| Date |
Place |
Incident |
| 06/09/08 |
Philadelphia, PA |
52-year-old African elephant called Petal dies at Philadelphia Zoo. Exact cause of her death is unknown, pending necropsy. However, in-stall video monitoring tapes show that early in morning Petal's right rear leg buckled, causing her to collapse. She is found by zookeepers later in morning, lying on her side in her stall. Zookeepers attempt to get her to stand, but she dies just hours later. According to zoo official, "Petal had been in excellent health ... showing no recent signs of illness or decline." (Philadelphia Business Journal) |
| 05/24/08 |
Detroit, MI |
Animal handler is taken to hospital for stitches after being scratched and bitten by Katie, 16-year-old lioness at Detroit Zoo. Keeper uses pepper spray to fend off Katie during attack. Zoo plans investigation of incident. (Detroit Free Press, Associated Press) |
| 05/24/08 |
South Bend, IN |
At Potawatomi Zoo, Amur Leopard attacks zookeeper in exhibit's holding area during routine daily cleaning of cage. Zookeeper suffers head wounds and is taken to local hospital where she was treated, then released following day. Leopard had been in holding area, off exhibit, since giving birth to cub in December. (SBT24/7 News/WSBT.com, www.fox28.com) |
| 05/18/08 |
Calgary, AB, Canada |
Visitors to Calgary Zoo's Elephant Crossing facility watch 33-year-old elephant, Swarna, pushes zookeeper into wall, knocking him down. Zookeeper sustains injuries to his face and chest, including difficulty breathing, and is transported to local hosptal for treatment. Incident is under investigation by zoo officials, who believe that Swarna may have been trying to protect calf of another elephant in pen. (www.calgary.ctv.ca) |
| 05/17/08 |
Los Angeles, CA |
29-year-old Bruno, 300-lb orangutan, escapes from his enclosure at Los Angeles Zoo. Visitors are evacuated and Bruno is recaptured by zookeepers who inject him with anesthesia and carry him back to his bedroom area. (www.abc7.com) |
| 05/17/08 |
Tampa, FL |
Luna Bella, 10-year-old Bornean orangutan, escapes her enclosure at new Jungala exhibit at Busch Gardens, necessitating closure of exhibit and removal of park visitors from area. Luna Bella is out of her enclosure for nearly 1 hour before being recaptured by zookeepers. Larger park remains open to visitors during incident. Part of exhibit is set to remain closed and 6 resident orangutans kept in their night quarters until park officials can determine measures to prevent further escapes. (www.tampabay.com) |
| 05/12/08 |
Dallas, TX |
KeKe, 39-year-old African elephant, passes away at Dallas Zoo from serious illness. KeKe is sick for week and is being treated for severe case of intestinal colic. KeKe recently stops eating. She also lies on her side for some time, although zoo officials use crane to lift her to her feet not long before her death. KeKe was transferred to Dallas Zoo in 2003 to be companion for Jenny, zoo's other African elephant, and they subsequently became very close. (www.cbs11tv.com) |
| 05/11/08 |
Toledo, OH |
Zookeeper at Toledo Zoo is injured by tiger in Tiger Terrace exhibit when tiger reaches her paw through double mesh barrier, swiping keeper's chest. Incident occurs during routine morning cleaning and feeding session, and keeper is taken to local hospital where he is treated for lacerations, then released. Zoo is conducting review of incident. (www.wtol.com, Toledo Zoo press release) |
| 05/05/08 |
Vallejo, CA |
24-year-old is arrested for allegedly punching camel at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, after he is dared by friend to enter restricted area at park and punch this camel. Though man is detained by park security, he escapes and runs from park with his friends. He is subsequently arrested by police, along with driver of getaway car. (Associated Press, www.foxnews.com) |
| 04/26/08 |
Orlando, FL |
During afternoon show at Seaworld's Discovery Cove. 30-year-old female dolphin, Sharky, is performing jump with another dolphin when both collide head-on in mid-air. Sharky is killed. Other dolphin is being monitored and is expected to be okay. Investigation into training protocols is planned, as is necropsy. Sharky was reportedly captured from wild in 1982. (www.wesh.com, www.wftv.com) |
| 03/18/08 |
Washington, DC |
Zookeeper at National Zoo is taken to hospital and treated for laceration on her leg after zoo's giant panda cub, Tai Shan, makes "physical contact" with her. Zoo managers are investigating incident, which appears to have occurred after another keeper brought Tai Shan indoors to place food in exhibit yard, but Tai Shan re-entered yard through unsecured door. (www.washingtonpost.com) |
| 03/11/08 |
Detroit, MI |
Sunshine, 34-year-old male silverback gorilla, dies at Detroit Zoo. Sunshine was being treated for flu-like illness in weeks prior to his death, and had been under treatment for heart disease for past few years. Necropsy is scheduled to determine more about his death. (www.wxyz.com) |
| 02/24/08 |
Tacoma, WA |
1 of 2 Arctic foxes escapes from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Fox, named Scout, is spotted by local residents about 3 hours after zookeepers discover him missing. He is subsequently captured by zookeepers and returned to zoo unharmed. Zoo officials suspect he squeezed through fence posts of red wolf enclosure, where he had been left overnight because of previous escape attempts. (www.thenewstribune.com, www.komotv.com) |
| 02/21/08 |
Honolulu, HI |
Berani, 8-year-old, 245-lb Sumatran tiger escapes his exhibit into unsecured holding area at Honolulu Zoo, when staff fail to properly latch gate to his enclosure. (HonoluluAdvertiser.com) |
| 02/10/08 |
Palm Beach, FL |
300-lb, 3-year-old Malayan tiger named Mata bites finger of zookeeper at Palm Beach Zoo while she is rewarding Mata with treat. Florida Fish and Wildlife investigators believe she deviated protocol by using her fingers to extend treat instead of holding her palm flat with treat on it. Though keeper does not lose part of her finger, surgeon is called to repair damage. (PalmBeachPost.com) |
| 02/04/08 |
San Diego, CA |
2-month-old baby elephant at San Diego Wild Animal Park is euthanized after struggling since birth. Elephant calf was suffering from antibiotic-resistant staph infection, also reported in 3 zoo employees. It is unclear whether elephant or zoo staff members were first to present with infection. Additionally, baby elephant had suffered from effects of malnourishment, unable to get enough milk from mother elephant, or to transition well to drinking formula. (San Diego Union Tribune - signonsandiego.com) |
| 01/25/08 |
Fort Worth, TX |
Babe, 40-yr-old Asian elephant at Fort Worth Zoo, dies while giving birth. Her calf also dies during birth process. It is believed that torn uterus caused Babe's death. (Associated Press, www.iht.com) |
