The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida ( ARFF ) . 1431 N Federal Highway , Fort Lauderdale , FL 33304 . 954-727-2733 . ARFF .org
Captive Wildlife Incidents in Florida
The following is a partial listing of incidents involving captive wildlife in Florida since 1990. This list was last updated on March 6, 2006.
The photo at right was in 2005 when a released python pet ate a 6 foot long alligator and burst open.
Help us stop this sort of dangerous irresponsibility at www.CatLaws.com
Persons Killed 9
Persons Injured 66
Escaped 63
Pets Killed 12
Reported incidents in FL 144
Florida has more exotic animal incidents than any other state. See charts here.
October 29, 2007 Port St. Lucie, FL: Raymond Hunter, 44, something of a local guru on poisonous snakes, remained in critical condition late today after one of his pets, a diamondback rattlesnake, sunk its fangs into his right hand early Saturday morning. In 1999, Hunter pleaded no contest to charges of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, for which he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. This is hardly the first time a snakebite has sent the Cobraman to the hospital. Hunter's website, cobraman.net, chronicles his past bites with photos of himself in intensive care and close-ups of his own fingers, gnarled, swollen, discolored and bloodied from the bites of vipers, cobras and rattlesnakes.
December 31, 2006 TARPON SPRINGS, FL: A 14-foot python bit its handler and tried to drag her into its cage during a show at an aquarium, and wouldn't release the woman until a police officer zapped the reptile with a stun gun. Alison Cobianchi, 18, was taking Chloe, a Burmese python, out of her cage for the daily snake presentation Saturday at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium when the snake wrapped itself around her arm and waist. Cobianchi suffered puncture wounds on her wrist. "It was definitely the most scary and painful thing that has ever happened to me," she said. "I knew I wasn't going to die, but I was worried I wouldn't get my hand back." Aquarium owner Scott Conger said Chloe bit him once while he was feeding her, but Cobianchi is the first employee seriously injured. He said the snake show was canceled indefinitely.
December 11, 2006 Jacksonville, FL: Julie Johnson’s fears were eased after a man rescued her pet bobcat, who got himself stuck in a tree a week ago and would not come down. She was concerned that with recent freezing temperatures and no food or water, the 7 month old bobcat's life may have been in danger as he precariously clung to a small branch 80 feet above the ground.
December 7, 2006 Coral Gables, FL: Goya Foods executive Francisco Unanue hired Corinne Oltz of Wild Animal World to bring a 62-pound cougar to entertain his 7 year old and their guests. The party ended badly when the cougar mauled a 4-year-old guest. The Kendall-based Wild Animal World -- who has been cited in two similar past attacks -- faces a misdemeanor charge of allowing injury to the public. The girl suffered severe lacerations to her eyelid, left cheek and ear. Doctors sewed back part of her severed ear. Georgia, the cougar, was euthanized last week as part of a rabies test. In 1999, Oltz was cited in a similar attack, also in Coral Gables. In 2001, a Wild Animal World leopard attacked a child at a company picnic in Broward County. "That one was a fraction of an inch from going to the brain stem. That would have killed the kid instantly," remembered FFW Lt. Pat Reynolds, who is investigating the Coral Gables attack.
December 5, 2006 Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL: A 15 foot long Burmese python was found dead on the county's biking trail where children often walk to and from their bus stops.
November 28, 2006 Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL: Big Cat Rescue was called in to remove a 6 foot Burmese python from a children's playground in Avila.
November 15, 2006 Gulf Breeze Zoo, FL: For the second time in less than a week, The Zoo in Gulf Breeze has had difficulties with its large cats. The compound was closed after two cougars escaped from their pens for several hours. About 30 visitors had to move to secured areas while a search was conducted. According to news reports, an opening in the animals' enclosure was big enough to allow them to slip away. One cat was recaptured after about an hour, but the second cougar took a little longer to find. It was hit by two tranquilizer darts, but hid until an Escambia County Sheriff ’s Office helicopter used infrared cameras to find it.
November 13, 2006 Gulf Breeze, FL: Nineteen-year-old Adrienne Leopard, a zookeeper at the Zoo of Northwest Florida, was taken to a local hospital after she was injured by a leopard. "She was too close to one of our big cats," said Doug Kemper, executive director of the zoo. The leopard snagged her sleeve with one of its claws and pulled her arm inside (the cage). "He was just being playful," Kemper said. "But even when they don't intend to hurt us, they have all the tools to do so. (Our bodies) just can’t stand up to it." The Zoo of NW FL is located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida.
