13. The Central Park Zoo Escape

November 9th, 1874 – The Herald published an article stating that all the animals in Central Park Zoo had escaped into the streets. The hoax inspired an incredible for those around- police were sent out, people armed themselves to shoot the first animal they saw. Many rivaling newspapers took this opportunity to write about the incident and The New York Times reported that a group of citizens attempted to bring charges against the Herald but no charges were ever given.