KNOXVILLE – A worker at the Knoxville Zoo has died after an elephant she was working with pushed her into a stall.
Stephanie James died Friday at the University of Tennessee Medical Center of internal injuries suffered during the accident.
Zoo spokeswoman Tina Rolen tells the Knoxville News Sentinel that 33-year-old James’ death was not caused by a malicious attack by the elephant, Edie, but by working in close proximity to such a large animal.
Edie is 26, weighs more than 8,000 pounds and stands 8 1/2 tall at the shoulder. She has lived at the zoo since 2002.
Zoo officials say they are conducting a full investigation of the accident.