Challenging Landry’s Treatment of Endangered Tigers
Cheryl Conley v Houston Aquarium, Inc.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against Houston’s Downtown Aquarium and Landry’s Inc., alleging violations of the federal Endangered Species Act due to the conditions in which its four tigers are kept captive.
Next Step
Evaluate new tiger enclosure
In 2017, the Animal Legal Defense Fund filed suit against Houston’s Downtown Aquarium and Landry’s Inc., alleging violations of the federal Endangered Species Act due to the treatment of four tigers, who are kept in substandard conditions, namely an indoor-only facility that lacks access to the outdoors.
The suit was brought on behalf of Houston-area resident Cheryl Conley. It was filed after Landry’s declined the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s 2016 request that the four tigers be transferred to a reputable, accredited sanctuary at no cost to Landry’s. We gave notice at that time that we would file a lawsuit if the offer was declined.
The tigers at the heart of the case — Nero, Marina, Coral and Reef — have been housed indoors at the Downtown Aquarium for more than 13 years without adequate access to sunlight, fresh air, or natural surfaces.
These living conditions are inadequate for tigers and violate the Endangered Species Act — the ESA — which has protected tigers since 1970, and applies to captive animals. In 2018, a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit issued a unanimous decision upholding the application of the ESA to captive animals.
Donate to Protect Animals
Help animals win the legal protections they so desperately need and deserve, and ensure they have an advocate in courtrooms and legislatures across the country.
Recent News
-
Whether it’s Orcas or Tigers—Captivity is Cruel
‘Tiger King’ could have been a change agent. Despite the impetus of the 5-year project — finding a big cat in someone’s white van in the heat of summer — a deliberate choice was made not to focus on the tigers at all. Their story remains untold.May 11, 2020 Legally Brief -
Blackfish Director Launches Star-Powered Petition to Protect Big Cats
Co-authored by Animal Legal Defense Fund, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Glenn Close call on Congress to pass federal legislationApril 28, 2020 Press Release -
Wisconsin Roadside Zoo Sued for Violating the Endangered Species Act and State Law
Animal Legal Defense Fund lawsuit charges Special Memories Zoo with illegally mistreating lions, tigers, gray wolves, and other animalsFebruary 12, 2020 Press Release
Related Cases
-
Defending Our Rights Under the Texas Anti-SLAPP Statute
Landry's, Inc v Animal Legal Defense fund, et al.
-
Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoo’s Care of Endangered Species (2014)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
-
Challenging Cricket Hollow Zoos Treatment of Endangered Lions (2016)
Animal Legal Defense Fund v Tom and Pamela Sellner
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See More