Search Exotic Incidents Database

A wild feline was spotted on the loose.

An escaped lynx was found 1/8 of a mile from the property of Abby and Emma Hedengrans. He was tranquilized by Fish and Game wardens and taken to a state-run animal holding center. About three days after the lynx was trapped, Abby Hedengran showed up to claim the 90-pound cat, which triggered an inspection of the property he and his wife rented. Authorities found three lions, two tigers, a snow leopard and 16 smaller cats, including bobcats and lynx, in a barn or running free inside the Hedengrans’ mobile home. The animals were not in permanent cages, as required by law. The cats were immediately transferred to various sites in California and Nevada, including a sanctuary in Las Vegas. The Hedengrans were also responsible for the escape and death of a tiger (see 2/23/05 incident).

Zeke, a 4-year-old Grant’s zebra, escaped from his exhibit and entered the lion area. By the time that zoo staff arrived, the animals had retreated to opposite corners of the enclosure. Zeke had several claw marks, and Kalisa, a 6-year-old African lioness, was wet and muddy. Zookeepers believe Zeke either kicked or bit Kalisa. Attempts to coax the lioness indoors were unsuccessful, so the zoo veterinarian used a tranquilizer dart to subdue her. Zeke was then led out of the lion exhibit.

A 15-month partnership of two lions that shared an exhibit at the Sacramento Zoo ended when the male, Aslan, attacked and killed the lioness, Massina. The zoo director said, “This is really a reminder of how unpredictable their behavior can be at times.” She then said Aslan might be paired with another lioness.

A Siberian tiger at the Great Plains Zoo attacked a zoo visitor after he stuck his hand inside the tiger cage. The man was rushed to the hospital where he received stitches for his finger.

A serval cat was found dragging his left leg through the underbrush around a sports complex. The animal had to be euthanized after it was discovered his back was broken.

A 30-year-old man was bitten on the hand by his rattlesnake while moving the snake from one tank to another. Venomous snakes are illegal within the city limits.

A lion cub at the Creature Features Pet Store bit an 8-year-old girl who visiting the store. Baraboo Police ordered the pet store owner to quarantine the cub for at least 10 days.

A woman was treated for a potentially serious hand wound after being bitten by her friend’s rattlesnake.

Two tiger cubs were found wandering along a highway on the Gaston and Cleveland County border and were captured. Both tigers were female and appeared to be from the same litter. The tigers were placed at Carnivore Preservation Trust.