9/13/06 Hillsborough County, FL Balm: Lancelot Kollmann stumbled inside a cage with a 250-pound tiger named Rula. He paid in blood. The last in a long line of lion tamers escaped the cage with cuts on his left shoulder and a gash on his lip that took stitches to close. Kollmann's family has been in traveling circuses for more than 200 years. His grandfather was a lion tamer. His father and uncles owned big cats. He is licensed by the state of Florida and USDA to exhibit exotic animals, including two leopards, four jaguars, one elephant, five lions and 14 tigers.
9/7/06 Davenport, FL: Darryl Atkinson, founder of the Horseshoe Creek Wildlife Foundation was arrested on charges of keeping a Bengal tiger in a cage that is too small and unsafe, said a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrest report. Since 2003, Atkinson has been cited more than 20 times for not having large enough cages for animals kept on the animal farm west of Davenport. He was cited an additional four times in December 2005 on the same charges, the wildlife commission said. The citations usually result in a fine, but Atkinson faces 11 first-degree misdemeanors because of the numerous previous charges he has racked up over the years.
8/22/06 Tampa, FL Lowry Park Zoo: An open cage at Lowry Park Zoo led to Sumatran tiger named Enshalla being shot to death by the zoo's chief executive officer Lex Salisbury. The CEO had recently fired a long term keeper who was considered too concerned about the animals' welfare in favor of hiring staff who would not speak up for the animals. A keeper with only two weeks of training with tigers was left by himself in charge. AZA, USDA and the FWCC all acknowledged that there is no standardized training required.
4/26/06 Estero, FL A Hybrid wolf escapes, bites a woman and may have to be euthanized to check for rabies. www.news-press.com
11/15/05 |
Stuart , FL |
Fisherman catches 11-foot-long Burmese python. Snake is suspected of being abandoned "pet." (UPI) |
10/11/05 |
Miami-Dade , FL |
Python devours turkey then gets stuck in fence. Snake is abandoned "pet." ( St. Petersburg Times) |
10/09/2005 |
Miami-Dade , FL |
10-to-12-foot-long python devours 18-pound Siamese cat. Snake is abandoned "pet." (Sun Sentinel) |
10/05/05 |
Miami-Dade , FL |
13 foot-long non-native Burmese python burst after swallowing 6-foot alligator in the everglades. Burmese pythons dumped by their "owners" have thrived in the wet and hot climate of Florida 's swamps over the past 20 years. (Associated Press) |
09/28/2005 |
Mount Dora , FL |
2 zebras escape from their pen and wander on state road. Zebras are injured after truck slams into them. (www.wftv.com) |
02/26/05 |
Wellington , FL |
500-pound Bengal tiger escapes from Panther Ridge Sanctuary after his caretaker neglects to latch his cage. 4-year old tiger is loose for 2 hours before being tranquilized and returned to his cage. His owner is cited for second-degree misdemeanor, escaped captive wildlife. ( South Florida Sun-Sentinel ) |
02/17/05 |
Englewood , FL |
13-foot-long python is found in busy street in Englewood . (Sun Herald) |
02/12/05 |
Tampa Bay , FL |
Tiger cub bites woman's hand during exhibit at Tampa Bay Auto Mall. 2 adult tigers and 2 cubs are on display so people can have their photographs taken with tigers. Tigers are supplied by Bottomline Events, in conjunction with Zoo Dynamics, which provides animals to zoos and exhibits. Their caretaker is charged with unsafe handling of captive wildlife, resulting in injury to person. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
01/31/05 |
Vero Beach , FL |
Serval is found dragging his left leg through underbrush around sports complex. Serval has to be euthanized after it is discovered animal has broken back. (www.tcpalm.com) |
11/20/04 |
St. Augustine , FL |
350-pound Siberian tiger, being walked on leash, attacks and injures 14-year-old boy at St. John's County Fair. Tiger's handler is also attacked and injured when he attempts to pull tiger off boy. Incident is brought under control only after 2 police officers fire Taser stun guns at tiger. Handler is owner of Catty Shack Ranch where tiger resides. (Associated Press) |
11/13/04 |
Port St. Lucie , FL |
Vanilla Ice's "pet" wallaroo escapes from backyard and is loose. Animal is later found and returned. ( Palm Beach Post) |
11/06/04 |
