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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Lawsuit Filed Against USDA For Lack of Transparency into Inspection Process of Primate Research Facilities
Today, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Rise for Animals filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for the agency’s failure to respond to a request for public records related to the inconsistent inspection process of nonhuman primate research facilities.October 16, 2020 Press Release -
The Animal Legal Defense Fund Applauds Long Overdue Closure of ‘Tiger King’ Zoo, Urges Animals Be Transferred to Sanctuary
The Animal Legal Defense Fund applauds the closure of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, the zoo depicted in the Netflix documentary, “Tiger King,” following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) suspension of its owner’s exhibitor license.August 20, 2020 News -
Infamous Tiger Truck Stop Demolishes Cage That Held Tony the Tiger
After multiple lawsuits filed and fought by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Tiger Truck Stop has finally stopped exhibiting animals and tore down its cages. The Tiger Truck Stop, the infamous gas station in Gross Tete, Louisiana, held Tony — an endangered Siberian-Bengal tiger — from the age of 6-months until his death at the age of 17 in 2017.July 14, 2020 Press Release
Related Cases
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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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Challenging the USDA for Public Records of Inspection Process at Nonhuman Primates Research Facilities
Animal Legal Defense Fund and Rise for Animals v. United States Department of Agriculture
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Compelling the USDA to Protect Primates Used in Research
New England Anti-Vivisection Society v. Goldentyer
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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.