| 12/25/07 |
San Francisco, CA |
Siberian tiger, Tatiana, escapes from her enclosure at San Francisco Zoo. She kills 1 visitor and mauls 2 others before being shot and killed by police officers. Zoo is closed temporarily out of respect for victims and investigation is undertaken to determine how Tatiana escaped. Her enclosure had been fortified following 12/22/06 attack on zookeeper and been re-opened only since September. In previous incident, Tatiana seriously injures zookeeper during regular afternoon (publicly viewed) feeding. Zoo is later ruled responsible for incident by California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), which blames incident on poor training and way tiger enclosure is designed. (see previous incident on 12/22/06) (San Jose Mercury News - www.mercurynews.com) |
| 12/01/07 |
Springfield, MO |
16-month old elephant, Nisha, dies early this morning at Dickerson Park Zoo from herpes virus — elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). She first shows signs of illness 2 days prior, and is given anti-viral medication in attempt to combat virus. (www.kspr.com) |
| 11/20/07 |
St. Louis, MO |
Zuri, 1-year-old cheetah, escapes her exhibit at St. Louis Zoo. Visitor alerts zoo worker that the cheetah is loose. Area is evacuated until cheetah is captured, unharmed, around half hour later, and returned to exhibit. This is 3rd time since 2000 that any cheetah has escaped zoo enclosure. (Associated Press) |
| 11/10/07 |
Indianapolis, IN |
Fire breaks out at Indianapolis Zoo's Encounter Exhibit, killing armadillo, some small birds, some turtles, and snake. Surviving animals are treated at local vet clinic and exhibit remains closed until cause of fire can be determined. (www.indiananewscenter.com) |
| 11/02/07 |
San Antonio, TX |
At San Antonio Zoo, African elephant called Alport dies at age of 49. Cause of death is not immediately known, but her condition deteriorates rapidly from point at which keepers notice she is not feeling well and is struggling to stand and walk. In days prior to her death Alport is diagnosed with serious orthopedic tear in her knee. Alport's companion, Lucky, is now sole elephant at zoo. (Houston Chronicle - www.chron.com) |
| 11/01/07 |
Jacksonville, FL |
Worker at Jacksonville Zoo is hospitalized after being rammed by 2-year-old 600-lb antelope called Abe. Worker sustains serious gash to her leg that requires surgery. (United Press International - www.upi.com) |
| 09/05/07 |
Vallejo, CA |
2-year-old male giraffe, Makonnen, dies in barn fire at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. He was inside his stall for night, which did not have access to outside yard. 2 female giraffes are able to escape fire to adjacent corral and survive unharmed. Fire officials later determine that fire resulted from malfunctioning electrical outlet. (www.insidebayarea.com) |
| 09/02/07 |
Nashville, TN |
Gibbon at Nashville Zoo, named Dixon, escapes from his habitat by jumping onto shoulders of keeper who is leaving exhibit, and then leaps from there to wooded area outside enclosure. Zoo visitors are hurried to safety and remain protected until Dixon can be coaxed back into his habitat. He is kept in "lockdown" while zookeepers determine how to prevent repeat escape. (www.wsmv.com) |
| 08/15/07 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Reggie, Los Angeles Zoo's 7-1/2-foot 114-lb alligator escapes from his enclosure by scaling 5-foot wall adjacent to chain-link fence. Reggie follows path that leads him past zoo gift shop. Fortunately, just prior to zoo's scheduled opening time he is found near loading dock and returned to his habitat without incident. Corrective measures are taken to keep Reggie from scaling wall again. Reggie is believed to be abandoned ex-"pet," whose owner dumps him in lake after he grows too large. He eludes capture at lake for 2 years prior to 05/00/07 when he is finally corralled and later brought to Los Angeles Zoo. (www.knbc.com) |
| 08/14/07 |
Phoenix, AZ |
2 endangered Mexican gray wolves escape their enclosure at Phoenix Zoo for about 2 hours, after strong stormwind gusts force open gap in locked metal enclosure gate. Park rangers secure zoo's 50 visitors in nearby gift shop. Rangers open enclosure gate, allowing 1 wolf to re-enter on her own. They then net and tranquilize 2nd wolf. Visitors and wolves are unharmed. (East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune) |
| 08/13/07 |
Abilene, TX |
Tanzy, 49-year-old African elephant, dies at Abilene Zoo. She was receiving treatment with Xanax for stress, along with ibuprofen for arthritis-related comfort. (www.kwtx.com) |
| 07/14/07 |
Norfolk, VA |
1-year-old red panda, Yin, escapes from her enclosure at Virginia Zoo for 2nd time in 3 weeks. Yin is found in tree not far from her exhibit. Zookeepers climb tree to coax her down. Yin is placed in holding facility until keepers can determine and remedy additional escape routes. (The Virginian-Pilot - www.pilotonline.com) |
| 07/14/07 |
San Antonio, TX |
Zookeeper at San Antonio Zoo is attacked and critically injured by 5-year-old Sumatran tiger, Berani. Several zoo visitors witness attack. Spokesperson for zoo asserts that nothing will be done to Berani. (www.abcnews.go.com) |
| 06/24/07 |
Indianapolis. IN |
24-year-old female dolphin, Phoenix, dies suddenly at Indianapolis Zoo's Dolphin Pavilion. She is found floating dead in her pool just prior to planned afternoon dolphin performance. Necropsy shows no immediate cause of death, and further investigation is planned. (www.indystar.com) |
| 06/21/07 |
Norfolk, VA |
Virginia Zoo's new 1-year-old red panda, Yin, climbs over fence and out of her enclosure, climbing into large tree nearby. Yin is recaptured next morning, and is kept in separate area while modifications are made to prevent future escapes. (see additional incident 07/14/07) (www.wfls.com) |
| 06/21/07 |
Birmingham, AL |
Mona, Asian elephant at Birmingham Zoo, is euthanized after she is found lying on her side and unable to get to her feet. Days earlier, Mona has to be lifted to her feet with crane. Her health is said to have been deteriorating for some time. (www.al.com) |
| 06/19/07 |
San Diego, CA |
San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park euthanizes Carol, 40-year-old Asian elephant suffering from degenerative joint disease in her legs and inflammation in her feet for several years. (www.mercurynews.com, www.signonsandiego.com, www.10news.com) |
| 06/08/07 |
Seattle, WA |
Hansa, 6-year-old baby elephant at Woodland Park Zoo, dies in her sleep. Initial post-mortem testing is inconclusive. She experiences colic-like symptoms during week prior to her death, but definitive cause of her symptoms has yet to be determined. Necropsy performed 07/02/07 determines that Hansa died from newly discovered herpes virus. (North Seattle Herald-Outlook, The Seattle Times) |
