News Release

FWC cites wildlife sanctuary owner after lion and tiger escape

September 10, 2008
Contact:  Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) cited the owner of McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, in Palm Beach County, after a Bengal tiger and a lion escaped their enclosure last month.  Mark McCarthy was cited for keeping the animals in an unsafe manner, resulting in a threat to the public. 

FWC investigators determined that the gate hinges on the enclosure were improperly secured, which allowed the animals to push the gate off its hinges.

An employee of the sanctuary called the FWC the morning of Aug. 20 to report the animals had escaped.  Within two hours, the FWC and representatives from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary had captured both animals on the property and returned them to secure cages.

Following the incident, the FWC inspected the entire property.  In addition to the citation, FWC inspectors issued three warnings relating to other cages on the property.

McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary has been operated by Mark McCarthy as a traveling educational exhibit since the mid-1980s. McCarthy also holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit.