Zoo Miami employee hospitalized after possible opioid exposure

An employee at Zoo Miami was hospitalized on Friday after potentially coming into contact with the saliva of an antelope that had been administered potent opioids. The incident occurred during a routine immobilization procedure intended to prepare a greater kudu antelope for transfer to another facility.

Zoo officials reported that the animal had been treated with immobilization drugs, including thiafentanil, a highly potent opioid in the fentanyl family. While the exact method of exposure remains unclear, the zoo stated that the worker began experiencing symptoms while helping to secure the animal’s head for a pre-shipment examination.

Out of caution regarding potential dermal exposure, the employee was administered Narcan and transported to Jackson South Medical Center. The worker is reported to be in stable condition but remains under medical observation.