PETA Statement re Camels Who Escaped From Cedar Point ‘Petting Zoo’
For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2024
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Two camels who escaped from their enclosure at Cedar Point amusement park yesterday were supplied by Honey Hill Farm, a Kentucky-based mobile “petting zoo” operated by Sally Powell. Below, please find a statement from PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Animal Welfare Debbie Metzler:
No one should be surprised that distressed camels panicked and ran away, hoping to escape a near-constant, chaotic barrage of excessive handling, noisy roller coasters, and screaming parkgoers. PETA is calling on federal authorities to hold Honey Hill Farm accountable for failing to protect these frightened animals—and members of the public who were endangered during their attempts to flee—and urges people everywhere to steer clear of seedy enterprises that exploit vulnerable animals.
PETA’s complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requests that the agency investigate Honey Hill Farm, hold it and any other responsible parties accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and ensure that both camels are thoroughly examined for injuries they may have sustained during their escape. PETA notes that injuries are common when animals are exploited for entertainment—such as in 2022, when a stressed camel from a Tennessee petting zoo attacked and killed two bystanders. The camel paid with his life.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
