POWELL, Ohio (AP) — Officials at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium say a bison has struck and injured an employee who was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries.

Zoo spokeswoman Patty Peters said in an email that the experienced zookeeper was struck by the bison Thursday while preparing to conduct a veterinary exam on the animal.

Other employees immediately contacted emergency responders who transported the zookeeper to a hospital.

Peters said the injured employee remained awake and responsive while being treated and transported.

The zoo would not comment on specific injuries or the condition of the zookeeper whose identity was not released.

Peters says the “incident will be fully evaluated” according to zoo protocol.