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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Court Filing Seeks Whereabouts Of Nearly 100 Animals Missing From Iowa Roadside Zoo
Animal Legal Defense Fund moves for contempt order against Cricket Hollow Zoo and owners who removed animals before rescue in violation of court orderJanuary 9, 2020 Press Release -
Animals Rescued and Removed from Manchester, Iowa, Roadside Zoo
Media invited to press briefing after multiple groups work together to rescue animals after court ruling orders their immediate removal from Cricket Hollow ZooDecember 9, 2019 Press Release -
Court Orders Animals From Cricket Hollow Zoo Be Transferred to Sanctuaries
Animal Legal Defense Fund wins lawsuit against Iowa roadside zoo, owners prohibited from obtaining or owning animalsNovember 25, 2019 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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New England Anti-Vivisection Society v. Perdue
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Lawsuit to Protect the Endangered Species Act
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Bernhardt
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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.