Zoo worker hospitalized after being exposed to saliva of antelope that had been drugged up with opioids

A Zoo Miami employee was hospitalised after feeling unwell while helping with a medical examination of a greater kudu antelope. The zoo said the worker may have come into contact with thiafentanil, a powerful opioid used to immobilise animals, through the animal’s saliva; the possible exposure has not been confirmed.

The incident occurred on 6 November as the kudu was being prepared for transfer to another facility. The worker was given Narcan and taken to Jackson South Medical Center for observation, and was reported to be in stable condition. The zoo said the employee was securing the animal’s head while a veterinarian carried out pre-shipment tests.