members have been updated and have received counselling.

On Monday, May 23, officials from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, NEPA and the JSPCA visited our facility and met with members of the team to formally commence an investigation into the incident with a view to ensure that we are operating within our licenses and permits as well as to review our emergency protocols.

We wish to assure the public that Jamaica Zoo has always and will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that our patrons and stakeholders are safe and enjoy wholesome experiences when they visit our facility.

We continue to place on record that health of our animals is paramount. They are loved and properly taken care of and that the enclosures in which they are accommodated and displayed are properly maintained.

We will provide timely updates to the public in keeping with the advice and direction of the authorities and thank the wider public for their understandable interest in this matter.

Thank you

Signed, Management.”