Challenging the Treatment of Captive Animals at Deer Haven Mini Zoo
Letter of Intent to Sue Filed
The Animal Legal Defense Fund announced its intent to sue Deer Haven Mini Zoo in Keymar, Maryland, for violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and state animal cruelty laws.
Next Step
Case Closed
In April 2018, the Animal Legal Defense Fund announced its intent to sue Deer Haven Mini Zoo in Keymar, Maryland, for violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and state animal cruelty laws. As a result, the owners agreed to voluntarily relinquish 14 of its animals on the property to reputable sanctuaries.
In addition to a long history of Animal Welfare Act violations identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Animal Legal Defense Fund documented illegal conditions at Deer Haven Mini Zoo including very ill animals, poor sanitation, and safety hazards. According to USDA inspection reports, several people have been bitten and/or injured by animals.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund facilitated the transfer of 14 animals — two ring tailed lemurs, a bobcat, six arctic foxes, four cavies, and a coatimundi — to reputable sanctuaries across the country, including Endangered Primate Foundation, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, and Foster Parrots in Rhode Island.
This bobcat lived at the Deer Haven Mini Zoo for 18 years.
Ring-tailed lemurs are endangered. As of 2017, it is estimated that only 2,000 remain in the wild.
The bobcat spent most of her time in the rafters - which is not normal behavior for a bobcat and was mentioned in USDA inspection reports.
The arctic foxes were housed in two small chain link cages. While the female raised her pups, the male stayed alone in this cage.
The mother arctic fox desperate for shade on a hot day.
The coatimundi lived alone in this enclosure.
The lemurs are Deer Haven Mini Zoo lacked the enrichment this species needs.
Ring-tailed lemurs live in groups averaging 17 members.
Deer Haven Mini Zoo
Cavies are closely related to Guinea pigs, but weigh 20 - 35 pounds.
The cavies, classified as rodents and native to South America, were kept in two small cages side by side.
The enclosure the bobcat lived in for 18 years. Note the "look up" sign, due to the bobcat spending all her time in the rafters.
The male lemur at Deer Haven Mini Zoo.
The coatimundi showed signs of severe stress and had hair missing from his tail.
Who is being sued, why, and under what law? Deer Haven Mini Zoo in Keymar, Maryland, for violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and state animal cruelty laws.
Why this case is important: Roadside zoos across the country are able to operate while harming animals, including those protected by the Endangered Species Act, due to a patchwork of state and federal laws administered by several agencies that lack the resources or political will to adequately enforce those laws. At the Animal Legal Defense Fund, we use all the legal tools at our disposal to ensure legal protections are applied to animals at roadside zoos.
All of the animals were provided with water and a bed of straw for their journey.
The male father arctic fox on the left, with one of his offspring on the right - prepared for transport.
The coatimundi preparing for transport to a sanctuary.
A veterinarian sedated the bobcat to be able to do a medical check and trap the bobcat for transport.
One of four 1 and a half year-old arctic fox pups ready for transport.
Animal Legal Defense Fund's Elizabeth Putsche and Will Lowry carry a rescued arctic fox to the transport truck.
The mother arctic fox preparing for transport to a Texas sanctuary.
Loving Transport drove the arctic foxes, bobcat, and coatimundi the 25 hours in a temperature controlled van to their new home at a Texas sanctuary.
Animal Legal Defense Fund's Daniel Lutz and Elizabeth Holtz carry a cavy to the transport van.
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.
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