Zookeeper in Missouri killed by elephant

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A long-time zookeeper in southwestern Missouri is dead, after being charged by an elephant this morning.

A city spokeswoman in Springfield says John Bradford died when he was attacked by the elephant at the Dickinson Park Zoo. According to zoo officials, the elephant was a 41-year-old female named Patience who had been at the zoo since 1990. Bradford had worked there for 30 years, and had been the zoo's elephant manager for 25 years.

The city spokeswoman says several employees were with Bradford at the time because the elephant had a history of being aggressive.

Zoo officials say they don't know what will happen to the elephant.

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