ATLANTA (December 3, 2012)—Jillian Thomas, 8, of Alpharetta, Ga., says it "really, really hurt" when a dolphin snatched her hand in its mouth while she fed the animal at an attraction at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla.

The girl said she was concerned that the dolphin might get sick from eating the paper carton she held and in an interview Monday on ABC's "Good Morning America," she said she prayed for the dolphin afterward.

Jillian suffered three puncture wounds to her hand.

Her father Jamie, who was with her at the theme park when the dolphin lunged from its pool Nov. 21, described his reaction as "Instant fear."

SeaWorld officials said in a statement that the safety of their guests is paramount, and they are taking the situation seriously.