Florida Child Injury Law Blog

 “Presents for Primates” at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa took an unexpected twist when a chimpanzee grabbed an orange and tossed it at a young girl watching the festivities. 

 Employees of the zoo immediately rushed to the girl and got her an ice pack.  The young girl luckily was not injured. 

 The incident unfolded when zookeepers tossed wrapped presents filled with food in the primate’s exhibit area.  ‘Alex’, the chimp who threw the orange was upset after another chimp had stolen his present.  According to the Lowry Park Zoo, events like “Presents for Primates” are intended to encourage physical and mental activity of the apes and monkeys, while energizing the animals’ senses and behaviors. 

 Parents Magazine rated Lowry Park Zoo as the best zoo in the United States last year. They are also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.