Camel Bites Head Of Minnesota Zoo Worker, Drags Him 15 Feet

STEARNS COUNTY, MN — A Minnesota zoo employee was hospitalized after a camel attacked him and dragged him 15 feet Wednesday afternoon. The camel then attacked a second zoo worker.

On Wednesday just before 3 p.m., a 32-year-old worker at the Hemker Park and Zoo was escorting a camel through an alleyway so it could be transported to another facility.

During the transfer process, the camel placed the man's head into its mouth and bit it, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office. The camel then dragged him by the head approximately fifteen feet, authorities said.

A second employee came to help and used a plastic walking board to prop open the camel’s mouth. The camel then released its bite.

When his head was free, the 32-year-old ran to a safe location, according to investigators. However, the camel then charged at the second employee and bit his head, authorities said.

The second employee was able to escape and get to a safe location on his own, according to investigators.

The first employee was taken by helicopter to St. Cloud Hospital. His injuries are unknown at this time, the sheriff's office said.

The zoo remains open to the public.