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
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Lawsuit Filed Demanding USDA Respond to Petition Seeking Aid for Abandoned Animals
The petition asserts animal relocation procedures must accompany USDA license revocation and termination proceedingsJanuary 20, 2022 Press Release -
Notice of Intent to Sue Sent to Tiger Creek for Violating Endangered Species Act
The Act has authority to protect federally endangered and threatened animals such as the tigers, lions, and ring-tailed lemurs enduring inadequate treatment at Tiger CreekJanuary 10, 2022 Press Release -
Court Holds Cricket Hollow Zoo Owners in Contempt for Removing Animals Designated for Rescue in Violation of Court Order
Today the Delaware County district court granted a motion for contempt filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund against Cricket Hollow Zoo and its owners, Pamela and Thomas Sellner, seeking the whereabouts of more than 100 animals who “disappeared” prior to a court-ordered rescue.October 5, 2021 Press Release
Related Cases
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Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
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Challenging Tiger Creek for Violating the Endangered Species Act
ALDF v National Foundation for Rescued Animals
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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.