| 05/18/07 |
Denver, CO |
8-year-old capuchin monkey is found dead of plague at Denver Zoo. Officials suspect monkey contracted plague from eating carcass of infected dead squirrel. Zoo's other 17 monkeys are temporarily taken off exhibit and given preventive antibiotics. (The New York Times) |
| 05/05/07 |
Omaha, NE |
5-year-old boy is bitten by meerkat at Henry Doorly Zoo. This is 2nd bite incident within week. Exhibit undergoes 2nd round of modifications in hopes of preventing future injuries. (www.ketv.com) |
| 04/03/07 |
Toledo, OH |
21-month-old male impala is found dead in transport crate at Toledo Zoo. He is given anesthesia day earlier for loading him into crate — in preparation for transfer to another zoo — and he is slow to recover. Necropsy indicates the impala died from complications from old neck injury that worsened. (www.toledoblade.com) |
| 03/14/07 |
St. Louis, MO |
After suffering from arthritis for many years, Clara, 54-year-old Asian elephant at St. Louis Zoo, is euthanized. Clara has worn sandals on her back feet for several years due to erosion of her foot pads. (www.stltoday.com) |
| 03/07/07 |
Birmingham, AL |
Mama Petite, 50 year-old hippo, is euthanized at Birmingham Zoo. She has been increasingly suffering from recurring skin condition, which stemmed from incidence of sunburn that occurred 2 years prior. (www.washingonpost.com) |
| 03/06/07 |
San Diego, CA |
Ikela, 15-year-old pregnant bonobo, bites off tip of zookeeper's index finger at San Diego Zoo. Another bonobo, Lana, retrieves finger from enclosure. Keeper is taken to local hospital to have finger reattached. (www.signonsandiego.com) |
| 02/24/07 |
Denver, CO |
Zookeeper at Denver Zoo dies after 6 year-old jaguar, Jorge, mauls her in doorway of his exhibit. Jorge is fatally shot when he approaches emergency workers who are treating injured woman. (www.cbsnews.com, www.denverpost.com) |
| 01/24/07 |
Seattle, WA |
4-year-old zebra, Zina, dies from broken neck after apparently running into fence in holding area at Woodland Park Zoo. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) |
| 01/16/07 |
Little Rock, AR |
Judy, chimpanzee at Little Rock Zoo, escapes her enclosure into nearby service area when zookeeper opens door to sleeping quarters unaware she is still inside. Judy is sedated and returned to her enclosure. (www.yahoonews.com, Associated Press) |
| 12/22/06 |
San Francisco, CA |
350-lb 3-year-old Siberian tiger, Tatiana, attacks and injures trainer at San Francisco Zoo shortly after public feeding. Visitors are quickly evacuated after incident, and exhibit is closed pending investigation of attack. Woman is taken to local hospital, and may lose her arm as result of her injuries. (www.cnn.com) |
| 12/22/06 |
Washington, DC |
Worker discovers that clouded leopard is missing from its enclosure at National Zoo. Zoo is cordoned off and searched. Found sleeping near enclosure, leopard is anesthetized and returned to enclosure. (www.cnn.com) |
| 12/21/06 |
Lufkin, TX |
Rare Chinese alligator is reported missing from Ellen Trout Zoo. Zoo officials spend majority of day looking for alligator, but are unsuccessful. Though only 3 feet in length, alligator is reportedly "capable of causing great harm if it bites a person". (www.ktre.com) |
| 08/31/06 |
El Paso, TX |
El Paso Zoo collections supervisor Allan Seidon fired for allegedly failing to follow animal handling policies and procedures during incident on 08/01/07 in which it is reported that he struck Juno, 39-year-old Asian elephant. This is 2nd allegation of abuse at zoo involving Seidon, who is seen on 1999 training tape beating Sissy, Asian elephant who is subsequently relocated to Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. (www.kfoxtv.com) |
| 08/22/06 |
Tampa, FL |
14-year-old Sumatran tiger, Enshala, is shot and killed after she slips through open door and into enclosure construction area at Lowry Park Zoo after zookeeper leaves door latch unlocked. Zookeeper is subsequently fired and may possibly face criminal charge for unsafe behavior. (www.abcactionnews.com, St. Petersburg Times) |
| 08/20/06 |
Orlando, FL |
7-year-old boy is bitten on hand while petting dolphin at Sea World's Dolphin Cove. 2 adults pry dolphin's mouth open to free boy, who sustains minor bruising injuries. Report indicates this is Sea World's 2nd dolphin bite incident in 3 weeks. (Orlando Sentinel) |
| 08/08/06 |
Marshall, TX |
Truck containing penguins, exotic fish, and octopus overturns while transporting animals from Indianapolis Zoo to Galveston Zoo. 4 penguins and some fish are killed, 1 penguin is injured. (www.kgbt4.com) |
| 08/08/06 |
Brownsville, TX |
Pita, 7-year-old spider monkey at Gladys Porter Zoo, escapes her holding area for around 2 hours during annual physical, but is captured before making it outside zoo grounds. (The Brownsville Herald) |
| 08/02/06 |
Apple Valley, MN |
9-year-old girl is bitten when she ignores warning signs, climbs over barrier, and reaches down into enclosure in attempt to pet meerkats at Minnesota Zoo. Zoo is forced to euthanize entire family of 5 meerkats to test for rabies. Meerkats test negative for rabies. (www.kare11.com) |
| 07/17/06 |
Portland, OR |
Free-ranging peacock at Oregon Zoo attacks toddler, who suffers scratches to shoulder and welts on both arms. (www.kgw.com) |
| 07/02/06 |
Roanoke, VA |
Japanese macaque named Oops escapes from Mill Mountain Zoo, having let herself out when zookeeper failed to lock door while inside enclosure for routine cleaning. Zoo is forced to close for day to search for missing monkey due to concerns for public safety. Oops is subsequently recovered 1 week later, spotted more than 1 mile away from zoo. (The Roanoke Times, www.dailypress.com, Richmond Times-Dispatch) |
| 06/10/06 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Gita, 48-year-old Asian elephant at Los Angeles Zoo, dies in her enclosure. Activists protest her death outside zoo citing unnatural conditions at zoo being responsible for her death. (Los Angeles Daily News) |
| 06/09/06 (reported) |
Syracuse, NY |
29-year-old Asian elephant Romani at Rosamond Gifford Zoo gives birth to stillborn calf. This would have been Romani's 4th birth. (United Press International) |
| 04/29/06 |
Toledo, OH |
2-1/2-year-old male bongo antelope dies at Toledo Zoo 1 day after he breaks rear leg in panicked run that includes jumping fence and ending up in rhinoceros exhibit's moat. Witnesses say antelope panics after butting electrified wire and his horns become entangled in wire. He also has abrasions on his face. This incident comes 9 days after impala is euthanized due to broken back that occurs while zookeepers load animal into trailer for transfer to another zoo. (The Toledo Blade) |
