Family Files Lawsuit Against Salt Lake City Zoo After Peacock Attacks Four Children

Salt Lake City Zoo Is Sued By Family Who Claims Peacock Attacked Four Children

The lawsuit claims the toddler was scratched in the face and back then pecked on the forehead by the flightless bird at the Hogle Zoo last April.

Hours after the first attack, the same bird allegedly attacked another child and two others the day before. Since the incidents, the peacocks and peahens have been re-homed by the zoo but it is unclear if they will return.

Court documents also stated that the attack has caused “emotional distress, pain, and suffering” in addition to “scarring and disfigurement.”

Additionally, the suit claims the peacock reportedly leaped at the girl and her family as they were leaving the monkey enclosure and noted that she was out of her stroller before the attack. They stated the zoo is liable since staff reportedly failed to restrain the bird.

‘Shortly after the incident involving the young guest, Utah’s Hogle Zoo Animal Care Team and Safety Staff swiftly responded and proceeded to successfully capture and relocate all free-roaming peafowl.

Currently, there is no free-roaming peafowl on zoo grounds,‘ the zoo said in response to the suit.