Florida zoo worker hospitalized after contact with drugged antelope

A Zoo Miami employee was rushed to the hospital on Friday after falling ill during a procedure involving an antelope. The New York Post reported that the worker may have come into contact with saliva from the animal, which had been sedated. Zoo Miami is the largest animal park in Florida. [1][3]

The incident occurred during what the zoo described as a routine immobilization procedure to prepare a greater kudu antelope for transfer to another facility. According to the New York Post, the employee suddenly became unwell while assisting the team. [1]

Zoo officials stated that the antelope was given immobilization drugs, including thiafentanil. The New York Post reported that thiafentanil is an injectable, highly potent opioid in the fentanyl family. Officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the worker's illness. [1]