Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued the owners of the Cricket Hollow Zoo for violating the Endangered Species Act.
Status
Next Step
Case Closed
Life was not good for the animals at the Cricket Hollow Zoo in Manchester, Iowa. Five tigers died in the span of two years, due to inadequate veterinary care. Another tiger was found to be suffering from open wounds, and hadn’t been treated by a veterinarian. A capuchin monkey, denied veterinary care, lost her hair and was seen chewing her tail from boredom and frustration. At least five lemurs also died.
Over the course of several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) documented a horrifying list of federal Animal Welfare Act violations at Cricket Hollow Zoo.
These included animals who died of exposure to harsh weather; animals suffering with untreated injuries; animals being handled improperly; small, filthy enclosures; lack of access to clean water and food; food contaminated with vermin; the list went on and on.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed suit using a novel legal claim: that Cricket Hollow Zoo’s mistreatment of animals constituted a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa found that the ESA is applicable to captive animals, and that Cricket Hollow Zoo violated that law. The court ordered that the four remaining tigers and three remaining lemurs be removed from the zoo.
In 2018, a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit upheld the district court’s ruling that Cricket Hollow Animal Park did violate the ESA. This important victory sets precedent that paves the way for stronger protection of captive animals at other harmful animal facilities.
Say No to Roadside Zoos
Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos.
Recent News
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Federal Farm Bill Includes Important Protections for Animals
The sweeping Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 — an omnibus federal law passed approximately every five years, commonly known as the “farm bill” — included several important provisions, including some victories for animals.March 11, 2019 Animal Law Update -
California Senator Wilk Introduces Landmark Animal Cruelty and Violence Prevention Legislation
California Senator Scott Wilk, representing the 21st Senate District, is joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund in calling for common-sense legislation to address the link between animal abuse and violence toward humans.February 27, 2019 Press Release -
Endangered Species Act: How It’s Helping Captive Animals 2019
In 2016, the Animal Legal Defense Fund became the first to successfully use the Endangered Species Act on behalf of captive animals held at Cricket Hollow Zoo in Iowa.February 25, 2019 Webinar
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Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoos Treatment of Endangered Lions (2016)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
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See MoreSay No to Roadside Zoos
Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos.