Veterinarian Documents Hellish Conditions at Maple Lane Farm
PETA Calls On Feds to Inspect Roadside Zoo After Video Shows Lame Bear and Tigers With Painful Sores
For Immediate Release:
August 24, 2017
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Using damning video footage of Maple Lane Wildlife Farm, PETA has sent a complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking that it investigate the tawdry roadside zoo for multiple animal-welfare concerns, including a bear displaying extreme difficulty walking, a tiger with an ulcerated lesion, and numerous animals with little to no protection from the scorching summer heat.
A PETA Foundation wildlife veterinarian also documented a long-tailed macaque who was biting himself and a leopard who was pacing incessantly—both signs of psychological and emotional distress. A capuchin monkey, who visitors are allowed to hold for photo ops and who is kept confined to a birdcage, was seen biting and hitting himself. The veterinarian witnessed two underweight tigers confined to cramped corn crib cages with concrete flooring, allowing almost no opportunity for exercise; animals without appropriate shelter or any at all; and birds confined to tiny cages with mesh flooring and no way to perch.
“There is clear evidence of chronic, long-standing suffering and neglect at Maple Lane Wildlife Farm roadside zoo,” says PETA Foundation Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “PETA is calling on both local and federal authorities to ensure that these animals receive the care that they need and are entitled to by law.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—wants to work with the owners of Maple Lane to transfer the bear and tigers to a reputable sanctuary.
In 2011, the USDA issued two official warnings to Maple Lane for numerous violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Violations since then have included failure to provide adequate veterinary care, properly clean animal enclosures, maintain safe shelters for the animals, and more.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