Sarasota , FL |
18-year-old circus worker is bitten by bear while trying to break up aggressive behavior among several bears at Big Cat Habitat. Man is flown to Bayfront Medical Center where he is listed in fair condition. (The Tampa Tribune) |
07/23/04 |
Vero Beach , FL |
16-foot-long Burmese python is captured on city street after passing motorist spots animal. Animal Control Officer suspects snake escaped or was let loose. (Associated Press) |
07/12/04 |
Loxahatchee , FL |
6-year-old tiger belonging to actor who played Tarzan escapes from his enclosure, jumps 12-foot fence that surrounds the property. Tiger is later located and killed. (Newsday) |
07/03/04 |
Mandeville , FL |
For 2nd time in 2 years, 16-foot-long python escapes from mobile home. (The Advocate) |
05/01/04 |
Silver Springs , FL |
Adult brown bear at Silver Springs' World of Bears bites bearkeeper's arm near shoulder, according to press statement. Keeper is hospitalized for treatment. Bear will be quarantined for 10 days for observation. (WESH.com, Newschannel 2) |
04/22/04 |
Lakeland , FL |
2 "pet" wolf-hybrids attack and kill neighbor's dog after they escape from their own yard. These hybrids are 2 of 16 wolf-hybrids kept in neighborhood backyard. (The Ledger) |
04/12/04 |
East Manatee, FL |
2 giant pythons are found in ditch by county workers. Snakes likely released by their "owner" or escaped their enclosure, although no one has reported them missing. ( Sarasota Herald-Tribune) |
02/17/04 |
Dade City , FL |
"Pet" cougar is found lounging near neighbor's pool 3/10ths of mile away from his home. Animal's possessor retrieves animal without incident, but she will have to appear in court for allowing cougar to escape. ( Tampa Tribune) |
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) |
08/27/03 |
Tampa , FL |
12-foot-long Burmese python escapes from his enclosure. ( Tampa Tribune) |
08/16/03 |
Town and Country, FL |
Man's "pet" mamba snake bites him half-dozen times on forearm and wrist and man is rushed to hospital. Man possesses 26 poisonous snakes and 4 small crocodiles in his mobile home. 4 small children also reside in mobile home. ( Tampa Tribune) |
08/12/03 |
Tampa , FL |
First-grader is bitten by pygmy rattlesnake. ( Tampa Tribune) |
07/29/03 |
Tampa , FL |
6-foot-long Boa constrictor escapes from his cage. ( Tampa Tribune) |
07/28/03 |
Manatee County , FL |
12-foot-long Burmese python escapes and is found next day. ( Bradenton Herald) |
07/14/03 |
Panama City , FL |
10-foot-long Burmese python is found near fish pond. Animal Control captures snake. (Associated Press) |
06/06/03 |
Rockledge , FL |
80-pound Burmese python, Lurch, escapes from his cage and wraps tightly around leg of his possessor's mother. Paramedics arrive and free the woman. (The Tallahassee Democrat) |
05/07/03 |
Orlando , FL |
7-foot alligator at Gatorland bites handler on face. Handler is preparing for park's Gator Wrestling Show, which takes place in 800-seat arena, when alligator bites him. Handler is in fair condition with gash to face and will probably need stitches. Handler has 4 years' experience handling large reptiles at park. ( Orlando Sentinel Tribune) |
03/13/03 |
Tampa , FL |
Shark at Florida Aquarium bites woman who puts her hand into shark tank. Less than 2 feet long, shark was part of petting tank exhibit, but has since been removed from petting tank. (Ananova News Search, St. Petersburg Times) |
02/03/03 |
Jacksonville , FL |
Chad , 450-pound Bengal tiger with UniverSoul Circus, squeezes through opening between his cage and holding cage and escapes. Climbing over car and over fence, Chad startles police officer and drive-in worker at nearby Wendy's before circus workers coax him back inside cage. 100s of people witness Chad 's escape. (Associated Press, The Florida Times-Union, WJXT-TV Channel 4 ( IND ) Jacksonville ) |
01/31/03 |
Fort Myers , FL |
Man is hospitalized and given 10 vials of antivenin after his "pet" cobra bites him in stomach. (Associated Press) |
01/15/03 |
Miami , FL |
Exotic cat is found along Florida highway. Cat's "owner" claims animal was stolen. (WSVN-TV Channel 7 (Fox)) |
12/19/02 |
Bradenton , FL |
15-inch alligator is reported missing from local pet store. ( Sarasota Herald-Tribune) |
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 include children. (Associated Press) |
10/17/02 |
