The attacks were among 65 incidents at zoos and safari parks last year which were reported to the Health and Safety Executive because the injuries were so severe.
There were 26 involving staff and 39 with visitors.
One animal trainer at Paradise Wildlife Park, Herts, got bitten on the finger by a pouch rat they had been trying to coach for a show. It left them needing stitches.
And at Port Lympne Safari Park, in Kent, a vet was savaged by a bison he had come to euthanise.
As he climbed into the enclosure, the bison charged and threw him 10ft in the air. The animal then cut off the vet’s escape route and attacked him again, leaving a serious gash to his left leg.
Another incident at the same park saw a keeper attacked by a gibbon. It had been moved into another enclosure but managed to open the door and return.
The employee needed a week off work after suffering cuts and bruises.
But it’s not just the animals who cause injuries. Chester zoo revealed that a work experience student broke an ankle after falling while using a wheelbarrow.
In Kew Gardens, west London, an employee broke their collarbone when they tripped over a speed hump while looking at a notebook.
And at Marwell zoo, in Hampshire, a visitor broke their wrist by the leopard enclosure after tripping.
In 2016 the HSE prosecuted South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Cumbria, after keeper Sarah McLay, 24 was mauled to death by a Sumatran tiger as she was carrying out cleaning duties in 2013.
The zoo admitted breaches of health and safety laws and was fined £297,500.
