Zoo Miami employee hospitalized after possible exposure to drugged antelope's saliva

A Zoo Miami staff member was rushed to the hospital on Friday after becoming ill while working to immobilize a greater kudu antelope, according to the zoo.

The employee's symptoms started during "a routine immobilization procedure" to prepare the animal for transfer to another facility, as they were "helping secure the animal's head" for necessary tests prior to shipment.

While authorities have not confirmed the cause of the staff member's illness, the zoo said the drugs administered to the greater kudu antelope include thiafentanil, a potent opioid.

"Although the cause of the employee’s symptoms has not been confirmed, out of an abundance of caution and given the potential for inadvertent dermal exposure to the drug through contact with the animal’s saliva, the employee was administered Narcan and transported to Jackson South Medical Center for further evaluation and observation," Zoo Miami said in a statement.

The staff member is stable and remains under medical observation, the zoo said.

Operations did not appear to be impacted at Zoo Miami following the incident.