September 5, 2011 Bronx, NY A photographer visiting New York’s Bronx Zoo said he found an escaped kudu in a pedestrian area. Officials arrived led the kudu back to its enclosure. It is unknown how the kudu escaped. Other
August 7, 2011 Anaheim, CA A 54-year old elephant named Sarah collapsed shortly after performing at the Ringling Bros Circus. The elephant was boarding a rail car when she collapsed. Earlier in the year, USDA had cited Ringling Bros for failing to adequately treat her with medical needs. Elephants
June 23, 2011 Lafayette, LA University of Louisianna Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center violated a Federal regulation in connection with the deaths of three Rhesus monkeys, a May 31 report by the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service alleges. The Rhesus monkeys, all one to two year old yearlings, died after they were “accidentally blocked” in a chute connecting two outdoor cages. The USDA report states that the 3 monkeys’ bodies had begun to decompose inside the enclosed metal chute, “…therefore they had been trapped for some time and not properly monitored…” indicating that the NIRC did not follow Animal Welfare Act regulations. Primates
December 30, 2011 San Francisco, CA A squirrel monkey was stolen from the San Francisco Zoo sometime between 12/29 and 12/30. He was returned to the zoo on 12/31 by a man who claimed to have found him at a nearby park and coaxed the primate into his backpack. Primates
December 27, 2011 Scottsdale, AZ The AZ Humane Society removed 46 animals from a Scottsdale home including about a dozen reptiles including 4 snakes, 11 tortoises and a few turtles. Reptiles
December 26, 2011 Miami-Dade, FL A 13-ft Burmese python was found swimming in a South Florida family’s pool. The family called 911 and the snake was captured and taken away by Miami-Dade Fire Resue. It is believed that someone released it after no longer being able to care for it. Reptiles
December 22, 2011 Melbourne, FL Three snake experts believe that a huge snake is on the loose in Melbourne, FL judging by the tracks left. It is believed that the snake is a former pet that either escaped or was dumped. Reptiles
December 22, 2011 Trenton, NJ Animal control authorities and sheriff’s officers seized 2 alligators, 3 turtles and 4 dogs, all in poor condition, from a residence. 2 alligators were also found dead. The seizure originated from a domestic violence temporary restraining order. Reptiles
December 20, 2011 Brooklyn, NY NYC Police found a 3-year old female wolf-hybrid wearing a collar and chain roaming the streets of Brooklyn. It appears that the animal was kept as a pet illegally. Other
December 19, 2011 Heiskell, TN More than 100 animals, many of them illegal wildlife, were found living in bad conditions in a house in Heiskell. Among the animals found were a lynx in a cage in the backyard, a large monkey kept in a bird cage in the living room, multiple venomous reptiles, dogs, cats and numerous non-venomous snakes. The residence is being condemned and the owner is expected to face charges. Small CatsPrimatesReptilesOther