| 04/17/06 |
San Diego, CA |
Koza, 5-month-old male lion cub, is mauled by adult lioness at San Diego Wild Animal Park after keeper mistakenly removes wire barrier separating cub from adult lion. Attack severely damages cub's spinal cord and cub is euthanized. Park spokeswoman says removal of barrier was "human error." (The San Diego Union-Tribune) |
| 04/15/06 |
Toledo, OH |
Female rhinoceros hornbill dies at Toledo Zoo from what officials believe is heart disease. Zoo has been trying to breed her. (The Toledo Blade) |
| 03/10/06 |
Knoxville, TN |
Mamie, 45-year-old African elephant at Knoxville Zoo, is euthanized after 11 months of declining health. For last 15 years Mamie suffers arthritis and foot problems. Born in Africa, Mamie came to Knoxville in 1979 from zoo in Buffalo, NY. (Associated Press) |
| 03/03/06 |
Chicago, IL |
Zookeepers are trying to determine how wolf at Brookfield Zoo lost leg; they are unable to find severed limb after searching wolf area of zoo. Break is clean and wolf shows no bite marks that might indicate fight, and other wolves are unharmed. (United Press International) |
| 03/02/06 |
Waco, TX |
25-year-old woman is injured by elephant when she climbs past barriers and enters elephant's exhibit at Cameron Park Zoo. (The Waco Tribune-Herald) |
| 02/25/06 |
Rochester, NY |
Team of 7 veterinarians surgically removes 248-lb dead male calf from elephant mother Genny C at Seneca Park Zoo more than 2 weeks after zoo determines calf has died while Genny C is in labor. See 02/07/06. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 02/15/06 |
Birmingham, AL |
Worker at Birmingham Zoo is treated for scalp wounds after being attacked by 19-year-old lion. Attack occurs while zoo workers feed lions and move them from overnight holding area to outdoor exhibit area. (Associated Press) |
| 02/12/06 |
Rochester, NY |
Seneca Park Zoo reports death by heart attack of 21-year-old orangutan, Lowell. Lowell recently passes physical and shows no signs of illness before he dies suddenly. Necropsy is underway to determine actual cause of death. (WROC-TV, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 02/07/06 |
Rochester, NY |
Genny C, 28-year-old African elephant at Seneca Park Zoo, loses her baby due to complications during labor. Calf's foot is in wrong position, preventing calf from passing through Genny C's reproductive tract. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 02/03/06 |
Columbus, OH |
Zookeeper at Columbus Zoo loses her fingertip when Toby, adult male bonobo (also known as pygmy chimpanzee), bites her. Incident happens when zookeeper feeds Toby grape as reward for stepping on and off scale. (nbc4i.com) |
| 01/25/06 |
Washington, DC |
Toni, 40-year-old Asian elephant at National Zoo, is euthanized after suffering from debilitating arthritis in her front legs. (Associated Press, WTOPnews.com) |
| 01/23/06 |
Washington, DC |
Wandu, 13-year-old cheetah at National Zoo, is euthanized due to chronic kidney failure. (WTOPnews.com) |
| 11/08/05 |
Miami, FL |
Kutosha, 7-year-old chimpanzee at Miami Metrozoo, dies while en route to Busch Gardens in Tampa. Metrozoo has been accused of not adopting lifelong care policy and was also involved in another controversy involving Edith, chimpanzee at Metrozoo, until her ownership changed and she ended up in deplorable conditions in Texas. (www.NBC6.net) |
| 10/06/05 |
Eureka, CA |
Bill, 59-year-old chimpanzee at Sequoia Park Zoo, escapes when vandals break into zoo after closing and cut hole in his cage. Bill's primary keeper finds him at house 1-1/2 blocks away and walks him back to zoo. (Associated Press) |
| 09/03/05 |
Coal Valley, IL |
Lion cub named Amani dies at Niabi Zoo after pulley on 80-lb door to lion exhibit breaks, causing door to fall on him. After discovering that cub's spinal cord is severed, zoo veterinarian decide to euthanize him. (Quad-City Times) |
| 08/16/05 |
Powell, OH |
Ganesh, 7-year-old Asian elephant, is found dead in his stall at Columbus Zoo, most likely from viral strain of elephant herpes. (Associated Press) |
| 07/11/05 |
Chicago, IL |
Outside audit of Lincoln Park Zoo regarding death of African elephant Wankie notes that heater supposed to be in transport truck with Wankie did not fit in with her crate and there was no regular monitoring of air temperature during her transport. Audit also questions why Wankie was shipped from Lincoln Park Zoo three days after bout with colic. Wankie had to be euthanized after reaching Utah Zoo in May. (Associated Press) |
| 07/05/05 |
Chicago, IL |
450-lb male silverback gorilla named Kwan bites zoo worker at Lincoln Park Zoo, causing woman puncture wounds, scratches, and sprained ankle. Zoo officials report that attack was due to human error. (Chicago Sun-Times) |
| 03/18/05 |
Wichita, KS |
Colobus monkey named Alley escapes from Sedgewick County Zoo after finding small hole in roof of netting surrounding her enclosure. She is secured by staff within 2 hours. (KAKE ABC Channel 10) |
| 01/28/05 |
Sacramento, CA |
15-month partnership of 2 lions that share exhibit at Sacramento Zoo ends when male, Aslan, attacks and kills lioness, Massina. Zoo director says, "This is really a reminder of how unpredictable their behavior can be at times." She then says Aslan may be paired with another lioness. (Sacramento Bee) |
| 01/26/05 |
Sioux Falls, SD |
Siberian tiger at Great Plains Zoo attacks zoo visitor after he sticks his hand inside tiger cage. Man is rushed to hospital where he gets stitches for finger. (Keloland News) |
| 12/14/04 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Tara, African elephant at Los Angeles Zoo, dies unexpectedly. Born in East Africa in 1965, Tara is brought to Los Angeles Zoo in 1966. Necropsy is performed to determine cause of death. (Associated Press) |
| 11/22/04 |
Wichita, KS |
6-year-old male jaguar kills his 18-year-old female companion at Sedgwick County Zoo. After long introduction process, zookeepers believe jaguars are ready for cohabitation. Jaguars are placed on exhibit together with no access to their holding pens. 165-lb male kills his 130-lb female companion within hours. (The Wichita Eagle) |
| 11/10/04 |
Houston, TX |
Pregnant baboon being loaded onto aircraft at Bush Intercontinental Airport escapes after door to her cage opens. She is eventually caught after clambering up into rafters below elevated terminal concourse. Baboon is part of troupe of primates heading to San Francisco area zoo. (Associated Press, Houston Chronicle) |
| 11/04/04 |
Salisbury, MD |
Otter at Salisbury Zoo bites 16-year-old boy after he reportedly puts his hand in otter cage. This incident comes 5 days after jaguar tears off part of man's finger. See 10/30/04 entry. (Associated Press) |
