SINGAPORE, Aug. 29 -- A Singapore Zoo animal handler ended up in hospital after being bitten by a 23-year-old Malayan tapir during a routine end-of-day task on August 26.

The keeper was guiding the female tapir back to her off-exhibit den when the incident happened, Mandai Wildlife Group said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

A second keeper who was in the exhibit stepped in to help, and the tapir was secured in her den shortly afterwards.

The injured keeper remains in hospital and is "on the way to recovery" under close medical supervision, Mandai said, adding that it is also supporting the employee's family.

The tapir was born under Mandai's care and has been looked after by her keepers throughout her life, including du...