A keeper at Bristol zoo has been suspended after allegedly throwing a punch at a South American fur seal, prompting an investigation.

The alleged assault is said to have taken place as staff tried to weigh the animal. The zoo is not revealing the identify or the sex of the animal involved.

The head veterinary surgeon has examined all the seals at the attraction and they remain on public show in their enclosure.

A Bristol zoo spokeswoman said: "A senior animal keeper has been suspended pending further investigation of an alleged animal welfare incident that has recently come to light.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, Bristol zoo is currently unable to discuss the details of the incident."

Fur seals are hefty, powerful creatures. Bulls grow to an average length of 1.9 metres (6ft) and can weigh up to 150kg (330lb), while cows are a little smaller, on average 1.4 metres (4.6ft) long.

The spokeswoman added: "The zoo has acted rapidly and comprehensively by instigating an immediate, formal and extensive investigation in line with its internal policies and legal welfare requirements.

"Michelle Barrows, head of veterinary services, has examined the seal family and all individuals are behaving normally. The animal has been, and continues to be, on full public show.

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

The animals are one of the zoo's most popular attractions in the seal and penguin coasts exhibit, which was opened by David Bellamy in 1999.

South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) used to be hunted for fur, skins and oil.

In 1991, commercial hunting of the mammal was banned but other threats still face the species, including reduction of fish stocks that they depend upon. Their natural enemies in the wild are sharks and killer whales.

Bristol zoo has been operating for 177 years and employs 150 full and part-time staff.