Bristol Zoo Gardens seal 'punched by keeper' Published duration 7 August 2013

image caption Bristol Zoo said all seals kept in captivity remain on show

An animal keeper at Bristol Zoo Gardens has been suspended after it was alleged he punched a seal at the tourist attraction.

It is alleged the senior keeper attacked the South American fur seal when handlers tried to weigh it.

The zoo's head vet has examined all the seals kept there and they remain on public show in their enclosure.

A Bristol Zoo Gardens spokeswoman said an investigation into the incident has been launched.

"Bristol Zoo would like to make it very clear that it has a zero tolerance attitude towards such behaviour and takes its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation seriously," she said.