Missouri Zookeeper Killed by Elephant

Female elephant became aggressive

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Officials have confirmed that a senior zookeeper was killed Friday at Dickerson Park Zoo when a female elephant became aggressive.

John Bradford, 62, died when he was attacked by an elephant inside the area at the Dickinson Park Zoo where the elephants are housed, city spokeswoman Cora Scott said.

"It's an extremely sad time for the co-workers at the zoo and at the city," Scott said.

Scott said the elephant's name is Patience. She said multiple employees were with Bradford at the time — per safety precautions — because Patience had an aggressive history.