forcing tiger cubs to participate in Cub Incidents in encounters with the public, and caging them in substandard conditions—violated the ESA. The court also issued a permanent the U.S. injunction banning Dade City’s Wild Things and Kathy and Randy Stearns from ever owning or possessing tigers again and The following is a partial list of incidents ordered them to forfeit their tigers for involving cubs held captive by roadside placement in reputable sanctuaries. zoos and traveling zoos in the U.S. since 2000. Animals are repeatedly bred so November 13, 2019/Mooresville, North that these enterprises have a constant Carolina: The USDA cited Zootastic for supply of cubs available to earn money failing to handle a 6-month-old tiger named through “encounter” sessions and photo Sheldon as carefully as possible with opportunities in which people pay to minimal risk of harm to the animal and the hold and be photographed with the cubs. public while exhibiting at the Sheldon’s K9s Since cubs quickly grow to their adult Fall Festival on October 12, 2019. Video size, which can be as much as 700 footage from the event showed that the tiger pounds for a tiger and 1,000 pounds or remained lying on his or her side, panting more for bears, cubs can be used for and mostly unresponsive to external activity. photo opportunities only during their When stimulated, the tiger did not respond first few months of life, and they must be with normal feline behavior. This may have taken from their mother soon after birth been because of general exhaustion, heat in order to habituate them to humans. exhaustion, and/or sedation, and exhibiting Some cubs never make it to adulthood the tiger in this condition could harm the because of poor nutrition, illness, animal’s health and well-being. The tiger physical abuse, or neglect. As the cubs weighed approximately 50 pounds at the grow larger, they become too dangerous time and was restrained by a harness and to interact with the public. The older leash without sufficient physical barriers to cubs are replaced by younger ones and protect both the animal and the public. confined to cages or sent to roadside zoos. This cycle continually repeats April 15, 2019/Newberry, Michigan: A 2- itself and, in the case of tigers, year-old black bear named Sophie escaped exacerbates the U.S. tiger crisis: There from Oswald’s Bear Ranch during a power are far too many and not enough outage and was shot and killed by police responsible facilities to take them. after she approached an officer. Sophie was Contact PETA for documentation. raised around people at Oswald’s, where she was used for photo ops as a cub, and March 23, 2020/Dade City, Florida: The she had come to expect food and treats U.S. District Court for the Middle District of from them. Florida entered a final judgment in PETA’s favor in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) October 23, 2018: As a result of a lawsuit lawsuit filed in October 2016 against Dade that PETA filed against Rick Pelphrey, a City’s Wild Things and its principals, Kathy veterinarian who admitted to declawing Stearns and her son, Randy Stearns. The lions, tigers, and big-cat hybrids illegally at a judgment established that the defendants’ Charlestown, Indiana, roadside zoo named treatment of tigers—including prematurely Wildlife in Need, a federal court order set separating tiger cubs from their mothers, the precedent that declawing endangered
{00224970} Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
and threatened big and exotic cats when not was “embarrassed” and didn’t want the medically necessary violates the team to see them. He said that the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pelphrey procedure had taken place approximately had no specialized training to care for big two weeks earlier. He allowed the team to cats, and he declawed approximately 12 big inspect the cubs but refused to allow an cats without giving them any pain inspection of the room that they were kept medication over the previous three years at in. Wildlife in Need. See March 17, 2017. The USDA also cited Stark for failing to July 25, 2017/Washington County, provide the two 5- to 6-week-old tiger cubs Oregon: The USDA cited exhibitor Steven with adequate veterinary care. Their paws Higgs for transporting a 2-week-old tiger were significantly swollen, and the animals cub named Zarah. The cub had been were spotting blood and struggling to walk. transported by car from Oklahoma to The cubs had been brought out for the Oregon. The USDA previously determined inspection in a crate that was about 24 that neonatal cubs are unable to inches long by 18 inches wide. They had to thermoregulate and lack fully functioning be physically removed from it, and when immune systems. Higgs was previously persuaded to move, the orange cub would cited for transporting neonatal felids leave spots of blood from the front paws. (bobcats) on May 23, 2016. Higgs was also The white tiger cub was severely lame and cited for failing to have the acquisition dragging a hind limb. This cub consistently record for Zarah available. lay down and appeared to be suffering throughout the inspection. Stark was also June 7, 2017/Oroville, California: The cited for failing to list these cubs in his USDA cited the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife records—he had recorded only one cub’s Foundation for failing to provide a lion cub birth on February 10, 2017, instead of three. named Lucie who was severely lame, The inspector noted, “An orange and white uncomfortable, and unwilling to stand with tiger cub were deliberately left off of the adequate veterinary care. She was also records to provide false information to cited for a repeat violation for failing to inspectors, as the licensee had advised follow the diet plan correctly for this lion