Exotic Incident #634
Incident Date:
11/28/2003
Location:
Natural Bridge, VA - USA
Facility Name:
Natural Bridge Zoo
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Bears
Animal:
Asiatic Bear
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
Two 6-year-old Asiatic bears escaped from a pen at the Natural Bridge Zoo when a worker neglected to lock the gate properly. The male bear, Festus, broke into a neighboring house and was shot by the zoo’s owner and a sheriff’s deputy several times at close range. The female, Maggie, was found under a porch outside, where she swiped at the homeowner. She was shot by the zoo’s owner and disappeared into the woods, only to be shot and killed two days later by a hunter. USDA authorities investigated the zoo.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: