ZOO STUDENT BIT AT FEEDING TIME.

Byline: Sabrina Decker Staff Writer

MOORPARK- A 67-pound Malaysian binturong - a rainforest-dwelling member of the mongoose family - bit an adult student handler on the forearm Friday at Moorpark College's teaching zoo, authorities said.

The animal, nicknamed Chance, was being fed lunch - which involves giving him food once he has allowed a harness to be put on - when he unexpectedly lashed out, zoo workers said.

The injured student, whose name was not released, was inside the cage along with another student there to spot her work, workers said.

``They were following protocol,'' said Mara Rodriguez, a college faculty member and animal trainer at the school. ``It was something that had been done once before. It's what we do here every day.''

The injured student was treated at Simi Valley Hospital and released, authorities said.

``She was fine, she was in good condition,'' said hospital spokeswoman Alicia Gonzalez.

America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College teaches students how to handle a wide range of wild creatures - from vultures to lions - in preparation for careers as zoo workers, animal handlers for the entertainment industry and related fields.

Rodriguez said there are a maximum of one or two animal-inflicted injuries a year.

Chance was donated to the school seven months ago by a private party who had the proper permits, she said.

Chance had never bitten anyone at the school until now, officials said.

``When I'm mad at you, I can communicate verbally the anger or frustration. This is one way an animal can communicate,'' Rodriguez said. ``Hopefully it's just not very often.''

Chance will be put into protective care, with students feeding him only through the bars of his cage, for an undetermined amount of time, officials said.