cub. during the inspection that the facility only She was giving the animal about 30 grams had 1 orange tiger born in 2017.” Stark of calcium gluconate daily, whereas the eventually admitted that he had hidden the dose needed was actually 100 grams daily. two cubs because he “did not want to get into trouble for the veterinarian’s mistakes.” March 17, 2017/Charlestown, Indiana: One of the cubs had a 50 percent chance of The USDA cited Wildlife in Need, Inc., for dying because of complications from the interfering with its officials by repeatedly procedure, according to the attending denying that there were any other cubs on veterinarian. the premises besides the two declawed lion cubs and one tiger cub the inspectors had February 15, 2017/Dade City, Florida: already observed. After he was presented The USDA issued a decision and order in with evidence that the inspection team knew response to the July 17, 2015, complaint about the animals, he finally admitted that that the agency had filed against Dade there were two other tiger cubs. He City’s Wild Things. The facility was admitted that he had lied to the inspection assessed a civil penalty of $21,000, issued team because the cubs had undergone a a 60-day license suspension, and ordered “botched” declaw procedure and that he to cease and desist violating the AWA, Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
including by allowing the public to swim with failing to have a park attendant present to tiger cubs. The order is stayed pending a monitor the animals and park visitors. ruling on Dade City’s Wild Things’ appeal. May 25, 2016/Kingwood, West Virginia: July 20, 2016/Oroville, California: The The USDA cited Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo for USDA cited the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife failing to feed 7-week-old lion cubs a Foundation for failing to handle a male lion nutritionally adequate diet. cub named Atlas properly. During a cub encounter, a member of the public held the May 19, 2016/Newberry, Michigan: A lion without a harness or leash. A gate into houseguest was scratched by a bear cub the facility that was approximately 130 feet from Oswald’s Bear Ranch. The cub was from the exhibition, was left open. According being cared for at the Oswalds’ private to the inspector, the lion cub was of residence when the incident occurred. The sufficient size and strength to harm a wound was treated after it became infected member of the public or escape. two days later.
November 17, 2016/Troutman, North March 24, 2016/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: The USDA issued Zootastic Park Carolina: The USDA cited T.I.G.E.R.S. of Lake Norman a penalty of $7,450 for nine (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and violations of the AWA, including for failing to Rare Species), aka “Myrtle Beach Safari,” provide adequate veterinary care to a tiger for failing to have a program of veterinary cub with significant swelling around her care that addressed a recurring problem at eyes, yellow ocular discharge, and patches the facility—two white tiger cubs exhibited of hair loss. ringworm-like lesions. The agency noted the need to address public-safety issues, July 8, 2016/Charlestown, Indiana: The including when the animals can have public USDA filed an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) contact. complaint against Stark and Wildlife in Need alleging over 110 willful violations of the March 2, 2016/Massillon, Ohio: The Ohio AWA since 2012, including exposing tiger Department of Agriculture issued an order cubs to rough and excessive handling placing roadside zoo Stump Hill Farm under during public encounters. quarantine while it conducted an investigation into the facility’s alleged illegal July 5, 2016/Troutman, North Carolina: possession of dangerous wild animals. The The USDA cited Zootastic Park of Lake order cited multiple instances in which Norman for failing to provide adequate owner Cyndi Huntsman exported animals, veterinary care to a tiger cub with significant including two tiger cubs, without a permit. swelling around her eyes, yellow ocular discharge, and patches of hair loss. The February 1, 2016/Wynnewood, facility was also cited for failing to have Oklahoma: The USDA cited G.W. Exotic for records of disposition for several tiger cubs failing to house three tiger cubs properly. available for inspection. One cub was 7 weeks old, and the other two were 12 weeks old. They were roaming June 13, 2016/Gentry, Arkansas: The unsupervised in a house at the rear of the USDA cited Wild Wilderness Drive-Through park, risking injury to themselves. Safari for failing to have a public barrier for an enclosure holding five wolf hybrid cubs December 18, 2015/Las Vegas, Nevada: who were approximately 3 months old and FOX5 reported that two tiger cubs owned by Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
Siegfried and Roy died from kidney and the fourth cub was pushed from behind. infections. The cubs were housed at The cubs had no collars or leashes on Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and them, and the attendants used a riding crop Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. to swat their noses if they started to bite. The inspector noted, “The cubs were November 17, 2015/Oroville, California: swatted frequently with the riding crops The USDA assessed Barry R. Kirshner when the attendants were near them. Some Wildlife Foundation a penalty of $5,464 for of the swats were excessive in severity violations of the AWA occurring between causing the cubs obvious discomfort.” November 1, 2011, and August 1, 2014. Members of the public, including an 8- or 9- These included allowing members of the year-old girl, were bitten in at least two public to come in direct contact with juvenile different