2 dead after camel attack at Tennessee petting zoo, sheriff says

Two people were killed Thursday night in Tennessee after a camel, which was a featured animal at a local petting zoo, attacked them then attacked those trying to help them, according to authorities.

The camel was reported to be loose near Shirley Farms in northwest Tennessee.

According to a press release from the Obion County Sheriff’s Department, they received a call around 4:44 p.m. When deputies arrived at the scene, two victims were unconscious on the ground at Shirley Farms.

The victims were Bobby Matheny, 42 of Ridgely, and Tommy Gunn, 67 of Obion. Both were pronounced at the scene.

Before the scene was secured, the camel was still on the loose.

The Obion and Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgely Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Lake County Rescue Squad all responded and were on the scene attempting to render aid and to move the victims to a safe place.

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In the process, the camel attacked a sheriff’s car and started coming toward the deputies who were moving the victims.

The camel was put down for the safety of everyone on the scene.

Camels can be dangerous and deaths associated with the animal can happen from kicking, stomping, kneeling, sitting on a victim, or biting and shaking and throwing, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Contributing: Asha C. Gilbert