(KNSI) – A worker at the Hemker Park & Zoo near Freeport needed to be hospitalized after being attacked by a camel.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office says about 2:45 Wednesday afternoon, 32-year-old Roger Blenker was escorting the camel through an alleyway to get it ready to be taken to another facility when the camel put Blenker’s head in his mouth and bit down then dragged him for about 15 feet.
A second employee, 32-year-old Seth Wickson of Texas, was able to help Blenker by putting a plastic walking board into the camel’s mouth to force the animal to release Blenker’s head. After being released from the camel’s mouth, Blenker stood on his own and ran to a safe location. The camel then charged at Wickson and bit his head. Wickson was also able to get away on his own. Blenker was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital with unknown injuries. Wickson refused any medical treatment.
The incident remains under investigation. The zoo is still open to the public.
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