incidents. lions, and allowing a member of the public to conduct a photo shoot with an Wildlife in Need was also cited for using unrestrained adult tiger and two tiger cubs. these cubs every day for months in multiple sessions without sufficient breaks in November 16, 2015/Wynnewood, between. The inspector noted, “The fact that Oklahoma: The USDA cited G.W. Exotic for these cubs are allowing the attendants to failing to provide tiger cubs with a safe drag them around by their front legs, non- nursery area. Electrical outlets didn’t have responsively, suggests they are exhausted covers, exposing bare, live electrical wires, and have no choice but to cope with the and two single-pane windows were low situation.” The cub who had been pulled into enough that the cubs could potentially break the room was pulled to other areas during them and escape. the 30-minute session. He remained unresponsive and never stood. As the September 21, 2015/Okeechobee, session progressed, two other cubs lay Florida: The U.S. Department of Agriculture down to nap and then were also dragged (USDA) cited exhibitor Sue Pearce for around the room. At the end of the failing to provide a tiger cub, who was found “playtime,” three of the cubs were dragged injured with a swollen neck and bite marks, by their legs from the exhibit area, and the with adequate veterinary care. Pearce remaining awake cub was used for photo called the attending veterinarian and opportunities described the injuries, and the vet . prescribed treatment over the phone without September 9, 2015/Calhan, Colorado: having examined the cub. The cub’s The USDA cited roadside zoo Serenity condition deteriorated, and she died the Springs Wildlife Center for failing to supply following day. adequate veterinary care to a 7-week-old tiger cub who suffered from crusted hair and September 13, 2015/Charlestown, discharge from both eyes and was housed Indiana: The USDA cited Wildlife in Need, in an unsanitary enclosure with rodent feces Inc., for failing to handle tiger cubs properly. and exposed drywall. The facility was also During “Tiger Playtime,” four 16-week-old cited for failing to provide another sick tiger tiger cubs weighing 35 to 40 pounds were cub with timely veterinary care. En route to allowed to interact with approximately 40 to the veterinarian, the cub died from an 50 members of the public. Two of the cubs underlying immune-system deficiency. walked into the public area after the gate Serenity Springs received an additional was opened, one cub who appeared to be citation for failing to follow a veterinarian- asleep was dragged in by his front paws, approved diet plan, which required that tiger Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
cubs receive calcium supplements. Two climate control. The inspector noted, cubs were observed to have lameness and “Animals this young in the absence of their joint swelling, possibly caused by parents are not able to adequately inadequate calcium in their diets. thermoregulate and exposure to temperatures which may be comfortable for August 27, 2015/Jamestown, adults may still be detrimental to the health Pennsylvania: The USDA cited roadside of young cubs. Exposure to an excessive zoo Pymatuning Deer Park for failing to number of people and other animals at this recognize the abnormal behavior of two 5- young age poses a disease risk to the cub.” month-old bear cubs, which included paw- and ear-sucking. When questioned, the August 4, 2015/Kingwood, West Virginia: facility representative stated that all the The USDA cited roadside zoo Hovatter’s hand-reared cubs exhibited this behavior Wildlife Zoo for failing to handle tiger cubs and that park officials didn’t recognize that properly. The cubs used in the facility’s this was an abnormal behavior pattern—as photo shoots were too large, too strong, and a result, this information had never been too aggressive to engage in direct contact conveyed to the attending veterinarian for it with the public. One tiger growled and used to be addressed. The facility was also cited his claws to try to escape from the handler for failing to provide the two bear cubs with when the animal was moved from his or her sufficient space to make normal “social cage. adjustments.” They were denied access to a back den area and kept on exhibit, which August 1, 2015/Sussex, New Jersey: consisted of a concrete pad enclosure with Space Farms Zoo ran an ad in the Animal a small pool and “toddler type plastic Finder’s Guide, a trade publication for structure.” exotic-animal breeders and dealers, offering to sell or trade two male tiger cubs. August 19, 2015/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: The USDA cited G.W. Exotic for failing to July 27, 2015/Charlestown, Indiana: The provide a 19-day-old tiger cub with a USDA cited Wildlife in Need, Inc., for failing secondary heating or cooling method for to feed four 10-week-old tiger cubs properly. climate control while being exhibited at the They were still on a formula diet but should Mississippi Valley Fair in Iowa. The have been provided meat starting at 2 to 3 inspector stated, “Animals this young in the weeks of age, and the majority of their diet absence of their parents are not able to should have been meat by 8 weeks of age. adequately thermoregulate and exposure to temperatures which may be comfortable for July 17, 2015/Dade City, Florida: The adults may still be detrimental to the health USDA filed a complaint against roadside of young cubs. Exposure to an excessive zoo Dade City’s Wild Things for 20 alleged number of people and other animals at this violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act young age poses a disease risk to the cub.” (AWA), including four separate citations for failing to handle young tigers as carefully as August 5, 2015/Davenport, Iowa: During possible in a manner that didn’t cause an inspection at the Mississippi Valley Fair, behavioral stress, physical harm, or the USDA cited exhibitor Joe Schreibvogel unnecessary discomfort; two separate for improper handling of a 19-day-old tiger citations for using physical abuse to handle cub who was being held alone, in view of young tigers, including pulling their tails to the public, in a playpen-like enclosure with restrain them and holding a tiger aloft by his no secondary heating or cooling method for neck; and two citations for “exposing young Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
