Seek Permit Revocation of Puerto Rico Zoo
Request for Permit Revocation and Relocation of Animals at Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park Under Puerto Rico’s Exotic Animals Laws
The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted complaints to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. More than 100 animals live in abysmal conditions at Puerto Rico’s only official zoo.
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In October 2018, the Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted complaints to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. More than 100 animals, including an African elephant named Mundi and a chimpanzee named Magnum, live in abysmal conditions at Puerto Rico’s only official zoo.
We urged the agencies to revoke any permits granted to the Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park and immediately send the animals there to sanctuaries, due to the Zoo’s violations of the Endangered Species Act and Puerto Rico’s animal cruelty laws.
The complaints allege the Zoo is in violation of the Endangered Species Act as well as Puerto Rico’s animal cruelty laws, which mandate animals be provided shelter, safe food, and adequate veterinary care.
Why this case is important: Small zoos across in the United States, including U.S territories like Puerto Rico, are able to operate while harming animals, including those protected by the Endangered Species Act, due to a patchwork of mostly-lax state and federal laws, and lax enforcement of those laws. At the Animal Legal Defense Fund, we use all the legal tools at our disposal to secure more and better protections for animals at roadside zoos.
Recent News
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Animal Advocacy Group Calls on Puerto Rican Officials to Protect Animals Languishing at Troubled State Zoo
Complaint urges the Puerto Rican government to investigate and revoke any permits granted to the Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park and immediately send the animals there to sanctuaries, due to the Endangered Species Act and cruelty violations.October 24, 2018 Press Release -
Protecting Puerto Rico’s Captive Animals
Puerto Rico’s only official zoo, Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park, gained international attention last year for its abysmal conditions.April 9, 2018 News -
Endangered Species Act Rollbacks Reversed After Animal Legal Defense Fund Lawsuit
U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund following its lawsuit to vacate rules imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2019 under the Trump administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act (ESA).July 8, 2022 Press Release
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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.