Woman Brutally Attacked While Feeding Zoo Animals — Authorities Suspect Drug Tampering Behind Aggression

A peaceful afternoon at a local zoo turned into chaos on Sunday when a woman was viciously attacked while feeding animals inside one of the enclosures. The shocking incident left her with serious injuries and has sparked a full-scale police investigation into whether the animals had been deliberately drugged to induce violent behavior.

Witnesses described the scene as “sudden and horrifying,” as the animals—normally calm and accustomed to human interaction—became agitated and aggressive within seconds.

The Attack

According to zoo officials, the victim, identified as Maria Lopez, 39, was visiting the Green Valley Wildlife Park in southern Florida with her husband and young daughter. The family had joined a guided feeding session in the primate exhibit, a popular attraction where visitors are allowed to feed small fruit-eating mammals under staff supervision.

Moments after the session began, several animals suddenly lunged toward Lopez, biting and clawing at her arms and face. Her screams sent nearby visitors running for help.

“It was chaos,” said James Taylor, a bystander who witnessed the attack. “One second everything was fine, the next the animals went crazy. It was like something triggered them all at once.”

Zoo staff rushed to intervene, using tranquilizer spray and poles to separate the animals from the victim. Lopez was quickly pulled from the enclosure and treated on-site before being airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach.

Doctors confirmed she sustained deep lacerations and required multiple surgeries to repair tendon damage to her left arm. As of Monday morning, she remained in stable condition but was described as “deeply traumatized.”

A Sudden and Unusual Outburst

What has puzzled both zoo staff and animal experts is the suddenness and intensity of the aggression. The animals in question—identified as capuchin monkeys and small lemurs—had shown no prior signs of hostility.

“These animals have been part of our interactive program for over five years,” said Dr. Henry Adams, the zoo’s head veterinarian. “They’re well-trained, carefully monitored, and have never displayed this kind of behavior before. Something was clearly wrong.”

Within hours of the attack, zoo officials temporarily shut down the exhibit and called in law enforcement to investigate. Early reports suggested the possibility that the animals had been intentionally drugged with stimulants or other substances that could cause hyperactivity and aggression.

Evidence of Possible Tampering

According to a preliminary police statement, security footage shows an unidentified person lingering near the feeding area early Sunday morning, hours before the zoo opened. Investigators are now reviewing the footage and interviewing employees to determine whether someone may have accessed the animals’ food supply.

“We have reason to believe this was not an accident,” said Detective Laura Benton of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department. “Samples from the enclosure, including leftover fruit and water, have been sent for laboratory testing. We’re looking into every possible angle, including deliberate tampering.”

Authorities have not released any suspects, but sources within the investigation confirmed that traces of a stimulant-like substance were found in early chemical screenings. Final results are expected later this week.

“If confirmed, this would constitute a serious criminal act,” Benton added. “We’re talking about endangering both humans and animals.”

A Zoo on Edge

The incident has left staff at Green Valley Wildlife Park shaken. The facility, which opened in 1998, is known for its educational programs and hands-on animal experiences. Now, many of those programs have been suspended pending the investigation.

“We’re devastated,” said Linda Shaw, the zoo’s director. “Safety has always been our top priority. For something like this to happen—it’s heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with Maria and her family.”

Animal caretakers have reported that several of the affected animals remain unusually restless and are being kept under observation in isolation. Veterinarians are conducting blood tests to determine the type and amount of foreign substance present in their systems.

Experts Weigh In

Wildlife toxicologist Dr. Erica Simmons from the University of Florida said the symptoms described by staff suggest possible exposure to amphetamine-based stimulants or synthetic narcotics — both of which can cause severe agitation and erratic behavior in animals.

“When you introduce foreign chemicals into an animal’s body, especially stimulants, their nervous systems can go haywire,” she explained. “It can trigger aggression, confusion, and panic — behaviors they wouldn’t normally exhibit.”

Simmons emphasized that if the animals were intentionally drugged, the consequences could extend far beyond this single incident. “These compounds can linger in their system for days,” she said. “Even after treatment, recovery can be unpredictable.”

Public Outcry and Safety Concerns

The attack has sparked outrage among zoo visitors and animal welfare groups alike. Many are demanding stricter security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to enclosures and feeding stations.

“This is not just about one incident,” said Karen Wright, director of the Florida Animal Protection League. “It’s about accountability. How did someone get close enough to tamper with the animals’ food? These are serious questions that need answers.”

Parents who were present during the attack also criticized the zoo’s lack of clear evacuation procedures. “Everyone was screaming and running in different directions,” one witness said. “There were no alarms, no announcements. We didn’t know where to go.”

In response, zoo management announced plans to review all safety measures, including staff training, visitor supervision, and camera coverage across the property.

The Victim’s Family Speaks Out

Maria Lopez’s husband, Carlos, spoke briefly to reporters outside the hospital, describing the ordeal as “a nightmare.”

“We just wanted to have a nice day with our daughter,” he said. “I can’t believe this happened. Those animals didn’t act normal — it felt like something had poisoned them.”

He expressed gratitude to the zoo staff who risked their safety to rescue his wife, but also demanded accountability. “Someone has to be responsible,” he said. “Whether it was negligence or something done on purpose, we need to know the truth.”

Ongoing Investigation

As of Tuesday, investigators continue to examine both the physical evidence and witness statements. The zoo remains partially closed, and animal rights inspectors have been called in to ensure the welfare of the remaining animals.

Local authorities confirmed that the case is being treated as a criminal investigation pending toxicology results.

“We’re committed to finding out what happened,” Detective Benton said. “If someone intentionally harmed these animals and endangered human lives, they will face prosecution.”

Meanwhile, the community has rallied behind Lopez’s family, launching a fundraising campaign to help cover her medical expenses and rehabilitation.

A Reminder of the Fragile Balance

As the investigation continues, experts remind the public that interactions with wild animals — even in controlled environments — require constant vigilance.

“Wildlife is unpredictable,” Dr. Simmons noted. “Even the most well-trained animals can become dangerous under stress or external influence. Incidents like this remind us that respect for nature’s boundaries is crucial.”

For now, Green Valley Wildlife Park stands silent, its once-lively feeding enclosures roped off with yellow tape. Signs reading “Closed for Safety Review” hang where laughter and excitement once filled the air.

And while Maria Lopez begins her long road to recovery, the mystery behind what turned a peaceful zoo into a scene of chaos still lingers — a chilling reminder of how quickly nature’s calm can turn wild.