| 10/30/04 |
Salisbury, MD |
Jaguar at Salisbury Zoo tears off part of man's finger after zoo visitor sticks his hand in jaguar's cage. Incident comes 5 days before otter bites 16-year-old boy. See 11/04/04 entry. (www.wboc.com) |
| 10/19/04 |
Fort Wayne, IN |
5 wildebeests escape from Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Rather than moving into barn where they usually spend winter, 5 of zoo's 7 wildebeests run toward opposite end of exhibit and break through gate in 10-foot-high fence. 2 wildebeests suffer severe breaks to their front legs and are euthanized. Remaining 3 leap 4-foot-wall and elude zoo and city staff for 2-1/2 hours while they run through nearby neighborhoods. Animals are finally tranquilized and returned to zoo. (FortWayne.com) |
| 10/16/04 |
Chicago, IL |
Tatima, 35-year-old African elephant at Lincoln Park Zoo, is found dead in her enclosure. Zoo officials believe she died of tuberculosis, which comes as surprise to zookeepers who were unaware that tuberculosis could be problem. Handlers keep close eye over 2 remaining elephants and other animals that reside in close proximity to elephant habitat. Tatima arrived in 2003 from wild animal park in San Diego. (CBS 2 Chicago) |
| 09/09/04 |
Chicago, IL |
Master keeper at Lincoln Park Zoo is in serious condition with multiple bite wounds and lacerations after being attacked by lions in outdoor yard. Zoo officials find 3 agitated lions standing near injured experienced trainer, who is lying in moat inside lion exhibit. Keeper is able to climb out of moat on ladder under her own power. Zoo is evacuated for 15 minutes and lions are coaxed into secure area. (Chicago Sun-Times) |
| 07/03/04 |
Columbus, OH |
7 gorillas escape their enclosure at Columbus Zoo after zoo's daily closing. Door left open allows gorillas to wander free in ape house for some hours. Gorillas are coaxed back into their habitat about 3 hours after escape. (Associated Press, News Channel 5) |
| 06/01/04 |
Vallejo, CA |
Elephant trainer at Six Flags Marine World is gored by Misha, 23-year-old 7,000-lb African elephant. While Misha is grazing she turns suddenly and knocks man to ground, causing wound that penetrates his abdomen "all the way through," according to park spokesman. Trainer is taken to nearby hospital where he undergoes surgery, and is expected to recover. Misha has previously shown aggressive behavior toward trainers. (Associated Press, SFGate.com) |
| 05/26/04 |
Rochester, NY |
50-lb Anubis baboon at Seneca Park Zoo escapes from his enclosure and is found by security guard in fenced area nearby. It takes more than 2 hours to return baboon to his cage. Veterinarian for zoo tries to anesthetize animal with tranquilizer dart but baboon climbs into tree instead of falling asleep. Baboon eventually goes back into exhibit area. Opening of zoo is delayed by 10 minutes. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 03/18/04 |
Dallas, TX |
Jabari, 13-year-old western lowland gorilla, escapes from his 2-acre enclosure at Dallas Zoo and attacks several people before charging at police officers, who fire 3 shots, killing Jabari. Gorilla bites 26-year-old mother and her 3-year-old son several times and throws them against wall. 2 others are also injured during gorilla's 40-minute rampage. Police evacuate about 300 people from zoo compound. (The Dallas Morning News, Associated Press, Star-Telegram Dallas Bureau) |
| 02/05/04 |
St. Louis, MO |
200-lb bear attacks St. Louis Zoo employee during routine transfer from indoor pen to outdoor space. 6-year-old Rimba, male Malayan sun bear captured as baby, bites zookeeper's arms and legs. Keeper shoves Rimba away and makes his way out of pen. Keeper is treated for cuts and puncture wounds, is expected to recover. (Associated Press, St. Louis Post-Dispatch) |
| 02/02/04 |
San Diego, CA |
Poisonous snake bites zookeeper's hand while handler is cleaning reptile house. Reptile handler is taken to nearby hospital. Brazilian lancehead pit viper apparently did not release any venom. (Monterey County Herald) |
| 01/19/04 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Gracie, 17-year-old 80-lb chimpanzee, escapes her enclosure at Los Angeles Zoo and roams free for 45 minutes, forcing closure of zoo and evacuation of 9,000 visitors. It is Gracie's 4th escape since chimpanzee habitat opens in 1998. Zookeepers corner Gracie and fire tranquilizer dart, but only graze her. Short time later she returns to exhibit on her own. Gracie is involved in previous incident 08/02/98. (The Daily News of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, ABC 7 News Denver) |
| 01/03/04 |
Battle Creek, MI |
3 Mexican gray wolves escape from their exhibit at Binder Park Zoo by slipping through small hole they create in chain-link fence around exhibit. 2 wolves are quickly recaptured but 3rd, named Apache, scales zoo's 9-foot-high perimeter fence. Apache is found dead in 03/00/04, apparently hit and killed by train. (Detroit Free Press, Associated Press) |
| 12/26/03 |
Toronto, ONT, Canada |
Visitors to Toronto Zoo find themselves face to face with 330-lb Siberian tiger when gates are left open and female tiger escapes. Tiger roams between high fence of enclosure and lower fence meant to keep visitors at distance. Zoo workers coax her back into enclosure while others stand by with tranquilizer guns. (Canadian Press) |
| 11/12/03 |
Brookfield, IL |
Woman jumps fence at Brookfield Zoo to reach into gray wolf's cage. 11-year-old 100-lb wolf is subsequently shot in chest by zoo police officer when wolf refuses to let go of woman's arm as she tries to pet him. Woman is treated at nearby emergency room for bite wounds to forearm. (Chicago Tribune) |
| 11/11/03 |
Palm Desert, CA |
Sabi, 2-year-old 90-lb female cheetah at Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, is on her daily walk through park when she pounces and bites 58-year-old woman who holds 2-year-old granddaughter on lap. Woman is treated for bite wounds to thigh and calf, baby is checked for possible concussion. Animal trainer walking Sabi yanks her back by leash, is bitten and scratched. Sabi is kept in isolation for 10 days after incident. (The Press-Enterprise, Associated Press, The Desert Sun) |
| 09/30/03 |
Miami, FL |
Thelma, 20-year-old 150-lb orangutan, bites veterinarian's hand at Metrozoo. Thelma, on loan from Oakland Zoo, is being treated for small foot injury through bars of her holding area when she grabs woman's arm, pulls it through bars and bites down, crushing bones. Veterinarian is treated at Baptist Hospital. (KIRO-TV Channel 7 (CBS) Seattle, Associated Press) |
| 09/28/03 |
Boston, MA |