or immature tigers to rough or excessive petting zoo owned by Cindy Farmer called handling and/or exhibiting them for periods Cindy’s Zoo. The bear was transferred to of time that would be detrimental to their the Saint Louis Zoo for a 30-day health or well-being” and for “exhibiting observation. young tigers for periods of time and/or under conditions that were inconsistent with April 8, 2015/Gentry, Arkansas: The their good health and well-being.” USDA cited Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari for failing to handle lion cubs June 4, 2015/Kingwood, West Virginia: properly. On October 22, 2014, a park The USDA cited Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo for visitor sought medical attention for an injury failing to handle tiger cubs properly. The received while participating in a park- cubs were pulled from their mother at birth allowed interaction with an uncontrolled 12- and were cared for in the licensee’s home. week-old lion cub. At 2½ weeks old, they were used for public encounters, and at 5 weeks old (at the time January 6, 2015/Natural Bridge, Virginia: of this inspection), the cubs had not been The USDA cited Natural Bridge Zoo for vaccinated—putting them at risk since they failing to handle tiger cubs carefully. The didn’t have fully developed immune cubs were pulled from their mother at birth systems. Hovatter’s was also cited for failing and put on display in the gift shop when 2 to to have a nutritionally adequate feeding plan 3 weeks old. They were then used in photo for the cubs. sessions when 3 to 4 weeks old, which exposed them to the public before they May 23, 2015/Jamestown, Pennsylvania: were immunocompetent. Natural Bridge Zoo The USDA cited roadside zoo Pymatuning was also cited for failing to handle tiger cubs Deer Park for failing to have a veterinarian- properly. In one case, a cub who was too approved diet plan to ease two 6-week-old big and strong for direct public contact was tiger cubs to solid food. being used for photo opportunities.
May 19, 2015/Natural Bridge, Virginia: December 5, 2014/Massillon, Ohio: The The USDA cited roadside zoo Natural USDA cited Stump Hill Farm for interfering Bridge Zoo for failing to feed tiger cubs with an inspection by failing to report the properly. Four cubs were born on April 9, possession of a juvenile tiger. The inspector 2015, and removed from their mother within asked the licensee multiple times in various one hour of birth. They were fed a diet that ways about the presence of a juvenile tiger was inappropriate for their age and species. on the premises, and each time, the The one cub still remaining at the facility licensee responded that there were no had a rough hair coat, prominent pelvis, and young or juvenile tigers on the property. pot-bellied appearance. However, the attending veterinarian confirmed that his clinic had treated an April 27, 2014/Melrose, Florida: A member injured tiger cub, Lilly, a few days earlier. of the public who was allowed to hold a bear The inspector returned to the property and cub at Single Vision sustained a bite that told the licensee what he had learned. She broke the skin. confirmed that there was a cub and that “she had ‘forgotten’ about this tiger because April 27, 2014/St. Louis, Missouri: A 3- it was housed in another enclosure on the month-old bear cub bit 14 Washington property which was located away from University in St. Louis students. The cub where the other big cats were housed” in had been taken to the campus as part of a order to reduce stress and contamination. Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
The inspector also questioned the licensee mouthed in the face, one child was bitten on about a specific enclosure between one the top of his thigh, another child was containing an adult lion and another grabbed from behind and both sides of his containing two adult tigers. The space in the or her head and ears were mouthed by a fence was large enough for the big cats to cub, and one of the inspectors was bitten on injure any animal in the middle enclosure, the back, resulting in broken skin and so the inspector asked the licensee if bleeding. animals were ever placed in that enclosure. The licensee said no but later during the April 27, 2014/Melrose, Florida: A member inspection admitted to putting the tiger cub of the public who was allowed to hold a bear Lilly in there while staff cleaned her cub at Single Vision sustained a bite that enclosure. Stump Hill was cited for placing broke the skin. Lilly in the enclosure near the other big cats. She had been injured in her primary April 27, 2014/St. Louis, Missouri: A 3- enclosure, which resulted in a wound on her month-old bear cub bit 14 Washington leg and the amputation of a toe. The University in St. Louis students. The cub licensee claimed that the injury occurred had been taken to the campus as part of a when Lilly got her paw stuck between metal petting zoo owned by Cindy Farmer called piping and chewed on her own paw and leg Cindy’s Zoo. The bear was transferred to in an attempt to free herself. Stump Hill was the Saint Louis Zoo for a 30-day also cited for failing to have the record of observation. acquisition for Lilly at the time of the inspection. August 