Urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Investigate the Buffalo Zoo

The most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection reports for the Buffalo Zoo in Buffalo, New York, reveal numerous deaths and injuries to animals at the zoo. The violations cited in the reports describe trash-strewn enclosures, a negligent and incompetent staff, and judgments by decisionmakers that led directly to animal suffering, including the following:

• From August 2006 to May 2007, four polar bears died at the zoo. Records reflect that Kinapak possibly consumed parts of a black garbage bag and a rat bait block that were found in his enclosure. Becky was found dead after undergoing surgery for a foreign body obstruction—plastic rims were removed from her stomach. A necropsy on Kelly revealed stone material and a chunk of a plastic toy in her stomach. Danny, who had been anesthetized, was discovered dead at the bottom of an empty pool when the keeper charged with monitoring him returned after a two-hour absence.
  
• In May 2005, one of three sea lions who were being transported to the zoo died, most likely of heat distress caused by a lack of sufficient ice or cooling water. The handler who was present had been given only one week of training with sea lions.
  
• In March 2007, the hurried introduction of a wolf to his pup resulted in injuries to the pup.
  
• In May 2007, a hyena was found crushed to death by a boulder.
  
• In January 2007, a male and female Amur tiger were repeatedly introduced to each other even though fights broke out each time. Both animals were injured, and the female had to be anesthetized for her treatment on two occasions.

Please contact the USDA and ask that the agency thoroughly investigate the Buffalo Zoo, pursue strict enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, and appropriately charge the zoo for all violations.