When one spends a day at the zoo, they may expect a little excitement, a little curiosity, and an awesome chance to see some of wildlife's most vibrant, odd, and fascinating creatures. What you don't expect is to fall into the pit of a lion's den and have your clothes and body parts ripped to shreds. Although you're likely in the vast majority that has never had the unfortunate luck of experiencing such a high-stakes standoff against nature's greatest predators, there are some who have not been so fortunate. For every photographer leaning just a little too closely over the edge than they should be, there are major zoo accidents waiting to happen. Catastrophic zoo deaths make crazy news stories because they're actually so rare. But even some of the most experienced wildlife trainers, biologists, and veterinarians have had some very, VERY bad things happen to them at the zoo.
All bad zoo news stories, unique in their own way, are nature's way of telling us that these beasts are not to be messed with. Lack of respect for the animal kingdom could cost you your arm or leg. And don't think that just because there's a thick layer of glass between you that these stronger-than-you-think mammals can't find a way to take you out if you piss them off enough. These animal anecdotes below are some of the worst things that have ever happened at zoos and are fair warning for your next visit.
The Worst Things That Have Ever Happened at Zoos,
San Francisco Tiger Escapes Its Cage
On a particularly unhappy Christmas, Tatiana the tiger mauled San Francisco Zoo visitors after escaping from her sanctuary. Although this was not Tatiana's first time attacking someone, it was her first time leaping a 20 foot wall and 15 foot moat to do so. Tatiana preyed on three attendees, killing one of them. Advising people in the area to take cover, police entered the premises, spotted Tatiana chilling by one of the survivors, and shot at her. The open fire killed Tatiana and ruined everyone's Christmas.
Bengal Tigers Maul a Zoo Cleaner
In 2008 at a Singapore zoo, Nordin bin Mongdong was going about his usual day as a zoo cleaner. Noted by onlookers as moseying his way through the Bengal tiger habitat, Mongdong had been sweeping the moat around the tigers' home. But when a group of the Bengals lunged at Nordin, visitors could do nothing but scream. According to sources, tourists watching the scene yelled at Mongdong to leap into the water, but it was too late. When workers finally were able to break Mongdong away from the Bengals, his injuries were far too serious, leaving no hope of saving his life.
Man Releases Animals from His Private Zoo
Terry Thompson was known for preserving and collecting rare, exotic animals for his private wildlife refuge, located on his estate. However, right before Thompson committed suicide, he made the decision to release his array of jungle beasts onto Zanesville, Ohio. After receiving reports from witnesses who saw the animals unleashed, police were forced to respond. Unfortunately, many of the animals were displaying extreme aggression, and the county feared their proximity to the public. Zanesville police had no choice but to shoot the majority of the escaped animals dead, which resulted in the event being dubbed the Zanesville Massacre. Wildlife experts expressed grief at the loss of so many animals that are on the verge of extinction. Turns out it's not so fun free the animals from the zoo after all.
Binky the Polar Bear Bites Back
If you want to get up close and personal with Binky, then be prepared to face the consequences. After attacking Kathryn Warburton, an Australian tourist visiting an Alaskan zoo, Binky achieved unprecedented fame. Warbuton had jumped a few railings to take a better photograph of the polar bear, but Binky didn't seem to like the flash. Binky stuck his face through the railings and chomped down on Warbuton, breaking her leg. The polar bear kept the woman's shoe as a souvenir for three days until zoo keepers were able to safely retrieve it. Warburton donated the relic to a local bar, and Binky reached peak stardom. Merchandise and memorabilia featuring the polar bear's face became popular after the story received heavy media attention.