11, 2014/Greensburg, Indiana: The USDA cited Stapp Circle S Ranch for September 13, 2014/Calhan, Colorado: improper feeding of a 9-week-old tiger cub, The USDA cited Serenity Springs Wildlife who was fed only meat without additional Center for improperly handling an 8-week- calcium or vitamin supplements. Lack of old tiger cub by allowing the public to handle calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease him for at least six hours in one day with no in cubs and cause fractures and painful documented breaks. During this long public bone conditions. encounter, the cub uttered vocalizations indicating distress numerous times. April 3, 2014/Catskill, New York: The USDA cited roadside zoo Bailiwick Ranch September 11, 2014/Tuttle, Oklahoma: for failing to provide a brown bear cub with The USDA cited roadside zoo Tiger Safari clean enrichment items, and failing to for failing to supply adequate veterinary ensure that ropes in the enclosure aren’t a care to a 16-week-old white tiger cub who hazard to the bear cub. had skin lesions but had not been examined by a veterinarian. March 18, 2014/Naples, Florida: The USDA cited exhibitor Patrick Clancy for August 19, 2014/Charlestown, Indiana: failing to feed a nutritionally complete diet During a USDA inspection of roadside zoo and supply adequate veterinary care to a Wildlife in Need, Inc., inspectors observed tiger cub who was walking with a limp. She several incidents that took place during was being exhibited at the Collier County “Tiger Playtime,” when approximately 30 Fair. members of the public sat in an enclosed area and were allowed to interact freely with March 10, 2014/Branson, Missouri: The two tiger cubs. An attendee was pawed and USDA cited roadside zoo Promised Land Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
Zoo for failing to have an employee who Serenity Springs Wildlife Center was cited had been approved by the USDA for the by the USDA for failing to restrain a 7-week- care and handling of exhibited big cats to old tiger cub properly during a photo shoot oversee the adult lion and 7-week-old tiger with the public. The cub was vocalizing and cub displayed at the facility. squirming, and the employee didn’t properly handle the cub in order to minimize the risk March 10, 2014/Miller, Missouri: The of harm to the animal and the public. USDA cited Hostetler Wildlife Farms for failing to provide tiger cubs with adequate June 11, 2013/Calhan, Colorado: The veterinary care. Three cubs were born in USDA noted on an inspection report for Joe January, and according to the facility Schreibvogel, operator of G.W. Exotic representative, one “got a little cold and the Animal Memorial Foundation, that it was mother may have sat on it.” The cub wasn’t reviewing an incident that involved the taken to a veterinarian. Hostetler was also transportation of two tiger cubs and their cited for improper handling of a tiger cub subsequent death on or around May 10, born in mid-January who was transported to 2013. (See May 23, 2013/Calhan, another facility on January 31. This cub had Colorado.) health concerns, including illness and possible injury, from the date of his birth, May 23, 2013/Calhan, Colorado: The and the facility representative at the USDA cited Serenity Springs Wildlife Center destination site stated that “there was for failing to follow the attending something wrong with that cub.” veterinarian’s instructions to monitor a tiger in labor, leading to the death of the tiger and January 17, 2014/Charlestown, Indiana: the single cub during birth. In addition, the The USDA cited Wildlife in Need, Inc., for USDA cited Serenity Springs for failing to failing to handle animals properly. The tiger handle two 3-day-old tiger cubs properly. cubs used in the “Tiger Baby Playtime” They were acquired from another facility, event were approximately 15 to 16 weeks and one died within 24 hours of arriving at old. The licensee admitted that people had Serenity Springs. Two days after arriving at been scratched and nipped during the Serenity Springs, the second cub was exhibitions and that he told visitors to smack unable to pass feces and was euthanized. the tigers on the nose if they got too rough. He said that some people didn’t hit the May 6, 2013/Calhan, Colorado: The USDA tigers hard enough and that if he needed to cited Serenity Springs Wildlife Center for a step in, he would. The inspector noted that repeat violation for failing to provide two these cubs were “too large, too strong and lame tiger cubs with veterinary care. During aggressive” and that the licensee must stop an inspection to check the condition of a using them for direct-contact exhibitions. tiger cub previously identified to be severely lame and unable to bear weight on his right September 25, 2013/Naubinway, front limb, the inspector observed that the Michigan: The USDA cited roadside zoo cub had a severe limp, wouldn’t bear weight GarLyn Zoo for failing to have an employee on his right hind leg, and had noticeable with experience or training in handling tigers swelling of the ankle area. Another cub was in direct control of a tiger cub being used for also severely limping on his right hind leg pictures with the public. and had swelling around the ankle area. The cub would only hop a short distance August 9, 2013/Denver, Colorado: While before falling to the ground. exhibiting at the Denver County Fair, Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
