Search Exotic Incidents Database

Taima, a 20-year old orca at SeaWorld Orlando, died while in labor with a stillborn calf fathered by Tilikum, the orca who killed trainer Brancheau in April 2010. Exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Scores of allegedly neglected, injured and dead reptiles were found in substandard living conditions under the care of a self-described alligator expert, Terry Cullen. Many of the animals in his possession, including some edangered species, were reportedly loaned to him by zoos.

Female giraffe calf born at Fresno Chaffee Zoo dies. Giraffe became ill Monday with seizures. Vets performed tests and consulted with experts at San Diego Zoo. Baby giraffe suffered fatal seizure at 3:30 a.m.

Father lifts his 2-yr-old son over a railing near a wire mesh fence surrounding cougar exhibit. One of the two cougars housed there claws boy through the fence, breaking his skin. Father took boy to hospital but child suffered only minor scratches. Police are investigating incident.

Workers corral Archie, a 4,000 pound Rhinoceros, sedate him and then guide him back to this compound at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Someone failed to secure a gate allowing Archie to escape. There were no injuries.

Two lemurs escaped their cage and were found walking through a neighborhood. They were later captured and the owner received a citation for keeping the lemurs in an unsafe manner resulting in an escape and 3 related warnings.

A veteran trainer at Orlando’s SeaWorld was dragged under water to her death by Tillikum, the oldest and largest killer whale in captivity, as horrified onlookers watched. Tillikum had been involved in 2 other human deaths prior to this incident, in 1991 and 1999.

Elephant is startled and kicks trainer. Trainer dies at scene. Elephant was part of the Irem Shrine Circus but not performing at the time of the incident. Police Lt. Steven Olshefski said the investigation is being conducted by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A wallaby escaped from its harness in March while the owner was visiting Florida from Texas. The animal has been seen by neighbors, but eludes capture.

A Chesapeake veteran was attacked by his service monkey and severely injured when he accidentally stepped on him.