Camel bites down on zoo owner and drags him by his head, Minnesota officials says

A co-owner of a Minnesota zoo was hospitalized after a camel bit him and dragged him by his head, sheriff’s officials say.

The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, at Hemker Park and Zoo, about 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

The 32-year-old zoo owner was transporting the camel to another facility when it placed its mouth onto the man’s head, according to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and zoo officials. The camel then dragged the owner by his head about 15 feet, the sheriff said.

A second worker intervened by placing a plastic walking board into the camel’s mouth, freeing the owner’s head, according to the sheriff.

After the injured man ran for safety, the camel charged and bit the head of the second employee, who the sheriff said was able to free himself.

The owner of the zoo was flown to an area hospital, the sheriff said.

“He has been alert, oriented and able to move around with minor injuries that are all non-life threatening and is expected to make a full recovery,” the zoo said.

The incident is under investigation and the zoo remains open to the public. The camel was uninjured, according to the zoo.