Zoos prioritize safety, but some visitors ignore barriers, putting themselves and animals at risk.

In 2009, a woman at Berlin Zoo climbed multiple barriers into a polar bear enclosure during feeding time. She was bitten several times before being rescued. “Zoo staff and bystanders worked frantically to rescue her,” yet security protocols remained unchanged.

A 2007 incident in Beijing saw a teenager jump into a panda enclosure. Despite their “cuddly-looking” appearance, pandas can be dangerous, and the teen suffered severe injuries. Similarly, a man in China tried to hug a panda and was bitten when the animal felt threatened.

The 2016 Harambe incident at Cincinnati Zoo sparked global debate. A three-year-old boy entered a gorilla enclosure, leading staff to fatally shoot Harambe to protect him.

In Delhi, a man climbed into a lion’s den in 2014 to “prove his bravery.” Zookeepers managed to scare the lions away and pull him to safety.

Other reckless cases include a woman jumping into a Columbus Zoo polar bear exhibit because she was “too hot” and a child crawling into a jaguar exhibit in New Orleans. These incidents highlight the consequences of ignoring zoo safety measures.