Toddler Falls Into Rhino Enclosure at Florida's Brevard Zoo

A two-year-old child was injured after falling into the rhino enclosure at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida. The girl was visiting the zoo on New Year's Day with family when she slipped through metal poles separating visitors from the animals during a "rhino encounter" educational event.

"According to witnesses, the child stumbled and fell in between two of the poles and at this point the snout of at least one rhinocerous made contact with the child," said a zoo spokesman in a statement.

The child and her mother were taken to hospital—the mother with non-critical injuries to her arm.

In a statement to ABC News, the child's father said, "Our daughter is in good care at Arnold Palmer Hospital and is doing well. My wife was also treated for her injury and has been released from the hospital. At this time, we ask for privacy as we focus on our daughter's recovery."

Elliot Zirulnik, a zoo spokesman, told WFTV that the child suffered abrasions on her face, and was with her parents and two zookeepers at the time of the incident. In their statement, zoo officials said that the "rhino encounters" event has been suspended while an investigation is carried out into the incident.

According to the zoo's website, the "rhino encounters" event has been offered to visitors since 2009, providing a chance to learn about the animals and see them close up.

"Our number one concern is the safety and welfare of our guests and our hearts go out to the family," said Keith Winsten, the zoo's executive director. "Safety has always been of paramount importance to us."

The zoo said no other safety incidents have been reported at the event. The Brevard zoo houses about 900 animals, and is located about 55 miles from Orlando.