PETA Calls On Feds to Investigate Abusive Calhan-Based Roadside Zoo, Deny License

Serenity Springs Cuts Tiger’s Throat Among Other Likely Violations of Endangered Species Act and Other Laws Documented by Feds, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
August 22, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Calhan, Colo. — This morning, PETA sent a formal complaint to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) urging it to investigate Serenity Springs Wildlife Center, a roadside zoo located in Calhan, for likely violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Serenity Springs is apparently violating the ESA by harming, harassing, wounding, and negligently killing endangered tigers and other animals. In one incident, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Serenity Springs diagnosed a tiger named Nala as having cancer and, instead of obtaining veterinary care for her, killed her by cutting her throat. The agency also found that in another incident—and again without consulting a veterinarian—the roadside zoo had a volunteer kill a tiger with medical problems. Serenity Springs also appears to be violating the ESA by acquiring endangered animals, including 26 tigers, from commercial entities without obtaining the required permits. PETA is further calling on the FWS to take all appropriate legal action against Serenity Springs if an investigation reveals any violations.

“Serenity Springs’ treatment of big cats and other animals is not only despicable but also illegal,” says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. “PETA is calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to do its duty and enforce the law before more animals suffer and die at this shameful facility that should have been shut down a long time ago.”

Serenity Springs has also likely been involved in violations of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (CWSA). The CWSA makes it unlawful to “import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce” any “prohibited wildlife species,” including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and cougars. Because it appears from Serenity Springs’ own records that it has acquired prohibited wildlife species from out-of-state entities that weren’t exempt from the law, it’s likely that the roadside zoo has been involved with violations of the CWSA numerous times.

The USDA currently has dozens of charges pending against the facility for violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Earlier this week PETA submitted a request to the USDA urging it not to renew Serenity Springs’ license in light of these and numerous other violations.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.