When Petting Zoos Or Animal Encounters Lead To Injury: Understanding Liability In Florida

Petting zoos and animal encounters can be exciting for both kids and adults, offering a chance to get close to animals you might never see otherwise. But when an afternoon of fun ends with an injury, the big question you might want to ask a Tampa, FL premises liability lawyer is: Who is responsible, especially here in Florida? 

In this guide, we’ll break down how Florida law handles petting zoos and animal encounter injuries, what steps to take if you’re hurt, and how liability works in these situations.

The Legal Foundation: Premises Liability In Florida

In Florida, most petting zoo injury claims fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. According to the Florida Bar’s overview of premises liability, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

For a petting zoo, this duty means:

• Keeping walkways clean, dry, and free from tripping hazards
• Ensuring animal enclosures are secure and well-maintained
• Providing adequate warning signs about potential dangers
• Training staff to supervise animal interactions

If an owner fails to address a known hazard and it leads to injury, they can be held legally responsible under Florida law.

Strict Liability For Animal Attacks

Florida also has a strict liability rule for certain animal-related injuries. Under Florida Statutes §767.01, owners of wild or exotic animals can be held liable for injuries their animals cause, regardless of whether the owner acted negligently.

This is different from proving negligence, you don’t have to show the zoo did something wrong, only that the animal caused your injury. This rule exists because wild and exotic animals have unpredictable instincts that can create significant danger, even in a controlled environment.

Common Injuries At Petting Zoos

Petting zoos present unique risks, including:

1. Animal-related injuries
Bites, scratches, or being knocked over are common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that even seemingly gentle animals can react unpredictably when startled or stressed.

2. Slip-and-fall accidents
Outdoor areas often have uneven terrain, mud, or wet surfaces from animal care. The National Safety Council advises that property owners should promptly address these hazards to protect visitors.

3. Defective or poorly maintained enclosures
Broken fences or unstable platforms can lead to serious harm. As outlined in OSHA’s animal handling safety guidelines, secure barriers are critical to preventing accidental animal contact.

4. Illness from animal contact
Bacteria like E. coli can be transmitted when visitors touch animals and then eat without washing hands. The Florida Department of Health provides specific recommendations for preventing illness after animal encounters.

How Liability Is Determined

To recover damages, you generally must prove that:

1. The petting zoo owed you a duty of care
2. They breached that duty (e.g., poor supervision, unsafe conditions)
3. The breach caused your injury
4. You suffered measurable damages

As explained by the Florida Legislature’s civil liability statutes, these elements are the foundation of most personal injury claims.

When the injury involves a wild or exotic animal, strict liability rules may simplify the process.

A Real-Life Example

In 2019, a toddler was injured during a rhino encounter at a Florida zoo when the animal unexpectedly made contact, as reported by ABC News. While no malicious intent existed, the incident raised questions about barrier design, staff supervision, and the inherent risks of close animal interactions.

Other cases have involved illnesses traced back to mobile petting zoos at fairs, where sanitation protocols were not strictly enforced. The CDC’s outbreak investigation reports have documented multiple E. coli outbreaks linked to animal contact, underscoring the importance of hygiene and visitor education.

Prevention Tips For Visitors

While zoos and animal attractions have a legal responsibility to maintain safe environments, visitors can also take steps to protect themselves:

• Wash hands immediately after touching animals or surfaces in enclosures, following CDC handwashing guidelines.
• Supervise children closely—don’t allow them to run, shout, or make sudden movements near animals.
• Follow all posted rules and staff instructions, especially during feeding sessions.
• Keep food and drinks away from animal areas.
• Wear appropriate footwear to avoid slips or trips.

These steps not only reduce your risk of injury but can also protect your legal rights—insurance companies sometimes argue that a visitor’s own actions caused the injury.

Steps To Take After An Injury At A Petting Zoo

If you or your child are injured during an animal encounter:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Even small bites or scratches can become infected.
2. Report the incident to zoo staff and request a written copy of their report.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of the area, the animal, warning signs (or lack thereof), and any injuries.
4. Collect witness contact information – Other visitors may have seen what happened.
5. Preserve any tickets or waivers you signed, as these may be relevant to your claim.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney – Contact an attorney experienced in Florida premises liability law to understand your options.

Possible Compensation

Damages from petting zoo injuries can include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages if you or your child’s care keeps you from working
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in rare cases involving gross negligence

The Florida Courts system notes that Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule—if you are found more than 50% at fault for the incident, you may not recover damages.

The Bottom Line

Petting zoos are meant to be educational and fun—but when safety standards aren’t met, they can quickly become dangerous. Whether the injury was from an unexpected animal bite, a slip on muddy ground, or an illness from poor sanitation, Florida law provides avenues for victims to seek compensation.

If you or your child has been hurt at a petting zoo or animal encounter, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team at Mickey Keenan P.A. can investigate your case, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation—let’s help you get back to feeling safe and secure.