A Zoo Miami employee was hospitalized Friday after possibly coming into contact with the saliva of a greater kudu antelope that had been sedated with a potent opioid for a routine procedure. The worker fell ill while assisting with the immobilization of the animal, which was being prepared for transfer to another facility.
Zoo officials stated the antelope received immobilization drugs, including thiafentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid related to fentanyl. Thiafentanil is an injectable solution classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as "not for humans" and requires "extreme caution to avoid accidental exposure." According to the FDA, accidental human exposure can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, respiratory depression, and lowered blood pressure, with severe cases potentially resulting in loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest.
"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," the zoo said in a statement. The employee is currently in stable condition and remains under medical observation.
The incident occurred while the employee was assisting with securing the animal's head after sedation, allowing the zoo veterinarian to conduct necessary pre-shipment examinations. It is unclear how the exposure may have occurred, but the FDA advises using safe techniques, such as working in pairs, wearing gloves, and using eye protection when handling such substances.
Animals in zoos are often sedated for medical care, transport, diagnostic tests, or to manage escapes, according to MixLab. Zoo Miami is the largest animal park in Florida.