Search Exotic Incidents Database

A 2-foot alligator was seized by police when they found it while searching an apartment for drugs. The alligator was turned over to a reptile rehabilitation and education organization. It is illegal to own an alligator without a permit in Connecticut.

A 16-year-old zebra named Trixie was euthanized due to declining health at the Maryland Zoo. The zoo’s head veterinarian said that health concerns Trixie faced years ago when she performed at the circus caught up with her and affected her quality of life.

A 19-year-old African lion named Mumbasa was humanely euthanized due to deteriorating health.

A large snake, assumed to be an escaped pet, was seen multiple times in town. Police have been searching for it.

Authorities were called to a home to help capture an escaped 12-foot-long pet boa constrictor. However, the snake eluded Animal Control by disappearing into a hole in the ground. The snake was later recaptured.

Olivia, a 29-year-old dromedary camel, died of unknown causes.

Two male red pandas died within 2 days at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, a research center associated with the National Zoo. Necropsy results came back with “no obvious contributing factors,” but it’s likely that the extremely hot weather exacerbated a health problem.

Vandals broke into Bear Hollow Zoo, damaging property and releasing a screech owl. The bird was being cared for by the zoo due to injury, and has not been found. Officials fear the bird may die in the wild.

Kipaku, an African painted dog, died after a scheduled dental procedure due to complications with the anesthesia.

Zoya, a female tiger, died after the zoo attempted to breed her with a male tiger named Ivan. Zoya became aggressive with Ivan, and zookeepers tried to use a fire extinguisher to separate the tigers. However, Zoya received a fatal injury to her neck as Ivan defended himself against her.