Search Exotic Incidents Database

The Virginia Zoo’s new 1-year-old red panda, Yin, climbed over the fence and out of her enclosure, into a large tree nearby. Yin was recaptured the next morning, and was kept in a separate area while modifications were made to prevent future escapes. (see additional incident 07/14/07)

Mona, an Asian elephant at the Birmingham Zoo, was euthanized after she was found lying on her side and unable to get to her feet. Days earlier, Mona had to be lifted to her feet with a crane. Her health was said to have been deteriorating for some time.

A 10-ft-long python and Madagascar hissing cockroaches were found barely alive among approximately 25 starving and dead animals in an abandoned farmhouse. A woman noticed a hog running loose in the road near the property and called police. Authorities found dead dogs, ducks, snakes, rabbits, goats, and chickens. One of two women who lived at the house was taken into custody.

A Warminister Animal Control officer netted a 5-ft-long alligator on a path next to Pennypack Creek. Officials planned to take the alligator to a zoo or animal rescue center.

The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park euthanized Carol, a 40-year-old Asian elephant who had been suffering from degenerative joint disease in her legs and inflammation in her feet for several years.

Toby, a 38-year-old “pet” primate, escaped from her possessor’s home. County Animal Control officials asked people to be cautious if they spotted her.

Two separate incidents involving large snakes were reported. Officials were trying to trap a 12-ft-long python or boa constrictor they suspect had been dining on kittens. In the other incident, officials recaptured a 9-1/2-ft-long albino python that escaped from her possessor’s car.

State wildlife officials captured a 4-ft-long alligator from an area along the Sacramento River. The alligator was taken to an investigations lab in Rancho Cordova.

Four zebras and three horses from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus escaped from their handlers when they were spooked by Interstate traffic noise. The animals ran onto a road next to the Interstate, eluding 15 animal handlers for about 30 minutes. They were subsequently recaptured unharmed.

A 5-year-old child received a minor injury at the New River Zoo when a coatimundi that had escaped her pen nipped the child on the knee. The animal was euthanized to test for rabies. Tests proved negative.