Camel bites central Minnesota zoo owner's head, drags him 15 feet
FREEPORT, Minn. – The owner of a central Minnesota zoo was airlifted to an area hospital Wednesday afternoon after a camel bit his head and dragged him several feet.
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says it happened at about 2:44 p.m. at the Hemker Park and Zoo near Freeport, which is about 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
The owner, a 32-year-old man from Albany, was attacked while training the animal for transport.
The camel is said to have put the owner's head in its mouth before biting down, and dragging him about 15 feet.
Another zoo employee "placed a plastic walking board into the camel's mouth," which caused the animal to release the owner's head. He then ran from the camel, who then charged at and bit the head of the intervening zoo worker. That worker was able to flee from the camel, and he later declined medical attention.
Zoo officials say the owner, who was treated at St. Cloud Hospital, suffered "some minor injuries that are all non-life threatening." He was discharged from the hospital on Thursday.
Officials also said the camel wasn't hurt, and "remains in good health."
The sheriff's office is investigating. The zoo remains open to visitors. Its owners told WCCO the camel will remain at the zoo.
