Bitten zookeeper keen to return

Zookeeper Emma Mitchell-Collett, 23, is looking forward to getting back to work this week after undergoing surgery on Friday.

Ms Mitchell-Collett was bitten by a male dingo during an incident at the Peel Zoo earlier this month when she intervened to protect a volunteer.

She received facial injuries but has spent time recovering and is eager to resume her job.

“Dingos are not dogs and they cannot be truly domesticated but they are of value as a zoo exhibit because they enable us to educate the public as to the complexities of Australia’s ecosystems,” she said.

“Shiloh was hand raised along with his sister Cleo from the age of six weeks until he was three months old and he is now three years old.

“Prior to the incident, Shiloh received daily interactions with zoo staff without incident.”

Ms Mitchell-Collett said as a consequence of the incident all interaction with Shiloh had been suspended while the team investigated what occurred.

“As part of this process we are carrying out research and seeking advice from experts on this species,” she said.

“Once the investigations are complete, improved guidelines and protocols for the management of the dingos will be implemented.

“I love being a zookeeper and I know these incidents are bound to occur at some point when I am working with animals every day.”

Ms Mitchell-Collett said she believed zoos played an important role in animal conservation.

The Peel Zoo is actively involved in the breeding and genetic diversification of endangered animals such as the Tasmanian devil and woylie.