Henry Doorly Zoo employee stung by stingray at Lied Jungle exhibit - News Channel Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. -- An Omaha zoo employee is recovering after being stung by a stingray.

According to officials at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the staff member was stung while working in the zoo's Lied Jungle exhibit.

In a statement issued by the zoo, officials said the employee sustained an injury to the ankle while servicing the habitat, and the stingray barb went through the staff member's protective rubber boots.

Four Zoo EMTs immediately responded and began treatment, which they have been specifically trained to handle, the release stated.

The staff member was transported to the hospital "to ensure complete and appropriate care," zoo officials noted. 

According to the zoo, a sting by a freshwater stingray is painful and warrants precautions regarding infection or allergic reactions but is not considered life-threatening.

Officials stated that the zoo has standard operating procedures and protocols in place and that those be be reviewed following the incident.

"Our number one concern was the immediate care of our staff member," said president and CEO Dr. Luis Padilla. "The health and safety of our staff, guests and animals is of the utmost priority to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium."

Padilla said that he believes there is no immediate threat to the public.

"We also want to assure the public that Stingray Beach remains a safe experience," Padilla said. "The stingrays that live in Stingray Beach are a different species than those in the Lied Jungle. The Stingray Beach stingrays are also managed differently so that they are unable to sting."