In light of new information about the abusive conditions endured by a threatened grizzly bear and endangered leopards on the farm of Terry Thompson—who released dozens of wild animals (most of whom were shot by law enforcement) outside Zanesville, Ohio, last October, before killing himself—PETA has sent another urgent letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) renewing its requests for an investigation into whether the animals were harmed or harassed in violation of the Endangered Species Act and asking that the surviving animals not be returned to Thompson's widow, Marian.

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Injuries and Inadequacy

Tom Stalf of the Columbus Zoo, where the animals are currently being housed, described the condition of the animals as "horrific." Stalf stated that the grizzly bear was relegated to a bird cage set in a drained pool and was aggressively chewing on the cage when authorities found the animal. The Columbus Zoo also reported that when one of the leopards was injured at the zoo, X-rays showed old injuries, including a broken back and tail bones, that had not healed. The animal was subsequently euthanized.

The grizzly bear, two leopards, and two macaques are the only remaining survivors of last year's tragedy. They are quarantined at the zoo by order of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Ms. Thompson is awaiting a hearing to challenge the order and seeks to regain possession of the animals.

How You Can Help the Surviving Animals

While PETA works to keep the survivors safe, you can help by calling the FWS Office of Law Enforcement at 703-358-1949 to politely urge the agency to investigate whether the Endangered Species Act was violated and to ensure that the animals are not returned to Marian Thompson.

File this one in the "Near-Death Experiences During My Infancy" section of the family photo album:

This picture was taken at a circus during intermission by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector who was responding to a complaint that PETA had filed against the traveling bear act. The USDA cited the bear exhibitor for unsafe handling, but don't count on the federal government to protect you—this reckless handler and many others like her are still in business.

Photo-ops at circuses and traveling zoos featuring captive bears, tiger and lion cubs, primates, snakes, and other animals are all too common, and they're recipes for disaster. Wild animals are easily startled and routinely act on instinct. These natural instincts can mean that the animals defend themselves with strong arms and legs, sharp teeth, and long claws when they feel threatened. Handlers cannot protect themselves, let alone the general public, from a frightened or angry wild animal. Members of the public, including children, can be and have been harmed during these irresponsible photo-ops. If you see or hear about a show near you in which wild animals are being used for photo-ops with the public, take action to stop it. You could be saving someone's life.

Written by Logan Scherer

OK, well, that's pretty much all that these four lovelies from PETA Asia-Pacific were wearing outside the Manila Zoo, but they certainly drew the crowd's attention to their campaign to improve conditions for animals at the cramped, decrepit zoo.

The animals got a little time off from the gawkers, who instead turned their attention to the bikini-wearing beauties—and the issue of cruelty to captive animals.

She may be smiling for the cameras, but this gal knows that there's no happiness for animals at the Manila Zoo.

Thanks go out to these ladies and the rest of the team at PETA Asia-Pacific for their efforts to get the Manila Zoo to shape up its act.

Written by Karin Bennett