Southport , FL |
Samson, 500-lb. African lion at Knoll's 77 Zoological Park, attacks zookeeper who enters cage for photo. Lion grabs man, throws him in corner, and chews before releasing man. Zookeeper, who has hole ripped in throat, right eye pulled out of its socket, severed tendons in neck and chest, torn skin, bites down to bone, is listed in critical condition for 11 days. He loses 80% of eyesight and needs operation to restore vision. He has trained large animals since age 12 when he began training bears in circus in Europe . (Associated Press) |
10/14/02 |
Bishop, FL |
Woman discovers 8-foot-long "pet" python in her backyard. ( Bradenton Herald) |
09/24/02 |
Gainesville , FL |
Director of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is working in 1 of parks' water lily gardens when 11-foot alligator, MoJo, bites off his right arm just below elbow. MoJo is harpooned, shot, and his stomach slit open to retrieve arm, but surgeons are unable to reattach arm. Man is listed in fair condition. (Associated Press, York News Times) |
08/29/02 |
Tampa , FL |
"Pet" kinkajou scratches and bites 3 children. Judge orders animal be euthanized to determine if he had rabies. (WFLA-TV Channel 8 (NBC)) |
07/23/02 |
Okaloosa County , FL |
Escaped emu is killed after chasing 1 dog and harassing others. (WKMG - www.local6.com) |
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) |
05/01/02 |
Leesburg , FL |
4 Burmese pythons who escaped their cage are recovered next day in closet of nearby home. ( Orlando Sentinel Tribune) |
04/11/02 |
The Redlands , FL |
"Pet" monkey escapes and is loose. (CBS 4 News) |
03/27/02 |
Boynton Beach , FL |
Capuchin monkey escapes his home and is found 1 mile away in tree house. (Sun Sentinel) |
02/16/02 |
Hollywood , FL |
"Pet" iguana bites off teenager's finger tip. (Annova) |
02/11/02 |
Tampa , FL |
"Pet" bison escapes from his enclosure. (WTSP-TV Channel 10) |
02/03/02 |
Loxahatchee , FL |
750-pound "pet" Siberian-Bengal mix Tiger bites head of 58-year-old woman. Woman is hospitalized in critical condition with skull fracture. ( Palm Beach Post) |
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) |
01/17/02 |
Hollywood , FL |
12-year-old boy loses tip of finger when his "pet" iguana bites it off. (San Antonio Express-News) |
01/16/02 |
Palm Beach , FL |
31-year-old man is bitten by captive Diamondback rattlesnake. He receives treatment at nearby hospital. (Sun-Sentinel) |
00/00/02 |
Mandeville , FL |
12-foot-long python escapes from mobile home. (The Advocate) |
12/09/01 |
Davie , FL |
7-year-old boy is taken to hospital for stitches after being attacked and bitten "bone-deep" on neck by 40-pound declawed African serval at PepsiCo International picnic. Child is walking by when unattended serval leaps on him and knocks him to ground. Pangaea Productions hired to bring serval and other animals to event as entertainment. (Associated Press) |
10/26/01 |
Gainesville , FL |
Man bitten by coral snake is in stable condition after receiving antivenin. It is uncertain how man came to be bitten by snake, but it is presumed that snake was his "pet." (Associated Press) |
10/13/01 |
Jacksonville , FL |
10-1/2-foot albino boa snake latches onto wrist of man and will not let go. Snake is killed while man is freed. (The Florida Times-Union) |
10/05/01 |
Orlando , FL |
13-foot-long king cobra is found in garage underneath cabinet. After 4 hours of trying to capture snake, homeowner shoots snake. Possessor is ticketed for failing to keep snake in safe and secure environment. (The Deseret News and St. Petersburg Times) |
10/03/01 |
Pompano, FL |
Woman is bitten by 5-foot-long Monaco cobra snake and falls into coma. Snake's possessor does not have permit to keep snake and does not accompany woman to hospital to inform medical personnel what type of antivenin to use. Possessor is charged with 4 misdemeanors for owning and storing the snake improperly. ( Orlando Sentinel and Sun-Sentinel) |
09/27/01 |
Palm Harbor , FL |
Man is bitten on hand by coral snake. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
08/31/01 |
Boynton Beach , FL |
12-foot python escapes and is loose for more than 3 weeks. Snake is found on September 19 in neighbor's backyard. (Sun-Sentinel) |
08/13/01 |
Clearwater , FL |
