Search Exotic Incidents Database

Brenda Chapman, a worker at the Horseshoe Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, was attacked by a tiger who mauled her left leg and right hand while she was cleaning its cage. Darrell Atkinson, the founder of the sanctuary, was charged with keeping a tiger in a substandard cage by FL FWC. The case marks the 43rd tie the FWC has filed charges against Atkinson since 1993.

More than 200 reptiles including 2 gila monsters were discovered abandoned in a freezing, filthy room attached to a garage in Hesperia. Most were alive though weak. Some had died from dehydration, including the 2 gila monsters. The owner of Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Phelan took possession of the surviving reptiles to care for them.

A 2-month-old baby elephant at the San Diego Zoo was euthanized after struggling since birth. The elephant calf was suffering from an antibiotic-resistant staph infection, which was also reported in three zoo employees. It was unclear whether the elephant or the zoo staff members were the first to present with the infection. Additionally, the baby elephant had suffered from the effects of malnourishment, unable to get enough milk from the mother elephant, or to transition well to drinking formula.

A handler at the Shell Factory and Nature Park filed suit against the park in connection with serious injuries he suffered after being kicked by the park’s zebra, Ann Curry. Park owners expected the handler to harness and teach the zebra to walk on a lead. See also entry on 12/31/07.

Babe, a 40-year-old Asian elephant, died while giving birth at the Fort Worth Zoo. Her calf also died during the birth process. It was believed that a torn uterus caused Babe’s death.

A poisonous snake enthusiast who already spent 29 days in jail for violating state laws regarding endangered species faced new charges.

Benny, a spider monkey seized in an Erie drug raid, died before he could be examined by a veterinarian. The monkey was being cared for by the local animal shelter. The State Attorney General’s office continued to investigate.

A Capital of Texas Zoo volunteer was injured by a mountain lion that she tried to pet after feeding him, according to a Bastrop County Animal Control investigator. The volunteer suffered a broken thumb and had stitches. The mountain lion was quarantined for 30 days.

As many as 100 exotic animals died in a fire at Safari Joe’s Exotic Wildlife Refuge. The barn that burned housed monkeys, reptiles, and birds. Two tigers were also injured and later died.

Sheriff officials were investigating what could possibly be animal cruelty at a local trailer park where several animals, including two alligatiors, a Burmese python, an iguana, and several species of fish and turtles were discovered. The fish and iguana were found dead. The surviving animals were turned over to a local acquarium business owner who would care for them.