December 9, 1999 Rancho Bernardo, CA A “pet” spider monkey escaped from his home and roamed the neighborhood for two hours. The monkey frightened residents, eluded police, and bit an Animal Control officer. Primates
December 3, 1999 Hernando County, FL A “pet” cougar that escaped from her enclosure and was missing for more than 10 months was recaptured with a homemade trap. The cougar had been killing and eating livestock in the area. Big Cats
November 23, 1999 Wayne County, MO A “pet” lion, chained at the “owner’s” home, attacked a 5-year-old boy. The boy received puncture wounds on his throat and head. The lion was recaptured and euthanized. Big Cats
November 5, 1999 Des Moines, IA A “pet” rhesus monkey, Nicky, was found running around a neighborhood. Animal Control recaptured the monkey and quarantined him. Shortly after blood samples were taken from Nicky, he bit the handler. Primates
November 1, 1999 Los Angeles, CA A koala climbed out of its yard at the Los Angeles Zoo and was found a few minutes later in a nearby tree. A keeper coaxed the koala out of the tree and carried it back to the exhibit. Bears
November 1, 1999 Hammond, LA A 6-ft-long Burmese python escaped after its possessor forgot to latch its cage. A 9-year-old boy found the python several days later under a car. No one injuries were reported and the python was returned to its “owner.” Reptiles
October 30, 1999 Buffalo, NY A clouded leopard at the Buffalo Zoo bit and clawed a seasonal zookeeper who entered the cat’s cage. Big Cats
October 20, 1999 Hernando, FL A 6-year-old girl was attacked by a “pet” cougar while playing outside a friend’s house. The cougar was on an 8-ft chain leash bolted to the floor when he attacked the girl. The girl required 12 stitches. Big Cats
October 4, 1999 Evansville, IN A lion at the Mesker Park Zoo mauled a zookeeper, causing severe injury to the keeper’s right arm. The keeper was attempting to move the lion to an outdoor exhibit when the attack occurred. Big Cats