11-foot Burmese python, Jake, escapes from his backyard cage and is loose for 2 days. Snake will remain in custody of "reptile trapper" who caught snake pending outcome of investigation into captive living conditions and what led to his escape. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
07/31/01 |
Center Hill , FL |
500-lb. male Siberian tiger at Savage Kingdom breaks into adjoining cage and fatally mauls workman who there to make repairs. Tiger is shot by park's operator. (Associated Press) |
05/18/01 |
Little Torch Key, FL |
"Pet" mountain lion escaped from her enclosure and is seen roaming neighborhood. Mountain lion is captured and returned to her enclosure. (News Barometer -- Sheriff's Blotter) |
02/28/01 |
Miami , FL |
"Pet" jungle cat escapes his enclosure and is returned to his possessor. (WSVN-TV, Channel 7 (FOX)) |
01/03/01 |
Fort Lauderdale , FL |
Wolf-hybrid escapes and is loose in Fort Lauderdale for more than 3 weeks. ( Miami Herald) |
11/07/00 |
Silver Springs , FL |
11-foot Burmese python is found along busy state highway. Snake was run over by car and rescued by passerby. Snake is probably abandoned "pet." ( Miami Herald) |
05/30/00 |
Pensacola , FL |
Orangutan at The Zoo escapes through cage door left unlocked and then attacks and bites keeper who tries to coax animal back inside. Keeper treated at local hospital for bruises and 5 bite wounds to knee. ( Pensacola News Journal) |
01/26/00 |
Riverview , FL |
Elephant at winter facility of Ramos Family Circus breaks away from tether to tree and attacks and stomps to death female family member. Other elephant at compound involved in 02/21/99 incident at Poughkeepsie , NY . ( St. Petersburg Times) |
08/03/00 |
Southwest Ranches, FL |
"Pet" monkey, Mikey, bites 2 teenage girls after he escapes from home. Girls sustain bites to arms and faces. ( Miami Herald) |
05/18/00 |
Keystone Point , FL |
"Pet" African serval escapes from his home and scares neighboring family before he is captured and returned. (Miami-Dade) |
01/15/00 |
Palm Harbor , FL |
"Pet" spider monkey escapes from his cage, finds his way to neighborhood park and attacks Siberian husky. Husky requires surgery to repair artery and tendon injuries. While dog, dog's owner is bitten by monkey. (Associated Press) |
12/22/99 |
Port Orange , FL |
32-year-old man dies after his 12-1/2 -foot-long reticulated python bites him. Python grabs man's forehead and then wraps himself around man's body, suffocating him. (United Press International) |
12/09/99 |
Hernando County , FL |
Homemade trap captures "pet" cougar missing for more than 10 months. Cougar had been eating livestock in area. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
10/27/99 |
Hernando , FL |
6-year-old girl is attacked by "pet" cougar while playing outside friend's house. Cougar is on 8-foot chain leash bolted to floor when he grabs hold of girl. Girl requires 12 stitches. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
09/30/99 |
Tarpon Springs , FL |
"Pet" wallaby is on run after escaping from her pen. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
08/06/99 |
Fruitland Park , FL |
Man's 13-foot "pet" python squeezes his 18-month-old son nearly to death after it slithers into backyard. Boy is bitten in face and requires plastic surgery to repair damage to his eye. Python is subsequently destroyed by animal control officer. ( Miami Herald) |
07/30/99 |
Kissimmee , FL |
"Pet" monkey escapes from his cage by chewing rope used to hold cage door shut and roams neighborhood. Monkey jumps on 13-year-old boy's leg, scratching him. Monkey then bites police officer and pulls hair of another before he is captured. ( Orlando Sentinel) |
06/10/99 |
DeLand , FL |
Monitor lizard measuring almost 6 feet is loose in residential neighborhood. Police shoot lizard. Reptile suspected to be someone's "pet." ( Dayton Beach News) |
04/15/99 |
Punta Gorda Isles, FL |
"Pet" monkey is loose in mobile home park and acts aggressively toward residents in area. Police officer uses 12-gauge shotgun to shoot 2-foot-tall rhesus monkey. ( Sarasota Herald Tribune) |
01/13/99 |
Tampa , FL |
"Pet" Capuchin monkey, Angel, while apparently kissing and hugging her owner, starts nipping woman under her chin. As woman attempts to put Angel back in her cage, Angel attacks and bites woman 50 times. Woman suffers bites to hands, arms, and right leg, and requires stitches on right knee. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
