Animal Rights Groups Seek Probe Into Lion Cub's Death At The San Diego Wild Animal Park

Zoos, zoos, zoos. Nothing but hell for animals.


Article:

Animal rights groups seek probe into lion cub's death

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/
20060420-1504-cubdeath.html

3:04 p.m. April 20, 2006

SAN DIEGO – An animal rights organization Thursday called for an investigation into the case of a lion cub that was euthanized at the San Diego Wild Animal Park after being mauled by an adult lioness.

The request came in the form of a letter sent by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to Robert Gibbens, western regional director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's animal care unit.

“We ask that you immediately investigate this situation, determine what zoo officials intend to do to prevent another incident of this type, thoroughly assess the zoo's protocol for animal introductions and if appropriate ensure that the San Diego Wild Animal Park is charged with violations of the (Animal Welfare Act) for this incident,” Lisa Wathne, a captive exotic animal specialist with PETA said in the letter.

The 5-month-old lion cub, named Koza, was mauled after a keeper mistakenly removed a wire barrier separating the cub from the adult lion.

Although workers quickly separated them, the cub suffered three bites, at least one of which severely damaged his spinal cord, park spokeswoman Christina Simmons told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The decision was then made to put down the cub.

Simmons told the U-T the removal of the barrier separating Koza from the adult lioness was a case of “human error.”