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Alligator Escapes Exotic Animal Show in Indiana

Incident Date:
06/04/2026
Location:
Auburn, IN - USA
Facility Name:
Mark's Ark
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Alligator
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

AUBURN, IN – A 2-foot-long alligator named Irwin has been missing in northeastern Indiana for days, sparking growing concern among neighbors and backlash toward the owner of the traveling exotic animal show where the reptile escaped.

According to local outlets WANE 15 and 21Alive News, the alligator disappeared the evening of Thursday, June 4, from the property of Mark’s Ark in Auburn, Indiana. Owner Mark Kohlhorst told local officials that Irwin escaped while he was unloading animals from a show. Kohlhorst said Irwin had been transported in a ventilated cooler and somehow got loose while he was putting animals away.

Despite searching throughout the night, he said he could not find the reptile and reported him missing June 5 to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Kohlhorst acknowledged that an emu, pig and tortoise had previously escaped, but described them as isolated incidents. He also disputed claims that other alligators found nearby over the years belonged to him.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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