Search Exotic Incidents Database

A 2-foot alligator was found on I-465. The gator was injured, and before animal control arrived, he died. Indiana State Police believe he was someone’s pet who was thrown from a moving vehicle and abandoned.

A 4-foot alligator was found in an apartment complex garage. Animal control officers captured him and transferred him to the Kent County Animal Shelter. They believe he was a pet, which is illegal in Kent County.

A 7-year-old California sea lion named Marina died after appearing to have a seizure.

A 3-year-old Bornean orangutan named Bella was hurt after she got stuck, injuring her jaw and losing a couple of teeth. Zoo staff explained, “She got a little scared and started calling for her mother. And her mother, in an effort to rescue her, unfortunately caused a little bit of damage to her jaw.” Bella required surgery.

Hundreds of snakes, birds, and other animals were discovered in the home of Daniel Kopulos, who ran an exotic pet shop in New York. Police found the animals in filthy conditions, without food or water. More than 100 of them were dead. Kopulos was charged with animal cruelty.

A man released 2 ball pythons in a neighborhood, and 12 more in an unpopulated area off I-20. According to the snakes’ owner, he released them because he was upset with her. Two pythons were found, and he was charged with one count of unlawful release/escape of a wild animal.

An 18-year-old African lion named Jonathan died after veterinarians discovered a “serious blood clotting issue” and a low white-blood-cell count the night before.

Veterinarians amputated the left front leg of Petra, a 16-year-old Malayan tiger, after she was injured by a male tiger through a fence.

A 5-foot ball python was found trying to enter a home. Animal control officers captured the snake, who they believe was a pet. If his owner does not come forward, he will be rehomed.

A man found a python in his backyard. After not receiving assistance from state police or animal control agencies, he called an an officer with the southwest region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who drove all the way from Ligonier, Westmoreland County, to get the snake. They believe the python, who is now being held at a reptile rescue shelter, was a pet.