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
-
Coalition Urges Humboldt County to Void Illegal Lethal Contract with Federal Wildlife-Killing Agency
Today, a coalition of animal protection and conservation groups sent a letter to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and Humboldt County Agriculture Commissioner, urging them to terminate their contract with the USDA.April 30, 2019 Press Release -
Take Action- Protect California Wildlife from Poisoning
Please help make AB 1788 law with a simple phone call to your State Assemblymember – ask him or her to vote "yes" on AB 1788 and protect wild animals like bobcats, bald eagles, and the endangered Pacific fisher. -
Music Icon Tanya Tucker Speaks Out Against Special Memories Roadside Zoo
Award-winning music icon Tanya Tucker is joining forces with the Animal Legal Defense Fund to urge families to avoid roadside zoos. After a recent visit to Special Memories Zoo, Tucker was so disturbed by the conditions, she felt compelled to stand up.April 9, 2019 Press Release
Related Cases
-
Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
-
Challenging Federal Government’s Waiver of Environmental Laws to Build Border Wall
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Kirstjen M. Nielsen
-
Urging Humboldt County, CA to Terminate Contract with Wildlife-Killing Federal Agency
Letter sent on April 30, 2019
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.