April 18, 2013/Calhan, Colorado: The protect a tiger cub and the public during a USDA cited Serenity Springs Wildlife Center photo event. for a repeat violation for failing to provide a tiger cub with adequate veterinary care. The October 23, 2012/Seattle, Washington: cub was previously observed to have a The USDA cited Steve Higgs for improperly severe limp, and during this inspection, the handling a juvenile tiger. An onlooker was limp affecting the right front leg appeared to able to get close enough to touch the tiger’s be worse. The cub wouldn’t bear weight on face. the paw and struggled to get to the food dish in the enclosure. May 21, 2012/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: The USDA cited G.W. Exotic Animal April 10, 2013/Calhan, Colorado: The Memorial Foundation for improperly USDA cited Serenity Springs Wildlife Center handling animals. The report stated that the for failing to provide a tiger cub with facility’s handling techniques were under adequate veterinary care. He was observed review. to have a severe limp affecting his right front leg, causing him to stumble and fall onto his May 21, 2012/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: shoulder. He was also seen walking with a The USDA cited Beth Corley for improperly crab-like posture with his hind legs and handling animals. The report stated that the appeared to be in pain. This condition had handling practices for large felid cubs were not been noted by any of the staff members under review. or reported to the veterinarian. January 5, 2012/Cherokee, North March 28, 2013/Troutman, North Carolina: The USDA cited Cherokee Bear Carolina: The USDA cited roadside zoo Zoo for failing to provide details regarding Zootastic Park of Lake Norman for leaving a the vaccination protocol for tiger cubs in its door to a room in the gift shop housing a program of veterinary care. The facility was lion cub unlocked and for improperly also cited for a repeat violation for failing to handling a white tiger cub weighing provide a tiger cub with an adequate approximately 40 pounds. A customer was veterinarian-approved diet. The cub allowed to lie face-to-face on the floor with appeared small and underweight and had a the cub, who apparently bit the man on the dry and brittle coat. nose. December 1, 2011/Wynnewood, February 28, 2013/Litchfield Park, Oklahoma: According to a USDA Arizona: The USDA cited roadside zoo inspection report, a 3-month-old tiger cub Wildlife World Zoo for allowing a 3-month- who was being exhibited on a leash at G.W. old tiger cub to run through a local television Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation jumped studio. The inspector noted that the cub was on a small child and knocked him down. seen biting the clothing of an offstage The child was scratched as a result. handler while the lead handler was seen with scratches and bite marks on his arms. November 28, 2011/Cincinnati, Ohio: The host of the television program was also After visiting a tiger exhibit at Northgate Mall seen pulling on the tiger’s tail. run by Joe Schreibvogel, operator of G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation, Inside January 24, 2013/Chicago, Illinois: The Edition noted that it cost shoppers $55 to USDA cited traveling exhibitor Jo-Don play with tiger cubs in a pen and have a Farms for failing to have barriers in place to picture taken with a cub. The 8-week-old Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
cub that the reporter petted and posed with a tiger cub. The inspector observed the tiger barely moved and was obviously sick. When cub climbing out of the pen several times. asked about the sick cub, the exhibit employee replied, “I don’t know. Maybe he’s June 9, 2011/Okeechobee, Florida: The just tired or stressed.” Another cub was USDA cited Animal Adventures for missing a patch of fur and appeared improperly handling tiger cubs who were distressed while posing for pictures. removed from their mother shortly after birth and deprived of natural nursing September 14, 2011/Dade City, Florida: opportunities and colostrum. One tiger cub The USDA cited Dade City’s Wild Things for developed aspiration pneumonia and died. failing to handle a tiger cub properly. During The remaining cubs were housed in the a “tiger swim session,” a cub was reluctant licensee’s living room next to three dogs to move to the edge of the pool, and the and exposed to multiple people, which handler pulled him by the leash. The cub increased the risk of disease for the showed signs of distress by vocalizing and immunologically compromised cubs. moving around when he was handled in the pool. After swimming a short distance, he May 18, 2011/Troutman, North Carolina: then swam toward the handler who was at The USDA cited Zootastic Park of Lake the wall of the pool and extended his paws, Norman for failing to have sufficient barriers apparently wanting to get out. Instead of for a bear cub, and a 4½-week-old white pulling him out of the water and stopping the tiger cub who was too young for public encounter, the handler prevented the cub contact. from exiting and continued the swim session. March 18, 2011: The USDA cited Robert Engesser, owner of The Zoo (aka “Jungle September 7, 2011: The USDA cited Safari”), a traveling zoo based in Florida, for Robert Engesser, owner of The Zoo (aka using a “highly active” 16-week-old tiger cub “Jungle Safari”), a traveling zoo based in in public photo sessions. The handler said Florida, for putting the public and animals at that he would replace the tiger with another risk by placing a young lion directly onto the younger cub because the current cub was laps of children. The inspector noted that in getting more active. “all cases,” the zoo attendant had no control over the 11-week-old lion cub and that the August 23, 2010/Troutman, North practice “could easily result in injury.” Adults Carolina: The USDA cited Zootastic Park of were also allowed to hold and handle the Lake Norman for failing to consult a cub. veterinarian about a vaccination/deworming program for a thin 13-week-old tiger cub. July 7, 2011/Larkspur, Colorado: While exhibiting animals at the Colorado June 8, 2010/Kaufman, Texas: The USDA Renaissance Festival, Serenity Springs cited the now-defunct traveling big-cat Wildlife Center was cited by the USDA for exhibitor ZooCats, Inc., for failing to provide failing to restrain a tiger cub properly during several tigers with adequate veterinary care. a public performance. A tiger died during dystocia (obstructed labor), and according to the licensee, she June 14, 2011/Troutman, North Carolina: received no veterinary care prior to or The USDA cited Zootastic Park of Lake during the dystocia. No necropsy was Norman for failing to have a barrier around performed, and the licensee stated that the attending veterinarian felt it was not Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
