Policy and Procedures: VENOMOUS ANIMALS
Purpose: To ensure the safe care and management of venomous species and provide details for the
appropriate response to a venomous animal related injury.
File Number: 04
Last Reviewed: March 7, 2008
Pertains To: All employees, part time and temporary staff, contract workers, volunteers, interns and coop students (collectively referred to as “STAFF”)
Note: This policy does not deal with poisonous species, those plants or animals that are harmful when
consumed or touched. Though this policy is meant for venomous animals in the collection, the
Response and Treatment protocols could also be applied to incidents involving wild venomous animals
found in the area, such as wasp and bee stings.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Venom is a toxic secretion in animals that is actively delivered to the target organism, usually by a bite
or a sting, either to paralyse, incapacitate or cause pain as a defence mechanism. It is generally
composed of protein and peptide toxins, but composition varies between species and individuals.
Jungle Cat World DOES NOT keep venomous animals that are considered deadly to humans.
Injury from these animals requires the medically supervised use of antivenin and other such emergency
treatments. For example, this would be the case if bitten by any snake in the Crotalus genus (e.g.Rattlesnakes).
Jungle Cat World does, however, houses venomous species that are considered safe, in that, an injury
does not pose the risk of any long-term ailment or death and antivenin is not required. However, it is still
imperative to manage these animals with caution and care. A bite or sting can still result in significant
discomfort and pain for the victim and cause possible injury or death to the animal. In a worse case
scenario, the victim has a severe allergic reaction and would require immediate medical attention for
anaphylactic shock.
PREVENTATIVE FEATURES AND SAFETY MEASURES
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All venomous animals must be kept in secure enclosures in a locked room. When on display for the
public, the enclosures themselves must be locked closed.
All enclosures housing venomous animals must have an easily viewable Data Card attached to it,
which contains the following information: Common Name, Scientific Name, Natural Range, Risk
Level (low, moderate or high). The card must also have a red round sticker on the top left-hand
corner as a quick visual indicator that the animal is potentially dangerous.
During transportation (e.g.- Off-site Wildlife Presentations), venomous species must be kept in a
locked container. Data cards must be available for each species.
Only staff that have had training in the safe care, management and handling of venomous animals
by others experienced staff (e.g.- Zookeeper) are authorized to work with venomous animals.
Inexperienced individuals, such as zoo visitors, are only allowed to view and handle a venomous
animal when under the direct supervision of experienced, trained staff.
Any individual that has a history of allergies to animal venom, such as those that suffer from
anaphylactic shock from bee stings, are prohibited to come into direct contact with any venomous
animal.
3667 Concession 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
(ph) 905-983-5015 • (fax) 905-983-9858
www.junglecatworld.com • info@junglecatworld.com
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The room in which they are kept requires clearly visible and easily accessible snake hook and
plastic ladle. These instruments are required whenever a venomous animal needs to be moved
within their enclosure or removed from their enclosure. Under no circumstances should venomous
animals be free-handled in their enclosure. This is to reduce the risk of being accidentally attacked
due to a feeding response.
A Medical kit clearly visible and easily accessible that includes: Symptoms, Response and
Treatment information for venomous animal related injuries, medication for pain, such as Ibuprofen
(Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), an antihistamine (Benadryl) for mild allergic reactions and an
epinephrine kit, in case of anaphylaxis, with clear and concise instruction on how to administer it.
Directions to the local hospital (with alternate routes outlined) laminated and Velcro-ed to the wall.
SYMPTOMS, RESPONSE AND TREATMENT OF A NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURY
A sting or bite from a venomous animal, such as a spider or scorpion, does not always contain venom.
These “dry” bites serve as a warning when the venomous animal feels alarmed or threatened. The
amount of venom released can also be controlled, from very little to a lot. The venomous animals kept
at Jungle Cat World are considered mild in toxicity, with no reported deaths worldwide.
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A mild to moderate injury from a venomous animal can trigger the following symptoms at the site
of the bite/sting:
o Redness
o Itching
o Mild to severe pain
o Swelling
If injured:
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Stay Calm.
Only if it can be done safely and quickly, secure the animal so it can’t escape;
o Secure the animal in its enclosure.
o Secure the animal in a temporary place, such as in a bucket or beneath a hat.
Otherwise, drop the animal or brush/shake it off you.
Quietly leave the area and find a secure site.
If the stinger is still lodged in the skin, as it usually is after honeybee stings, it should be
removed promptly:
o You can do this by scraping the site with a credit card or similar device, perpendicular to
the skin. A fingernail can be used.
o Pinching the stinger to pull it out is not advised, because this may inject more venom.
Control local swelling:
o Elevate the part of the body where the sting is located.
o Apply ice to the area of the sting.
o If the sting is on the hands or feet where rings or other tight-fitting jewelry is worn, these
should be removed immediately before swelling develops, to avoid any compression of
the blood supply to these areas.
Control pain: Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually sufficient to relieve pain.
Treat the itch:
3667 Concession 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
(ph) 905-983-5015 • (fax) 905-983-9858
www.junglecatworld.com • info@junglecatworld.com
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Take an antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This helps counteract
one of the mediators of the reaction and will help control itching. Diphenhydramine is
available without a prescription. Caution - this medication makes most people too
drowsy to drive or operate machinery safely. It can be taken every 6 hours for the first
few days, until the swelling begins to improve.
Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter, can be applied to the site of the
insect sting to relieve itching.
A paste of baking soda or salt and water, rubbed on the skin, may provide relief.
An over-the-counter lotion such as Calamine can help.
If a blister develops at the site, keep the area clean but do not break the blister.
Do not be alarmed if the reaction takes 2-5 days to heal. Continue treatment until all symptoms are
gone. For more information, you can call the Ontario Poison Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children in
Toronto at (800) 268-9017 or (416) 813-5900. They provide telephone information and advice about
potential or real exposures to poisonous substances. If the person has collapsed, is not breathing,
or is having seizures, dial 911.
SYMPTOMS, RESPONSE AND TREATMENT OF A LIFE THREATENING INJURY
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life–threatening response
involving the whole body. This reaction can lead to difficulty breathing and shock, ultimately leading to
death, sometimes within a matter of minutes.
For an anaphylactic reaction to occur, the victim must have been exposed in the past to the substance
that causes the reaction, called the antigen. This is called "sensitization." A bee sting, for example, may
not cause an allergic reaction the first time. Another bee sting may produce a sudden, severe allergic
reaction known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. It’s possible to develop sensitivity and
anaphylaxis to a substance that someone has been exposed to many times in the past without a
reaction, and often people don't recall the previous exposure.
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Most insect stings cause some pain and swelling in the area of the sting, called a local reaction.
o A severe local reaction may lead to pain and swelling that increase over the next few
hours and becoming very uncomfortable. This does not constitute an anaphylactic
reaction. The reaction must involve at least 2 of your body's organ systems (such as
lungs and heart) to qualify as an anaphylactic reaction.
o Although most local reactions are not serious, if they are near the face or neck, swelling
can quickly block the airway and cause serious problems.
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Symptoms over the entire body are always a concern because they may signal an anaphylactic
reaction. These reactions may include the following:
o Hives (swollen bumps on the skin)
o Significant swelling over major body parts - face, head, neck, arms/hands, legs/feet
o Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or the feeling that the throat is closing
o Dizziness or fainting
o Chest pain or racing heartbeat
o Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
3667 Concession 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
(ph) 905-983-5015 • (fax) 905-983-9858
www.junglecatworld.com • info@junglecatworld.com
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The dizziness and fainting are due to a dangerously low blood pressure. This condition is known
as "shock," and anaphylaxis is often called anaphylactic shock.
For such a reaction, self-treatment is not recommended. Call your health care provider or 911,
depending on the severity of your symptoms. Do not attempt to drive yourself. If no one is available to
drive you right away, call for an ambulance. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, here's what you can
do while waiting for the ambulance:
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Try to stay calm.
Remove yourself from the area where the animal is, closing the door behind you to secure the
animal in the room. If help is available, request that the animals Data Card is retrieved so
medical personnel can review it.
Take an antihistamine (1-2 tablets or capsules of diphenhydramine [Benadryl]) if you can
swallow without difficulty.
If you are wheezing or having difficulty breathing, use an inhaled bronchodilator such as
albuterol (Proventil) or epinephrine (Primatene Mist) if one is available. These inhaled
medications dilate the airway.
If you are feeling light-headed or faint, lie down and raise your legs higher than your head to
help blood flow to your brain.
If you have been given an epinephrine kit, inject yourself as you have been instructed. The kit
provides a premeasured dose of epinephrine, a prescription drug that rapidly reverses the most
serious symptoms.
Bystanders should administer CPR to a person who becomes unconscious and stops breathing
or does not have a pulse.
If at all possible, you or your companion should be prepared to tell medical personnel which
medications you have taken today, which you usually take, and any known allergies.
FOLLOW-UP
Due to the possibility of a bacterial infection to the wound, or other such complications, the victim should
closely monitor the injury weeks after the event. If there is any evidence that the injury is not healing,
such as continued pain, swelling and discoloration, medical treatment should be sought.
All accidents, whether mild or severe, is to be documented on an Incident Report and kept on file.
Information should include conditions leading up to the event, symptoms the victim had and subsequent
treatment. Any follow-up treatments from complications should also be documented.
REFERENCES
 Peter H. Klose, Director, Safari Zoo Camp
 Ontario Poison Centre
http://www.sickkids.ca/ontariopoisoncentre/default.asp
 eMedicineHealth:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergy_insect_sting/article_em.htm
3667 Concession 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
(ph) 905-983-5015 • (fax) 905-983-9858
www.junglecatworld.com • info@junglecatworld.com
Paul A Janson, MD, Instructor, Tufts University School of Medicine; Director, EMT/RN Consultants; Staff Physician,
Department of Emergency Medicine, Lawrence General Hospital.
(Coauthor) Mary Buechler, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Deaconess-Glover Hospital.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/severe_allergic_reaction_anaphylactic_shock/article_em.htm
Jerry R. Balentine, D.O. F.A.C.E.P.
3667 Concession 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
(ph) 905-983-5015 • (fax) 905-983-9858
www.junglecatworld.com • info@junglecatworld.com