Alligator Farm’s Bid to Breed Dangerous Reptiles Under Fire From PETA

PETA Cites History of Neglect and Animal Escapes at Notorious Roadside Zoo, Which Has No Conservation Plan

For Immediate Release:
September 10, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opposing an application from Hammond-based roadside zoo Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm, which is seeking an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit to breed eight species of reptiles, including crocodiles and caimans.

Although the ESA requires permit applicants to demonstrate that their activities will enhance the survival of a species in the wild, Kliebert’s—which breeds and slaughters alligators for meat and skins—lacks the expertise, staff, and facilities to manage and maintain a conservation-breeding program. Kliebert’s intention appears to be to breed endangered reptiles for public display, like the alligators the business currently uses for photo ops during which visitors straddle the restrained animals. A 5-year-old member of the Kliebert family has even been permitted to “wrestle” an alligator, something PETA points to as defying the very word “conservation.”

“Harvey Kliebert’s alligator farm can no more enhance the propagation of exotic endangered crocodiles than a commercial chicken farm can enhance the survival of endangered parrots,” says PETA Foundation Deputy Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet. “PETA wants authorities to put Kliebert’s bid to breed and display endangered reptiles straight into the paper shredder.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—also points out that the ESA requires permit holders to provide animals with humane care and that Kliebert’s has racked up 15 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act in just more than a year. Violations include allowing animals to escape; failing to provide them with clean, fresh water to drink; and failing to remove a build-up of animal waste from enclosures. In addition, earlier this year, Kliebert’s was fined $800 by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration for violating federal law regarding workplace safety.

PETA’s comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.