Tilikum Thrashes a Seaworld Trainer
Focus of the controversial documetnary Blackfish, Tilikum the Killer Whale has spent the majority of his life living in a contained bubble. Weighing at nearly 12,000 pounds and identifiable by his signature curved-dorsal fin, Tilikum is likely Sea World's most famous "Shamu" in the run's history. However, Tilikum isn't known for his fun, showtime playfulness, but rather his unprecedented aggression, formed after having spent over half his lifetime in captivity. Neither his first outburst nor instance of visible hostility, Tilikum reached peak recognition when he killed Dawn Brancheau, considered a very experienced trainer, during a live performance. When Brancheau leaned in to give Tilikum a belly rub, the enormous whale leaped up and grabbed her by the waist. After thrashing her around, Tilikum repeatedly dragged her through the water, drowning her. Tilikum had previously been involved in multiple deaths and attacks against trainers, but Sea World officials still kept the dangerous creature around for the delight of the guests.
Melody the Tapir Gets Maternal
When Lisa Morehead made her morning rounds to feed Melody the Tapir, the hog/pig-like creature bit off more than the Oklahoma zookeeper bargained for. After reaching into a two foot opening to place food in the enclosure, Melody latched onto Morehead's arm and pulled her into the cage. Morehead's arm was severed by the beast and was deemed too "mangled" to reattach. Reasons for Melody's sudden and unexpected aggression are not entirely clear, but most officials and animal professionals have chalked it up to maternal instinct. Melody's two-month-old baby tapir was also in the cage with her.
Egyptian Cobra Escapes from Nyc Zoo
When an extremely venomous Egyptian cobra escaped from its exhibit at the NYC Bronx Zoo, the city that never sleeps was left feeling restless. For six days, Bronx zookeepers conducted thorough sweeps of the zoo as they searched for the snake that inexplicably slipped out of the reptilian glass enclosure. Finally, the cobra was found, a mere 100 feet away from the exhibit it left behind. Zookeepers lured the snake out using rodents. Said to be able to kill a person in 15 minutes with its venom, the cobra proved an incredible threat to attendees. Thankfully, instead of attacking visitors, the Egyptian cobra started its own Twitter account to keep fans updated on its metro-link adventures.
Harambe Gets Gunned Down to Save Toddler
A four-year-old made national headlines when he accidentally sneaked past his mother and protective fences at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016. Unfortunately, the little boy found himself smack dab in the middle of the gorilla enclosure with a 450-pound silverback gorilla named Harambe. Zoo officials eventually had to shoot and kill the animal to protect the child (tranquilizing it could have caused an adverse, violent reaction). Some argued that the gorilla was actually trying to protect the child, although police were worried about his less-than-gentle dragging of the boy across the enclosure. The moral of the story? Keep an eye on your children at all times, especially at the zoo.
As for Harambe, the gorilla's death has unexpectedly sparked a rabid fan base, inspiring countless memes, artwork, and various other forms of Internet media. Much to the Cincinnati Zoo's chagrin, Harambe's martyrdom has motivated Internet users to troll the zoo's social media presence. The Cincinnati Zoo has since shut down their Twitter account in an attempt to make #justiceforharambe stop trending.
Emaciated Bears Beg For Food At Indonesian Zoo
Video obtained by PETA Asia from January 2017 shows a pen full of sun bears begging for food. In the video the bears appear emaciated and skeletal. One report said the bears were so hungry they resorted to eating their own feces.
This isn't the first time the Bandung Zoo in West Java, Indonesia has come under fire. In May 2016, news outlets reported a elephant named Yani died after being chained up at the zoo. Some said they could hear Yani crying. She was covered in bruises and was reportedly paralyzed before her death.
Mila the Elephant Stomps the Yard
New Zealand zoo owner Helen Schofield was making arrangements for the 7600-pound elephant Mila to transfer to a new home. When Schofield entered Mila's sanctuary, the gargantuan pachyderm became frightened after braising an electric fence bordering the enclosure. Spooked by the currents, Mila grabbed Schofield with her trunk, ultimately crushing her midair, all to the horror of a live audience. Schofield died from her sustained injuries. After the traumatizing incident, wildlife experts became concerned about what to do with Mila. It was eventually decided that she would be transferred to the San Diego Zoo, where she would be quarantined and progressively incorporated into the rest of the elephant herd. Jenny Chung, Schofield's sister, attended Mila's arrival to confront the animal that took her sister's life. Chung expressed that there were no hard feelings, stating that deep down she knew that Mila didn't intend to hurt Helen.