Little Joe, 5-foot-tall 300-lb gorilla, escapes from his cage at Franklin Park Zoo by scaling 10-foot-wide 12-foot-deep moat, getting past electric wire and leaving zoo grounds just before closing. During escape, Little Joe attacks 18-year-old woman, throws her several feet in air, steps on her, drags her, and bites her on back. Woman is holding 2-year-old girl who is snatched out of woman's arms and slammed to ground. Child, whose front teeth are pushed back, is hospitalized after doctors stitch up her head. Little Joe is found 2 hours later, sitting at bus stop, and is recaptured using tranquilizer darts as crowd of more than 100 watch. This is Little Joe's 2nd escape from zoo this year. (The Boston Globe, KIRO-TV Channel 7 (CBS) Seattle, Boston Herald, Associated Press) |
| 08/27/03 |
Rochester, NY |
Lowell, 300-lb 19-year-old orangutan, escapes confines of his cage at Seneca Park Zoo and embraces volunteer cleaning his area. Volunteer tries to slip out, but Lowell picks up volunteer and carries him down passageway before finally climbing back into his cage and pushing volunteer out. Facility is locked down, all visitors are evacuated, and ambulance called. Zoo reopens shortly after incident. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Associated Press) |
| 08/24/03 (reported) |
Omaha, NB |
Fu Manchu, orangutan at Henry Doorly Zoo, picks lock of his cage each night and escapes. Workers eventually find pick in Fu Manchu's cage; pick is piece of wire he hid between his lips and gums. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) |
| 08/14/03 |
St. Louis, MO |
Hallah, female cheetah at St. Louis Zoo, uses vines to climb halfway up 10-foot moat wall and leap over it to freedom. After only 20 minutes, Hallah is herded back into her enclosure without incident. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) |
| 07/27/03 |
Fort Wayne, IN |
Monkey bites hand of female employee of Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Woman is feeding 2 spectacled langures at Indonesian Rainforest exhibit when she is bitten. Paramedics are called and woman is treated at Parkview Hospital and released. (Fort Wayne News-Sentinel) |
| 07/20/03 (reported) |
Indianapolis, IN |
Trainer is recovering from surgery on left leg after being injured by Ivory, African elephant at Indianapolis Zoo. According to zoo officials, Ivory suffered from separation anxiety during training and reacted to call from her 2,000-lb calf. (Indianapolis Star) |
| 06/30/03 |
San Diego, CA |
2-year-old boy is injured at Petting Kraal in San Diego Wild Animal Park. Boy falls, is taken to first aid station, and then by helicopter to Children's Hospital. Petting Kraal workers are unsure if boy's injuries are caused by animal. (KNSD-TV Channel 7/39 (NBC) San Diego) |
| 06/01/03 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Goral goat antelope discovers hole in fence of its exhibit at Los Angeles Zoo and escapes before zoo opens. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 05/05/03 |
Cleveland, OH |
Rosey, 18-year-old lion at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, is found dead in her cage by night watchman. She was attacked and killed by 2 other lions who enter her cage after zoo worker leaves gate open. Zoo worker is suspended for 5 days. (www.newsnet5.com) |
| 05/00/03
through
07/00/03 |
St. Louis, MO |
Gentoo penguins regularly escape by launching themselves over Plexiglas barrier separating their man-made lagoon from public walkway at St. Louis Zoo. Yellow-footed penguins strike several visitors. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) |
| 04/28/03 |
Denver, CO |
Polar bear escapes from holding area at Denver Zoo, forcing temporary lockdown. Veterinarians shoot bear with tranquilizer dart and return it to enclosure. (WUSA-TV Channel 9 (NBC) Washington) |
| 03/23/03 |
Sacramento, CA |
Castro, 325-lb Sumatran tiger at Sacramento Zoo, attacks 30-year-old zookeeper at feeding time. Zookeeper is hospitalized in fair condition with puncture wounds on his neck, right shoulder, and left leg. (Sacramento Bee) |
| 03/13/03 |
Tampa, FL |
Shark at Florida Aquarium bites woman who puts her hand into shark tank. Less than 2 feet long, shark is part of petting tank exhibit, but is since removed from petting tank. (Ananova News Search, St. Petersburg Times) |
| 03/11/03 |
North Charleston, SC |
While being moved from Roark's Reptile Safari (non-AZA) to spend rest of year at South Carolina Aquarium (AZA), 22-foot-long 250-lb female reticulated python breaks free of her container and slithers into transport van's undercarriage, then makes break for sewer grate. Python is recaptured by aquarium curator and 4 fellow staffers. (The Post and Courier) |
| 03/08/03 |
San Diego, CA |
Sea lion escapes his enclosure at Sea World in Mission Beach by climbing over wall. He shimmies up several flights of stairs, crosses boardwalk, and ends up on front doorstep of apartment complex. Residents call Sea World and handlers capture sea lion with net. (The Columbus Dispatch) |
| 01/04/03 |
Columbus, OH |
Suphan cobra bites zookeeper at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium while being fed dead rat. Keeper, who has 20 years of experience handling reptiles, is in stable condition at local hospital. (The Columbus Dispatch) |
| 12/15/02 |
Miami, FL |
20-year-old female elephant at Metrozoo knocks down 31-year-old zookeeper and kicks him into pile of rocks. Knocked unconscious, zookeeper suffers laceration to head and injury to back and is listed in critical condition at hospital. Crowd of visitors who witness attack includes children. (Associated Press) |
| 12/07/02 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Baby red-flanked duiker (African antelope) jumps its 4-foot nursery fence after being startled by musical group at Los Angeles Zoo. Animal is recaptured 2 days later on nearby golf course. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 12/00/02 |
Rochester, NY |
Daisy, 10-year-old 15-foot 105-lb Burmese python, frees herself from her cage at Seneca Park Zoo during Girl Scout sleepover in zoo's Discovery Center and slithers around area. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 11/18/02 |
Pittsburgh, PA |
18-year-old female African elephant knocks handler to ground with her head and crushes him to death. Incident occurs at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium during routine morning walk of elephant and her 3-year-old baby on zoo's African Savannah trail before zoo opens. (Associated Press) |
| 09/05/02 |
Escondido, CA |
200-lb west Caucasian tur, rare and endangered goat, gores zookeeper at San Diego Wild Animal Park, while woman cleans tur's pen. Puncture wound under her ribs requires surgery. (Associated Press) |
| 05/12/02 |
Tampa, FL |
