Zoo worker injured by antelope

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A zoo worker in Jacksonville, Fla., was recovering in a hospital Thursday after she was rammed by a horned antelope.

Jacksonville Zoo Director Dennis Pate said Amanda Brown sustained a serious gash in her leg that required surgery after Abe, a 2-year-old, 600-pound antelope, fought back against her while she was trying to force him into a barn Wednesday morning, the Jacksonville Times-Union reported Thursday.

Pate said Abe has displayed aggressive tendencies but isn't normally dangerous. He said the animal won't be punished for the attack because he was following his natural instincts during the confrontation.

"He's a nice animal. It's more a question of what happens to our procedures," he said.

The director said Brown's surgery was successful and her injuries weren't life-threatening. He said Abe doesn't pose any danger to zoo patrons since he is penned in by a double fence, the newspaper account said.

"It's never a good day when your employees are hurt," he told the Times-Union.