Edil Kasenov is seeking over $50,000 in damages after the alleged incident at a free animal encounter
NEED TO KNOW
- Edil Kasenov claims he suffered serious injuries after being bitten during a free alligator encounter in June 2025
- He filed a civil complaint against Airboat Rides at Midway in Christmas, Fla. on May 20
- The company alleges Kasenov ignored safety instructions by placing his face near the alligator for a family photo
- Kasenov is seeking over $50,000 in damages and has accused the attraction of negligence
A Florida man is seeking over $50,000 in damages after allegedly experiencing an alligator bite at a local attraction.
Broward County resident Edil Kasenov filed a civil complaint against Airboat Rides at Midway on May 20. The lawsuit stems from an incident that allegedly occurred during a “free alligator encounter” at the Christmas, Fla., attraction back in June 2025.
Airboat Rides at Midway invites guests to “experience an exhilarating adventure on the legendary St. Johns River,” according to the company’s website. The central Florida airboat tours are given by U.S. Coast Guard master captains on one of their custom vessels. At the end of the experience, guests can choose to participate in a “free alligator encounter where you can hold an alligator and take pictures.”
Kasenov’s complaint alleges that during his alligator encounter on June 9, 2025, he was “bit in the face” by the company’s animal, further arguing that handing over the reptile “constituted a dangerous and hazardous condition.”…