350-lb African lion rips arm off 21-year-old Busch Gardens zookeeper while she is giving her family private tour. Injury is not first for Busch, which houses hippos, hyenas, baboons, and crocodiles. In 1989, animal keeper is crushed to death by 2-ton elephant. In 1993, rattlesnake bites zookeeper, who survives. And in 1999, woman claims Clydesdale horse bit off tip of her finger. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 04/02/02 |
Honolulu, HI |
Part-time zookeeper trainee woman is cleaning sleeping area of 2 Siamang gibbons at Honolulu Zoo when 34-year-old female attacks. Partition separating keeper from gibbons is not properly locked. Keeper requires 45 stitches to close wounds on her legs. (Star Tribune, Duluth News-Tribune) |
| 02/02/02 |
Miami, FL |
While being led to holding pen at Miami Metrozoo, 1,400-lb camel knocks handler to ground and rolls and stomps on him. Camel was 1 of 3 giving children rides at zoos throughout Miami-Dade County. Handler is airlifted to hospital and later released. (Ananova News Search, Miami Herald) |
| 12/02/01 |
Bloomington, IL |
32-year-old visitor at Miller Park Zoo climbs 4-foot fence to pet snow leopard. Leopard swipes at visitor and punctures skin of left hand. Zoo staff tracks trail of blood to victim who declines to go to hospital. (The Pantagraph) |
| 06/10/01 |
Denver, CO |
Frightened by falling water drum, elephant runs out of bathing area at Denver Zoo and knocks over baby stroller before being recaptured. Baby is treated at local hospital and released. (Associated Press) |
| 06/09/01 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Komodo dragon bites and crushes big toe of Phil Bronstein, executive editor of San Francisco Chronicle, while Bronstein is inside animal's cage on behind-the-scenes tour of Los Angeles Zoo. Bronstein is hospitalized for emergency surgery to reattach severed tendons. (Reuters) |
| 06/07/01 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Crested capuchin monkey squeezes through small opening in its cage and wanders public area of Los Angeles Zoo for about 1 hour. All patrons are removed from area until monkey is recaptured. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 04/10/01 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Kookaburra bird flies out of its cage at Los Angeles Zoo before being captured next day. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 10/12/00 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Evelyn, gorilla at Los Angeles Zoo, uses overgrown honeysuckle vines to pull herself out of her enclosure and wanders the grounds for 1 hour until subdued by tranquilizer dart. All patrons are evacuated and no visitors or staff are injured in incident. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 08/12/00 |
Boise, ID |
Tiger mauls woman attending fundraiser for Zoo Boise when tiger slips through cage door. Woman is wounded by bullet fired to subdue animal and hospitalized with broken leg and puncture wounds. (CNN.com) |
| 07/24/00 |
Dallas, TX |
Chimpanzee at Dallas Zoo escapes enclosure and attacks zookeeper before making her way into nearby neighborhood where she is electrocuted on power lines. Zookeeper treated for several scratches. (Dallas Morning News) |
| 06/00/00 |
Bloomington, IL |
Man jumps fence to outdoor snow leopard exhibit, sticks his hand through cage, and is bitten by 1 of 2 cats at Miller Park Zoo. Man suffers only minor injuries. (The Pantagraph) |
| 12/22/99 |
Madison, WI |
Elephant at Henry Vilas Zoo attacks zookeeper and veterinarian while vet checks her chronically sore feet. Zookeeper treated and released from local hospital. After attack, fresh puncture wound observed above elephant's eye. Elephant involved in previous incident 07/09/98. (Wisconsin State Journal) |
| 11/01/99 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Koala climbs out of its yard at Los Angeles Zoo and is found minutes later in nearby tree. Keeper coaxes it out and carries it back to exhibit. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 10/30/99 |
Buffalo, NY |
Clouded leopard at Buffalo Zoo bites and claws seasonal zookeeper who enters cat's cage. (Buffalo News) |
| 11/09/98 |
Indianapolis, IN |
Elephant at Indianapolis Zoo bludgeons zookeeper with her trunk, breaking woman's ribs. Keeper is bathing elephant at time of attack. (Associated Press) |
| 10/30/98 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Flamingo walks out of its exhibit at Los Angeles Zoo and roams around public area for about 3 minutes before zoo opens. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 09/28/98 |
Dallas, TX |
340-lb gorilla escapes from his room at Dallas Zoo, raids kitchen, bites keeper and then drags her down hallway. (Associated Press) |
| 09/20/98 |
Oklahoma City, OK |
Tapir (large hoglike animal) pulls Oklahoma City Zoo keeper into its cage and bites her arm off as she tries to feed animal. Woman also suffers facial injuries and punctured lung. Although cause of attack is unknown, tapir's baby is also in cage at time. (Associated Press) |
| 08/10/98 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Gray kangaroo hops out of her enclosure at Los Angeles Zoo for 6 minutes after keeper leaves gate open. She is herded back in. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 08/02/98 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Gracie, chimpanzee at Los Angeles Zoo, finds handhold in sheer gray rock that surrounds her exhibit. She scales wall and gets into planted area, then jumps back into her enclosure after only 5 minutes. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 07/31/98 |
Vallejo, CA |
Tiger mauls woman tourist during photo shoot at Marine World, seriously injuring her and scratching trainer who comes to her aid. (Associated Press) |
| 07/09/98 |
Madison, WI |
2 elephants at Henry Vilas Zoo injure zookeeper by picking him up, throwing him to ground, and kneeling on him. 1 elephant had attacked zookeepers twice before. |
| 04/21/98 |
Los Angeles, CA |
2 zebras break lock of their gate after hours and get out of their enclosure at Los Angeles Zoo. 1 zebra is herded back after 45 minutes, while other has to be anesthetized. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 03/08/98 |
Tulsa, OK |
2 elephants at Tulsa Zoo push on walls of their enclosure until fence crumples under their weight. |
| 08/11/97 |
Little Rock, AR |
Grizzly bear at Little Rock Zoo escapes her pen and rummages through garbage cans in zoo until zookeeper discovers her during night. Bear is darted and returned to bear exhibit. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) |
| 05/27/97 |
Little Rock, AR |
2 gorillas at Little Rock Zoo escape cage during night and remain loose in room next to their outdoor area until discovered next morning by zoo employees. 1 gorilla is darted and both led back to their cage. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) |
