Random Worst Things That Have Ever Happened at Zoos (17 items)

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  (#2) 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. Warburton 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 Warburton, breaking her leg.

  The polar bear kept the woman's shoe as a souvenir for three days until zookeepers 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.
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  (#4) African Wild Dogs Catch Fallen Toddler

  While spending a day at the Pittsburgh Zoo, 2-year-old Maddox Derkosh got too close to the railing's edge of an African wild dog exhibit. The toddler fell over into the netted area of the enclosure and was immediately attacked by a group of canines. Derkosh's parents looked on in terror as their son was mauled by the animals.

  The African painted dogs were scattered away after zookeepers intervened, but one dog refused to leave Derkosh's body, forcing security to open fire on the animal. Derkosh's family came to a settlement with the zoo a few years later, despite the defense team arguing that it was the parent's neglect that caused the child to fall.
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  (#17) Monkeys Play Monkey-In-The-Middle With Man's iPhone

  Like many unfortunate people, Zheng Dong had his iPhone stolen. But unlike many unfortunate people, Dong had his torn from his hands while trying to take some pictures of monkeys at the Fuzhou Zoo. Not too pleased by the theft and ensuing laughter, Dong tried his hardest to get the Apple product back.

  When zookeepers finally retrieved the device, the phone had been crushed to pieces. 
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  (#9) Tilikum Thrashes A Seaworld Trainer

  Focus of the controversial documentary Blackfish, Tilikum the orca has spent the majority of his life living in a contained bubble. Weighing 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 his first instance of visible hostility, Tilikum reached peak recognition when he took out 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 attacks against trainers, some fatal, but Sea World officials still kept the dangerous creature around for the delight of the guests. 
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  (#8) Egyptian Cobra Escapes From NYC Zoo

  When an extremely venomous Egyptian cobra escaped from its exhibit at the 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. 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 adventures.
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  (#5) A Rhino Was Shot By Poachers At A French Zoo

  A group of poachers broke into a French zoo in March 2017 and shot a 4-year-old white rhinoceros for his horn. The rhino, named Vince, lived at the Thoiry Zoo as part of the African enclosure.

  Zoo officials found the rhino's body the next day with his horn sawed off. Poachers tried to saw off his second horn, but were unsuccessful. Police said this is the first crime of its kind in France. Vince's subspecies is extremely threatened, and his loss was heartbreaking for zoo officials. The other two rhinos that share the enclosure were not hurt. Authorities suspect the criminals were interrupted and made off before getting the horns of the others. 

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