The co-director of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Powell County is still regaining his strength after being bitten by a venomous snake for the 16th time. Jim Harrison’s wife, Kristen Wiley, who also works at the zoo, said he’s extracting venom again for a wide range of medical purposes. She said he was trying to put two Jameson’s mambas together last month for breeding purposes when it happened.
“The female got a little spooked and ran to the side, and he went to try to get her, and didn't realize the male was closer to the front of the enclosure, as he was, and so when he did that, the mail got spooked and then bit him.”
Wiley said Harrison, who is 66, received great care from first responders and at UK Chandler Hospital. She said he has no plans to give up his life-saving work.
“He believes in what he's doing. I think if he didn't have that, he wouldn't feel fulfilled in any way. So that's what that's who he is. It's what he needs to feel like he's contributing to the world.”
Wiley said Harrison received 17 vials of anti-venom.
