Zoo Miami Worker Hospitalized After Antelope Procedure

A Zoo Miami employee became ill on November 6 while assisting with a procedure to prepare a greater kudu antelope for transfer to another facility. The worker was helping hold the animal’s head after it had been immobilized, while a veterinarian conducted tests for its pre-shipment examination.

The drugs used to immobilize the antelope included thiafentanil. Zoo officials said the employee’s skin may have come into contact with the animal’s saliva, prompting concern about possible accidental exposure. They have not established what caused the symptoms or confirmed that the worker was exposed to the drug.

To err on the side of caution, Narcan was administered to the employee, who was taken to Jackson South Medical Center for evaluation and monitoring. Zoo Miami said the worker was in stable condition and remained under medical observation.

The animal was being prepared for relocation to another facility. Zoo Miami said it was continuing to monitor the situation and would provide further information when appropriate.