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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Precedent-Setting Victory Against Cricket Hollow Zoo for Violating Animal Cruelty Laws
The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled in favor of plaintiffs represented by the Animal Legal Defense Fund in a lawsuit against Cricket Hollow Zoo for violating state animal cruelty laws following an appeal of the court’s 2019 decision.August 5, 2021 Press Release -
Big Cat Public Safety Act Reintroduced in Senate
Bill aims to help end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possessionApril 20, 2021 Press Release -
Lawsuit Challenges University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Censorship of Controversial Primate Research on Instagram and Facebook Accounts
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit on behalf of Madeline Krasno, a former employee of one of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's controversial primate research labs, who has been prevented from posting truthful comments on the university’s otherwise public Instagram and Facebook posts.February 9, 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 the Inhumane Treatment of Captive Wild Animals at Pymatuning Deer Park
PETA and Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Pymatuning Deer Park
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Challenging University of Wisconsin’s Censorship of Speech on Social Media
Krasno v. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin
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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.