Ishak Rashid, 51, who was attacked by a male bear about noon, was injured in the face and legs. His condition has been described as stable.

In a statement today, the safari park’s communications department said Ishak, from Kedah, had been traumatised by the unexpected incident.

“He is our senior ranger and has been in charge of animals over the past five years,” it said.

The incident occurred during daily routine cleaning of the bear’s cage.

“The door latch was (inadvertently) opened due to the thumping (or kicking movements) of the bear … the second latch was not engaged, and that is a safety violation.

“The management will review the safety procedures so that all quarters take safety aspects seriously to prevent a recurrence of such an incident,” it said.

According to the statement, a police report was lodged and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) notified.