Two zookeepers attacked by jaguar at Al Ain Zoo

The accident happened on Sunday but only came to light on Wednesday.

The incident is believed to have occurred due to human error when an interior cage door was left open, contravening the zoo’s strict safety protocols.

A fire extinguisher may have saved the lives of two big cat keepers at Al Ain Zoo on Sunday when it was discharged to scare off a jaguar that attacked them after a cage door was left open.

Both zookeepers — an African and an Asian man — were injured in the attack. They were rushed to Al Ain Hospital and are now making a full recovery with one man already discharged. The second is expected to be discharged on Thursday.

At no point during the incident was the public in danger, according to zoo authorities.

Both keepers were said to be experienced members of staff, but it was implied that there may have been a misjudgement on checking door security.

The quick reaction of fellow zookeepers - who used a fire extinguisher to frighten the animal - is thought to have saved the pair, who were next to the jaguar’s cage when the incident occurred.

One of the zookeepers managed to escape quickly, while the second had to be rescued by the other zookeepers.

“We are investigating the incident to determine its causes and make the necessary recommendations," Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, director general of Al Ain Zoo said in a statement.