Search Exotic Incidents Database

More than 330 animals, including at least 100 snakes, 200 rats and mice, 40 to 50 birds, 15 cats, and 2 miniature pigs, were seized from a home. The animals were found living in deplorable conditions, and many were dead. The property owners were identified as Thomas and Robyn Dawe. Their daughter, Maria Dawe, was operating an exotic animal business in the home.

Damien, a 10-year-old red panda, died from cancer.

Aly, a young alligator, was rescued from a deadly house fire. Many other reptiles and other animals in the house died. On December 22, the state Department of Environmental Conservation seized Aly because her owner did not have the proper permit to keep her.

Police found a 2.5-foot-long alligator in an aquarium tank while searching a man’s home for guns and electronics.

Sumba, a visually impaired white-handed gibbon believed to be 30 years old, went missing. Zoo staff found her body three days later in the body of water that surrounds the primate exhibits.

Molniy, a 17-year-old Amur tiger, died. He was euthanized due to chronic health issues and his declining health overall.

Bei Bei, a 19-month-old panda, underwent emergency bowel surgery to remove a “dense, lemon-sized mass of bamboo.” The procedure was successful and Bei Bei is recovering.

Half Ear, a 45-year-old southern white rhinoceros, died after suffering a “gradual decline” during the past few months.

A pet kangaroo named Boomer escaped when someone opened the gates to the yard where he was kept. Police found Boomer the next day and recaptured him. He had minor injuries.

A county judge ordered Ohio state officials to return six tigers, a bear, and three leopards to a roadside facility where they lived when they were seized nearly two years ago amid a crackdown on keeping exotic animals. The ruling said the Ohio Department of Agriculture unfairly denied a permit to the facility’s owner, Kenny Hetrick. The animals are currently living in sanctuaries in other states.