Elephant bumps zookeeper, injuries minor

CALGARY, Alberta, May 19 (UPI) -- A Canadian zookeeper was hospitalized after an elephant knocked him to the ground as patrons watched, a Calgary Zoo spokeswoman said.

The worker was monitoring the zoo's elephants Sunday when a 34-year-old female Asian elephant named Swarna knocked into him, the Calgary Herald reported.

It is reported Swarna was in her habitat with her mother and a 9-month-old calf when the incident took place.

Officials have yet to determine whether the elephant was being aggressive.

The worker received hospital treatment for minor injuries, spokeswoman Laurie Herron said.

Herron added that zoo workers have a high tolerance for being roughhoused by animals.

"It's not the first time they've gotten knocked or bumped or stepped on," she said.

Zoo officials said they plan to investigate what caused the scuffle.