necessary since the dystocia probably October 26, 2007: The USDA cited Robert resulted from genetic predisposition. Soon Engesser, owner of The Zoo (aka “Jungle after this tiger’s death, another tiger aborted Safari”), a traveling zoo based in Florida, for cubs. She, too, received no veterinary care improper handling of animals. An during or after the birth, and no necropsies unvaccinated 6-week-old lion cub was being were performed. Yet another white tiger had used for public photo sessions, putting the given birth approximately three weeks cub at risk of contracting contagious earlier to three cubs. The licensee said one diseases. was born dead. The inspector noted the significant number of unexplained tiger cub June 1, 2007/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: deaths at this facility and that the G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation “circumstances indicate that violations of the ran an ad in Animal Finders’ Guide offering AWA, such as previously documented to give away free 12-week-old tigers. inadequate diets may have contributed to these deaths.” May 31, 2007/Boonsboro, Maryland: The USDA cited the now-defunct Charlotte June 2, 2010/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: An Metro Zoo for failing to give adequate rest AllVoices.com article reported that 23 tiger breaks to the tiger cubs it exhibited at a cubs died over a seven-month period at carnival. Although the tiger cubs were kept G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation. in a penned area to rest, members of the According to the article, operator Joe public were allowed to come into the pen or Schreibvogel claimed that the cubs died as lean over the sides to pet them. a result of being fed a tainted kitten formula. The Food and Drug Administration tested January 21, 2007/San Angelo, Texas: A samples that the park provided it but 10-month-old lion cub was quarantined after detected no salmonella or Cronobacter scratching a mall patron at the Sunset Mall sakazakii in them. The USDA opened an in San Angelo, Texas. The cub was being investigation into the deaths. used in a Joe Exotic, of G.W. Exotics, presentation called “Mystical Magic of the June 1, 2008/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: Endangered” during which spectators were G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation allowed to interact with and pet the animals. ran an ad in Animal Finders’ Guide, offering to sell two 9-week-old black bear cubs for October 5, 2006/Shelby, North Carolina: $500 each. The ad also mentioned that The USDA cited the now-defunct Charlotte baby tiger cubs would be ready to go in the Metro Zoo for failing to protect tiger cubs middle or at the end of June at 11 weeks of from diseases. Members of the public were age. allowed to pet the cubs at the Cleveland County Fair, and the Charlotte Metro Zoo January 1, 2008/Wynnewood, Oklahoma: allowed the cubs to suck on customers’ G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation hands, which they were not required to ran an ad in Animal Finders’ Guide, a trade wash beforehand. publication for exotic-animal breeders and dealers, offering to give away free 10- to 12- July 13, 2006: The USDA cited Robert week-old tiger cubs, yearlings, and adults, Engesser, owner of The Zoo (aka “Jungle noting that they had all been bottle-fed from Safari”), a traveling zoo based in Florida, for the day they were born. for an incomplete program of veterinary care, which omitted vaccination information for two juvenile lion cubs. The inspector also Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
noted that the two lion cubs being used in conduct an annual site visit and review the photo shoots would soon be too large to be plan of veterinary care. The inspector noted safely handled during direct public contact. that the two youngest tigers and the smallest of the lions displayed protruding April 5, 2006/Cherokee, North Carolina: hip bones and dull hair coats, conditions of The USDA cited Cherokee Bear Zoo for great concern. failing to have a public barrier around two tiger cubs on display and failing to restrain August 19, 2004/Owatonna, Minnesota: the cubs properly. The USDA cited now-defunct Arcangel Wildlife for failing to ensure that a 6-week- April 4, 2006/Mount Vernon, Maine: The old tiger cub used for photo shoots at the USDA cited roadside zoo DEW Haven for Steele County fairground was being failing to provide a tiger cub, and a lion cub properly handled. The inspector noted that with adequate shelter. It was snowing and the cub was the only one being used, and raining on the day of the inspection, and people of all ages were allowed to hold him. both cubs were in pens with shelters that weren’t large enough for them to have July 30, 2004/Kaufman, Texas: The USDA freedom of movement. cited now-defunct ZooCats, Inc., for failing to supply adequate veterinary care to March 21, 2006 Mount Vernon, Maine: several 3- to 6-month-old tiger cubs who The USDA cited roadside zoo DEW Haven weren’t being given supplements and were for failing to provide a barrier between a “thin in appearance to the