| 00/00/97 |
Rochester, NY |
Arctic fox escapes from Seneca Park Zoo and is killed on Interstate 490 in Perinton, more than 16 miles from zoo. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) |
| 10/20/96 |
Los Angeles, CA |
Elephant attacks assistant trainer during training exercise at Los Angeles Zoo, breaking 3 ribs and collarbone. |
| 07/27/96 |
Cincinnati, OH |
Bengal tiger from Cincinnati Zoo mauls 7-year-old daughter of zoo education director as animal is about to appear on television show with girl's father. Girl suffers injuries to face and scalp. (Cincinnati Post) |
| 01/05/96 |
Vallejo, CA |
2 trainers at Marine World wild animal park are slightly injured when 2 cougars they are exercising attack. (San Francisco Chronicle) |
| 12/18/95 |
Fort Worth, TX |
Sumatran tiger bursts through chain-link fence and attacks animal handler at Fort Worth Zoo, sending him to hospital with cuts and scratches. (Houston Chronicle) |
| 11/11/95 |
Memphis, TN |
2 tigers maul man who enters enclosure at Memphis Zoo. (Memphis Commercial Appeal) |
| 09/00/95 |
Bloomington, IL |
Man climbs fence to snow leopard exhibit at Miller Park Zoo to pat leopard on head. When leopard latches onto man's hand, man jerks free and sustains 3-1/2-inch cut on palm. (The Pantagraph) |
| 08/06/95 |
Phoenix, AZ |
Mountain lion at Phoenix Zoo gashes 5-year-old's arm after he wanders too close to animal's cage and waves stick at animal. (Arizona Republic) |
| 03/05/95 |
Washington, DC |
Lions kill and partially devour woman who enters enclosure at National Zoo. Death later ruled suicide. (Associated Press) |
| 12/29/94 |
Scottsbluff, NE |
Leopard attacks zookeeper at Riverside Zoo, causing serious injuries to woman's throat, face, and chest. (Associated Press) |
| 10/11/94 |
San Diego, CA |
San Diego Zoo animal trainer Joan Embery suffers deep gashes on face while exhibiting cheetah on television show. |
| 06/30/94 |
Louisville, KY |
Elephant used for giving rides at Louisville Zoological Gardens escapes by unlatching gate and attacks zoo visitor. Man suffers serious injuries to spleen and pancreas when elephant picks up and drops him several times. (Associated Press) |
| 06/06/94 |
Miami, FL |
Tiger mauls and kills senior zookeeper at Miami Metrozoo when keeper opens door to cage. (Miami Herald) |
| 04/04/94 |
Jackson, MS |
Cheetah at Jackson Zoo scales fence and pounces on 8-year-old boy. Child treated for cuts and bruises. (Associated Press) |
| 02/24/94 |
Chicago, IL |
Elephant handler suffers serious injuries when she slips under elephant she is trying to secure after elephant breaks through holding area at Lincoln Park Zoo. |
| 01/30/94 |
Cleveland, OH |
Elephant at Cleveland Zoo lunges at keeper, gashing his head. |
| 12/12/93 |
Palm Beach, FL |
Lion attacks worker at Lion Country Safari, inflicting severe puncture wounds to head and chest. (Miami Herald) |
| 09/02/93 |
Vallejo, CA |
Radio personality doing show at Marine World is injured when elephant he is riding runs across public area and throws him onto cement path. (Oakland Tribune) |
| 07/30/93 |
Tampa, FL |
Elephant at Lowry Park Zoo pins keeper to ground and kicks her in head, killing her. (Associated Press) |
| 05/06/93 |
Bronx, NY |
2 lions at Bronx Zoo maul man who climbs into their cage. Man receives 19 stitches to head and face. (Associated Press) |
| 12/15/92 |
San Antonio, TX |
Elephant keeper at San Antonio Zoo is killed when elephant grabs man and slams him to ground. Keeper is bending down to unfasten elephant from tether in yard when incident occurs. (San Antonio Express-News) |
| 09/17/92 |
Tucson, AZ |
Lion cub bites arm of 3-year-old girl at Reid Park Zoo. |
| 08/29/92 |
Indianapolis, IN |
4 people, including 2 children, fall off elephant giving rides at Indianapolis Zoo. Injured children are treated at local hospital and released. (Indianapolis Star) |
| 06/13/92 |
Tampa, FL |
Elephant named Tillie is being positioned for performance at Lowry Park Zoo when she tries to push trainer into moat surrounding exhibit. Trainer and another return Tillie to barn where she is disciplined, chained, and put through series of commands. Tillie obeys and is returned to outdoor exhibit. (St. Petersburg Times) |
| 12/24/91 |
Houston, TX |
Elephant attacks trainer at Houston Zoo and breaks his collarbone and 4 ribs. |
| Fall/1991 |
Seattle, WA |
5 orangutans escape from their enclosure at Woodland Park Zoo. 2 males and 3 females squeeze through opening in enclosure door. Zoo is shut down for 3 hours while workers use fire hoses and finally tranquilizers to capture orangutans. (Seattle 4 News, KTZZ 22TV, K5 Live) |
| 03/14/91 |
San Diego, CA |
Keeper at San Diego Wild Animal Park is kicked in head and killed while attempting to break up fight between 2 elephants. (Associated Press) |
| 01/12/91 |
Oakland, CA |
Elephant at Oakland Zoo kicks to death handler cleaning his pen. (San Jose Mercury News) |
| 10/00/90 (reported 09/03/92) |
Indianapolis, IN |
Father and son fall from elephant they ride at Indianapolis Zoo. Man suffers dislocated hip and severe groin injury, later sues for lost wages and trauma from incident. (Indianapolis Star) |
| 06/06/90 |
Kansas City, MO |
Cheyenne, orangutan at Kansas City Zoo, escapes from her enclosure by unscrewing 4 bolts and removing the plexiglass window. Zoo officials say human would need wrench to unscrew bolts. Cheyenne is tranquilized and returned to captivity and plexiglass is replaced with steel. (CBS News Kansas City) |
| 05/30/90 |
San Francisco, CA |
Leopard at San Francisco Zoo attacks and mauls zookeeper, causing deep wounds to man's neck. (Associated Press) |
| 03/19/90 |
West Palm Beach, FL |
Rampaging elephant at Lion Country Safari gores handler with her tusks after animal lifts man with her trunk, spins him around, and throws him twice to ground. Handler survives after emergency surgery. (Miami Herald) |
| 02/13/90 |
San Francisco, CA |
Elephant at San Francisco Zoo pushes elephant keeper into moat, causing him to suffer fractured back. (San Jose Mercury News) |
| unknown |
Los Angeles, CA |
Nubian ibex (type of goat) slips past keeper and out of holding area at Los Angeles Zoo, not once, but twice. 1 of those times ibex spends night in service station before she is discovered. (Los Angeles Times) |
| unknown |
Los Angeles, CA |
Jim, western lowland gorilla, jumps across moat and into waterfall between 2 gorilla exhibits at Los Angeles Zoo. Jim apparently goes to investigate noises nearby gorillas are making. Keepers use water hose to get him back into his enclosure. This is 2nd time Jim escapes. (Los Angeles Times) |
| unknown |
Los Angeles, CA |
Jim, western lowland gorilla, busts out of his night stall at Los Angeles Zoo when it is not secured. (Los Angeles Times) |
