Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoos Treatment of Endangered Lions (2016)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Cricket Hollow Zoo for their treatment of African Lions under the Endangered Species Act.
Next Step
Case Closed
In 2016, while the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s first case against Cricket Hollow Zoo was still pending, we filed our second lawsuit against Cricket Hollow based on violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) after African Lions were added to the Endangered Species list.
We filed this second lawsuit when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added lions to the list of ESA-protected species in late 2015. The lawsuit aimed to protect two lionesses named Jonwah and Njjarra. Visitors to the zoo in June and July 2016 had reported both lionesses in distress, exhibiting illness and vomiting.
The federal judge agreed with the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s grave concerns about the lionesses’ condition and ordered the Sellners to permit a qualified veterinarian to examine them.
The parties settled soon after the examination, with Cricket Hollow agreeing to allow Jonwah and Njjarra to be transferred to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, a large sanctuary in Colorado.
Njjarra after her release from quarantine - has acres to roam.
Adapting to life at the sanctuary
Njjarra adapting to life at the sanctuary
Jonwah required emergency surgery to remove bedding she had eaten, due to lack of food at Cricket Hollow Zoo.
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
-
Washington Governor Signs Animal Protection Bills into Law
The four laws will offer better protections for companion animals and keep wild animals from being exploited for entertainment in the stateMay 16, 2025 News -
Lawsuit Filed Against USDA for Issuing Animal Welfare Act License to Serial Violator Yellowstone Bear World
The complaint argues the wildlife park causes undue stress to bear cubs by offering bottle-feeding and photo opportunities to the public as well as separating them from their mothers.July 16, 2024 Press Release -
Complaint Urges USDA to Investigate Puppy Mill Carrier for Deaths During Transport
Records obtained by the Animal Legal Defense Fund reveal puppy deaths and injuries in transport.June 11, 2024 Press Release
Related Cases
-
Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
-
Urging FWS Not to Rescind Regulatory Definition of ‘Harm’ Under the Endangered Species Act
Submitted comments against proposed rule on May 19, 2025
-
Challenging the USDA License Renewal of Yellowstone Bear World for Violating the Animal Welfare Act
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. USDA
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
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.