point of the hip 130-pound tiger cub and the public, and bone of these animals protruding.” In allowing the members of the public to pet addition, the inspector stated, “Also the hair the cub. coats of these animals are dull in appearance.” The facility was also cited for February 12, 2005/Oldsmar, Florida: A offering the cats food every other day rather woman was bitten on the hand by a tiger than daily as required. cub used by the now-defunct traveling exhibitor Zoo Dynamics for photo May 7, 2004/Rockwell, North Carolina: A opportunities at an automobile dealership. USDA inspector cited the now-defunct Charlotte Metro Zoo for improperly handling January 8, 2005/Cleveland County, North a 2-week-old tiger cub after seeing the cub Carolina: Two 6-month-old injured tiger being handled for approximately one hour cubs, weighing approximately 80 to 100 by at least 12 people. The animal was pounds each, were abandoned and found allowed to rest—but in direct sunlight and wandering on the side of a road. for only 15 minutes. He was panting, and his skin tented when he was lifted, January 1, 2005/Chiefland, Florida: An indicating that he may have been getting advertisement placed by The Zoo in Animal dehydrated. The outside temperature was Finders’ Guide, a trade publication for 91 degrees, and the temperature of the exotic-animal breeders and dealers, table surface that he rested on was 93 featured lion cubs for sale by Robert degrees. Engesser. April 16, 2004/Kaufman, Texas: The August 30, 2004/Kaufman, Texas: The USDA cited now-defunct ZooCats, Inc., for USDA cited now-defunct ZooCats, Inc., for failing to provide two 4-month-old tiger cubs, failing to have the attending veterinarian who were very thin and exhibited dry coats, Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
with adequate veterinary care. They had not cubs running loose on a neighbor’s rooftop. been seen by the attending veterinarian The cubs had escaped from the since they were approximately 30 days old. homeowner’s private menagerie. ZooCats was also cited for keeping four approximately 6-month-old tiger cubs in July 22, 2002/Plano, Texas: The USDA temporary housing that wasn’t large enough cited now-defunct ZooCats, Inc., for failing to provide each animal with comfortable to give water to two cougar cubs, five tiger protection from the elements. cubs, and a bear cub who were all kept in an animal trailer. According to the caretaker, 2004/Queensbury, New York: A bear cub the animals had last been offered water 12 who was on exhibit at a AAA office by the hours earlier. Ashville Game Farm and Exotic Zoo bit a person in the face. December 11, 2001/Racine, Minnesota: A 10-month-old bear cub escaped from November 8, 2003/Frisco, Texas: A 4- Bearcat Hollow animal park and damaged a month-old, 50-pound, declawed tiger cub neighboring farmhouse. was abandoned and captured by police after a motorist spotted the animal roaming October 30, 2001/Gentry, Arkansas: The on the side of the road. USDA cited Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari for failing to provide a public barrier September 13, 2003/Rockwell, North around the enclosure for lion cubs. Carolina: The USDA cited the now-defunct Charlotte Metro Zoo for improperly handling May 24, 2001: The USDA cited Robert animals at the Cabarrus County Fair in Engesser, owner of The Zoo (aka “Jungle Concord, North Carolina. Children and other Safari”), a traveling zoo based in Florida, for members of the public were allowed to hold a direct violation of the AWA. The youngest and pet a 4½-month-old tiger without lion cub was being fed goat milk replacer sufficient safety measures to ensure “which [had] not been approved by the minimal risk of harm to the public. attending veterinarian as being of sufficient nutritive value for this age or type of March 22, 2003/Red Wing, Minnesota: A animal.” 5-month-old, 40-pound tiger cub at now- defunct Grant Oly’s Tiger Zone bit a 16- October 27, 2000/Massillon, Ohio: year-old girl and grabbed and bit a pregnant According to the Akron Beacon Journal, woman on the wrist, causing a puncture Stump Hill Farm leased a declawed tiger wound. Police searching Oly’s premises cub to Massillon High School’s football team found guns, ammunition, and marijuana. to serve as a “mascot.” During the months he was kept at the high school, the tiger January 24, 2003/Albert Lea, Minnesota: was held in a garage between exhibits. A malnourished tiger cub was seized from a home in a residential neighborhood after October 10, 2000/Charlotte, North school officials learned that scratches and Carolina: According to the Salisbury Post, a bite marks on a fifth-grade boy were caused 4-month-old leopard and a 5-month-old tiger by his father’s “pet” tiger. escaped from a car when Steve Macaluso, owner of the now-defunct Charlotte Metro October 28, 2002/Las Vegas, Nevada: Zoo, lost control of his vehicle and crashed Neighbors became frightened and alerted while returning from a photo shoot. The animal control when they spotted two tiger cubs were later captured. Tiger Cub Incidents in the United States
September 10, 2000/Albuquerque, New Mexico: A tiger cub bit a man during a photo opportunity at the New Mexico State Fair.
August 17, 2000/Horseheads, New York: The USDA cited Robert Engesser, owner of The Zoo (“aka Jungle Safari”), a traveling zoo based in Florida, for failing to give proper veterinary care to a tiger cub suffering from metabolic bone disease caused by the lack of a proper diet.
June 16, 2000/Natural Bridge, Virginia: The USDA cited Natural Bridge Zoo for failing to provide an effective barrier between three bear cubs and the public and failing to have an employee present at all times.
June 11, 2000/Natural Bridge, Virginia: A visitor to the Natural Bridge Zoo was bitten and/or scratched by one of three Asiatic bear cubs.