September 2, 2002 Washington, DC Griff, a 19-year-old female Masai giraffe, died after a week-long illness. Other
September 1, 2002 Pascagoula, MS A man suffered four bites to his arm by his “pet” rattlesnake and was rushed to the hospital for antivenin. Reptiles
August 28, 2002 Tampa, FL A “pet” kinkajou scratched and bit three children. A judge ordered that the animal be euthanized to test for rabies. Other
August 23, 2002 Norfolk, VA A handler with Sterling and Reid Circus faces animal cruelty charges after being accussed of beating an elephant resulting in bloody lacertations on the animal. The chief animal handler with the circus was also arrested. Elephants
August 21, 2002 Washington, DC A Micronesian kingfisher was rushed to the zoo hospital in a weak condition, with labored breathing. The bird was treated with fluids and later force-fed a baby mouse, according to a pathology report. The bird was found dead at the hospital the next day, with the mouse lodged in its throat. The cause of death was determined to be West Nile Virus. Small Cats
August 17, 2002 Howard Beach, NY A woman was bitten on the hand by her “pet” python at a motel. Reptiles
August 14, 2002 Red Bluff, CA A 17-ft-long python escaped through an open window but was recaptured. Reptiles
August 12, 2002 Haywood County, NC A rattlesnake bit a man’s leg during a force-feeding procedure. Reptiles
August 10, 2002 Rhinebeck, NY The trailer transporting 2 African elephants owned by the Carson & Barnes Circus overturned with the elephants inside. The elephants were bruised, but survived. The truck driver was cited for an uninspected trailer, insufficient travel log and failure to keep right. Elephants