Zoos are a fact of life. They have a responsibility to give every animal humane, professional care. Some strive to meet this standard, keeping animals in displays resembling their natural habitats as closely as possible. Others fail miserably, betraying the animals and the public. How’s your zoo?
The vast majority of animal exhibitors licensed by the federal government do not meet industry accreditation standards. Thousands of animals suffer in roadside zoos and menageries.
Inhumane conditions teach children the wrong message, seeming to condone indifference. Zoos should educate about how animals live in the wild, and help preserve them there.
Zoos owe animals lifetime care. If they cannot provide proper care they should relocate animals to appropriate facilities—never into the exotic pet trade.
Because public opinion and spending are important to zoos’ success, you can be a powerful force in improving the treatment of animals in zoos.
Reckless Roadside Zoo
An HSUS undercover investigation reveals dead tigers and safety threats at Oklahoma's GW Exotic Animal Park.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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November 1, 2012
The HSUS Urges Mich. Legislators to Maintain Restrictions on Public Contact with Bears
The Humane Society of the United States is asking Michigan legislators to reject Senate Bill 1236, a bill that puts public safety and animal welfare at risk by allowing the public to handle bear cubs up to approximately nine months of age.
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October 18, 2012
Animal Welfare and Conservation Groups Petition USDA to Prohibit Public Contact with Dangerous Wild Animals
On the one-year anniversary of the Zanesville, Ohio, tragedy in which about 50 big cats, bears, primates and other animals were released from cages at a private menagerie, The Humane Society of the United States, World Wildlife Fund, International Fund for Animal Welfare, The Fund for Animals, Born Free USA, Big Cat Rescue, and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries filed a legal petition asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit public contact with big cats, bears and primates under the Animal Welfare Act.
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September 28, 2012
Black Beauty Ranch Welcomes a New Camel
Towering at about 9 feet tall, a dromedary camel named Saudi is one of the newest – and largest – of the rescued animals now roaming the rolling Texas pastures of Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch.
Our Victories
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May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 8, 2013
Arkansas Legislature Praised for Banning Primates as Pets
The Humane Society of the United States commends the Arkansas legislature for passage of House Bill 1391, a bill to prohibit the future private possession of apes (which includes chimpanzees), baboons and macaque monkeys.
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December 20, 2012
Federal Court Upholds New Ohio Exotic Pet Law
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division issued a verdict today upholding Ohio’s new and much needed regulations on the possession of dangerous wild animals as pets.
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June 5, 2012
Animal Welfare Organizations Praise Ohio Governor Kasich for Signing Dangerous Wild Animal Act into Law
The Humane Society of the United States, Born Free USA and the ASPCA® issued statements in response to Ohio Gov. John Kasich enacting the Dangerous Wild Animal Act into law.
