Camel Attacks Zoo Owner, Bites His Head And Drags Him 15 Feet

Freeport, Minnesota -- A camel in a Minnesota zoo launched an attack on two men, and dragged one of them by his head for about 15 feet.

The Hemker Park & Zoo, located in Freeport near St. Cloud, said one of the victims was the zoo’s owner, who sustained minor injuries.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office said the incident took place when the camel was being escorted Wednesday through an alleyway by the zoo owner, identified as 32-year-old Roger Blenker of Albany. The camel was being prepared to be taken to another facility at around 2.37 p.m., the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

The camel bit down Blenker’s head and dragged him for about 15 feet, CBS News reported.

The second victim, 32-year-old Seth Wickson of Texas, intervened and managed to make the animal release its mouth off of Blenker’s head with a plastic walking board.

Once the camel released its grip on Blenker, the owner was able to stand on his own and run away from the spot. Meanwhile, the camel charged at Wickson and bit his head. Officials said Wickson successfully escaped to safety on his own.

Deputies from the Stearns County Sheriff's Office responded to the call about an animal bite and arrived at the scene.

“Blenker was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital by Life Link Helicopter. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Melrose Ambulance and the Freeport Fire Department,” the sheriff’s office said.

Wickson refused any medical treatment, the officials added.

Visitors are still being welcomed at the zoo, according to People.

“During normal zoological operations, there was an interaction between one of our owners and a camel,” the zoo said in a Facebook post addressing the incident. “Our owner did sustain minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. The camel was not injured during the interaction and remains in good health. We thank you all for your continued support.”

The owner “has been alert, oriented and able to move around with some minor injuries that are all non-life threatening ... ,” the zoo said in an update. “We want to thank all of the medical providers and the support and prayers from everyone. It is greatly appreciated.”

The incident is still being investigated.