Search Exotic Incidents Database

A USDA veterinarian was attacked by a tiger during a follow-up inspection of animals at the L&L Exotic Animal Farm. The tiger grabbed her right arm and pulled her toward the cage. She suffered scratches, bruising, and torn clothing and was treated at the Akron General Medical Center. Federal charges were pending against facility owner Lorenza Pearson, who had been cited by the USDA for 900 violations of animal care rules.

A “pet” wallaby or kangaroo escaped from his home and was subsequently found dead in an neighbor’s yard.

A woman was bitten after crossing a barrier fence and putting her arm into a cage to pet a leopard at the New River Zoo; she suffered severe cuts requiring surgery. The leopard was euthanized to test for rabies. The zoo subsequently closed temporarily, pending results of an investigation into the incident.

A “pet” sika deer escaped from his pen by jumping over an 8-ft fence. The deer was subsequently shot by a hunter.

A 3-ft-tall wallaby spent 24 hours on the loose in the countryside. Animal Control officers subsequently recaptured the animal.

A tiger escapes from a handler at the Cinema Safari Zoo during preparations for a photo shoot and attempted to attack a donkey. The tiger was sedated and returned to its cage. The donkey was not injured.

A 31-year-old man was bitten on the hand by his cobra snake.

Seven wolf-hybrids escaped from the Dancing Brooke Lodge Sanctuary. All were captured or returned on their own after neighbors took arms to protect pets and children.

Five camels and a zebra escaped from their enclosure. Four of the camels were killed after causing two traffic accidents. One of the drivers was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The fifth camel and zebra were recaptured.

A man was attacked by a tiger upon entering the big cat’s cage. He suffered cuts on his left shoulder and a gash on his lip that required stitches.