Camel Attacks Zoo Owner in Minnesota, Drags Him 15 Feet

One of the private owners of the Hemker Park and Zoo was escorting one of the camels when he was a bit on the head and dragged for 15 feet.

One of the zoo's private owners, Roger Blenker, 32, was bitten by the camel on the head as he was ushering it around the premises. After the bite, the camel dragged Blenker for about fifteen feet by the head.

The camel was supposed to be prepared to be transported to another facility, according to accounts from the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.

Another employee, Seth Wickson, tried to help his coworker and tried to jam a plastic walking board into the camel's mouth to loosen its hold on Blenker's head.

Wickson was successful; however, after freeing Blenker, the camel charged at Wickson instead.

The camel got Wickson by the head as well but was able to free himself of the aggressive camel.

Wickson opted not to receive medical attention, while Blenker was airlifted to the St. Cloud Hospital.

Hemker Park & Zoo stated that the owner has been examined by the medical providers and per protocol, he had to be transferred.

Blenker has minor injuries that are all not life-threatening and has been alert, oriented, and mobile, according to zoo officials, who also stated that he is expected to make a full recovery.

The zoo expressed its gratitude to the medical staff and asked for everyone's prayers and support.

The camel is also unharmed, according to Hemker Park & Zoo, and the park is still open to visitors.

There are several camels in the zoo, including dromedaries and Bactrian camels, but it was unclear what kind of camel bit Blenker.

Rutting Season

In the United States, camel bites are uncommon; they typically happen during the rutting season from December to March, when males are by nature more aggressive.

When human bites do happen, the head and face are hurt the most 60% to 70% of the time.

Due to their seasonal breeding habits, camels can only breed during the coldest winter months.

According to a study by Barbara Padalino from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" in Italy, males exhibit morphological, behavioral, and endocrinological peculiarities during the BS, also known as the "rutting period" or "rut," as discussed in the study.

Another study found that camel bite injuries could include penetrating and crushing wounds from the camel's jaw as well as blunt wounds from being picked up, lifted, and thrown by the animal.

These wounds could cause fractures, as well as severe lacerations of the skin, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Due to its vertical, tusk-like canines that dig into whatever it is biting, a camel's teeth are primarily to blame for the damage to the head and face.

This leads to the tearing of soft tissue because camels have powerful jaw muscles and a tendency to shake their heads when they attack, Newsweek noted.