Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFlorida resident Edil Kasenov is suing Airboat Rides at Midway, claiming a baby alligator bit his face during a free "alligator encounter" in June 2025. Kasenov alleges negligence, stating the company failed to properly train employees, warn him of danger, or restrain the alligator, and is seeking over $50,000 in damages for serious bodily injuries. Airboat Rides at Midway denies a bite occurred, asserting the alligator merely "slapped" Kasenov's cheek, causing minor scratches, and that he ignored instructions on how to handle the animal. The company states that baby alligators used in encounters have bands around their mouths to prevent bites and that guests are instructed on safe handling. Airboat Rides at Midway has dismissed the lawsuit as "frivolous," while Kasenov, an Instagram influencer, has reportedly referenced the incident on his social media. In fullFlorida man sues airboat company after alligator bites his face: lawsuitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Man sues after free ‘alligator encounter’ ended with face bite
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFlorida resident Edil Kasenov is suing Airboat Rides at Midway, claiming a baby alligator bit his face during a free "alligator encounter" in June 2025. Kasenov alleges negligence, stating the company failed to properly train employees, warn him of danger, or restrain the alligator, and is seeking over $50,000 in damages for serious bodily injuries. Airboat Rides at Midway denies a bite occurred, asserting the alligator merely "slapped" Kasenov's cheek, causing minor scratches, and that he ignored instructions on how to handle the animal. The company states that baby alligators used in encounters have bands around their mouths to prevent bites and that guests are instructed on safe handling. Airboat Rides at Midway has dismissed the lawsuit as "frivolous," while Kasenov, an Instagram influencer, has reportedly referenced the incident on his social media. In fullFlorida man sues airboat company after alligator bites his face: lawsuitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