12/29/98 |
Chiefland , FL |
Siberian tiger cub is found alongside highway after apparently falling or jumping from trailer. Veterinarian at wildlife rehabilitation center finds several sores on cub's body that do not appear consistent with fall onto roadway. (The Herald) |
11/13/98 |
Gainesville , FL |
5 weeks after killing trainer, white Bengal tiger kills owner by biting her in neck while she hand-feeds him. ( St. Petersburg Times) |
10/07/98 |
Gainesville , FL |
Tiger described in 11/13/98 incident kills trainer after being startled while being moved from one cage to another. (Reuters) |
09/29/98 |
Gainesville , FL |
5-foot-long "pet" python bites woman's fingers as she attempts to "pet" snake. Snake knots himself around woman's lower forearm and only lets go when firefighters discharge 3 blasts of carbon dioxide into snake's face. ( Boca Raton News) |
01/07/98 |
St. Petersburg , FL |
Tiger with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus grabs trainer by head and drags him around ring, inflicting severe head injuries. (Reuters) |
12/28/97 |
Charlotte County , FL |
Baboon at Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary grabs 6-year-old girl, inflicting minor injuries. ( Sarasota Herald Tribune) |
12/15/97 |
Sarasota , FL |
Lioness at Kissimmee Zoo escapes while handlers fix her cage. Animal recaptured after spending 2 days in swamp near zoo. ( Sarasota Herald-Tribune) |
09/27/97 |
Palm Beach , FL |
Man is charged with 5 misdemeanor wildlife charges after his "pet" macaque monkey, Ringo, bites girl. One charge includes trying to sell monkey illegally after incident. Ringo harbors herpes B virus. Ringo is to be tested to determine if virus was active. (Sun-Sentinel) |
07/10/97 |
Pompano Beach , FL |
Woman awakes in middle of night with 5-1/2-foot rainbow boa constrictor across shoulders and legs. Police capture boa and take it home to "foster" cage. Presumably snake is lost "pet." (Sun Sentinel) |
03/19/97 |
Orlando , FL |
Tiger mauls keeper at Savage Kingdom exotic cat breeding compound, severely mangling man's leg. (Associated Press) |
01/05/97 |
Sarasota , FL |
"Pet" cougar bites hand of woman assured by handler that animal is tame. Bites to hand and forearms cause serious injury. ( Sarasota Herald-Tribune) |
12/03/96 |
Loxahatchee , FL |
Cougar named Missy briefly escapes from property where she is housed by jumping over 10-foot wall after barrier fence falls down. ( Palm Beach Post) |
10/13/96 |
Daytona Beach , FL |
Child riding elephant at Octoberfest festival knocks her head when she slips in seat and falls on her side. Girl taken to hospital for treatment of possible concussion. ( Daytona Beach News Journal) |
06/06/94 |
Miami , FL |
Tiger mauls and kills senior zookeeper at Miami Metrozoo when keeper opens door to cage. ( Miami Herald) |
00/00/94 |
Florida |
"Pet" Cynomolgus monkey, Herpes B virus positive, bites child. Also, monkey is known to kiss its owner, eat off his plate, and sleep with him. (CDC) |
12/12/93 |
Palm Beach , FL |
Lion attacks worker at Lion Country Safari, inflicting severe puncture wounds to head and chest. ( Miami Herald) |
07/30/93 |
Tampa , FL |
Elephant at Lowry Park Zoo pins keeper to ground and kicks her in head, killing her. (Associated Press) |
05/05/93 |
Williston , FL |
Elephant at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus compound knocks down trainer, stomps on chest, kills him. (Associated Press) |
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) |
02/01/92 |
Palm Beach , FL |
Elephant with Great American Circus rampages and charges midway in circus tent while giving rides. Woman and 4 children taking ride are rescued but elephant hits police officer, uses her trunk to throw him twice to ground. Animal is shot and killed by police. 12 people are injured during panic, none seriously. ( Miami Herald) |
06/20/90 |
Miami , FL |
Circus elephant with Hanneford Family Circus is startled by passing car while being led to appearance at swap shop. Elephant falls on her handler who is crushed to death while animal struggles to get back on her feet. ( Miami Herald) |
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) |
Can you guess if this fur is tiger, lion, leopard, jaguar, or which big cat? |
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