Disarmed Monkey!
Ape's arm amputated at Lincoln Park Zoo in latest animal problem
Animal rights group demands criminal investigation
By Leah Hope
May 16, 2005 — New questions are being raised about the care of animals at Lincoln Park Zoo after a young ape had his arm amputated. An animal rights group is demanding a criminal investigation into recent animal deaths at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
A spokesperson says the young male broke his arm trying to reach food that was tossed just beyond the exhibit's perimeter. The small ape is a native to Southeast Asia. The spokeswoman added that the gibbon could have destroyed a cast, so amputation was a way to save his life.
Visitors to the primate house may not immediately notice the amputation to one of the gibbon's arms. The gibbon has recovered and could be seen swinging from its remaining arm at an indoor exhibit.
Nearly 200 protesters gathered at the zoo Sunday. The demonstration was organized after three endangered Francois langur monkeys died following their recent move to a new exhibit. Critics of the zoo say the facility's president and staff have not done enough to protect and care for the animals.
"They should insure that that was repaired or fixed or modified," said Debbie Leahy, PETA.
In the last eight months, the zoo confirms nine animal deaths -- three monkey, two gorillas, a camel, and three elephants, one that was euthanized after leaving the zoo. A zoo scientist says that death is an inevitable part of the cycle of life for all animals.
"It's not really unusual to see a grouping of deaths like this. We have 1,200 animals here, 200 species. We have lots of births and unfortunately a lot of deaths every year," said Steve Thompson, Lincoln Park Zoo.
The zoo has asked for two audits following the deaths. Inspectors were at the zoo Monday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated the death of a lion at the zoo in December, but inspectors found no violation.
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association is putting together a team to investigate the deaths and The People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals is requesting a criminal investigation. A letter to the Cook County state's attorney alleges negligence on part of the staff and inhumane care.
"If animals are dying as a result of negligence, why shouldn't it be a criminal charge?" said Thompson.
Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine, who is a member of the Lincoln Park Zoo, has turned over the request to the first state's attorney to determine if there should be an investigation or possible charges.
Animal rights group demands criminal investigation
By Leah Hope
May 16, 2005 — New questions are being raised about the care of animals at Lincoln Park Zoo after a young ape had his arm amputated. An animal rights group is demanding a criminal investigation into recent animal deaths at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
A spokesperson says the young male broke his arm trying to reach food that was tossed just beyond the exhibit's perimeter. The small ape is a native to Southeast Asia. The spokeswoman added that the gibbon could have destroyed a cast, so amputation was a way to save his life.
Visitors to the primate house may not immediately notice the amputation to one of the gibbon's arms. The gibbon has recovered and could be seen swinging from its remaining arm at an indoor exhibit.
Nearly 200 protesters gathered at the zoo Sunday. The demonstration was organized after three endangered Francois langur monkeys died following their recent move to a new exhibit. Critics of the zoo say the facility's president and staff have not done enough to protect and care for the animals.
"They should insure that that was repaired or fixed or modified," said Debbie Leahy, PETA.
In the last eight months, the zoo confirms nine animal deaths -- three monkey, two gorillas, a camel, and three elephants, one that was euthanized after leaving the zoo. A zoo scientist says that death is an inevitable part of the cycle of life for all animals.
"It's not really unusual to see a grouping of deaths like this. We have 1,200 animals here, 200 species. We have lots of births and unfortunately a lot of deaths every year," said Steve Thompson, Lincoln Park Zoo.
The zoo has asked for two audits following the deaths. Inspectors were at the zoo Monday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated the death of a lion at the zoo in December, but inspectors found no violation.
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association is putting together a team to investigate the deaths and The People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals is requesting a criminal investigation. A letter to the Cook County state's attorney alleges negligence on part of the staff and inhumane care.
"If animals are dying as a result of negligence, why shouldn't it be a criminal charge?" said Thompson.
Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine, who is a member of the Lincoln Park Zoo, has turned over the request to the first state's attorney to determine if there should be an investigation or possible charges.
posted by Taco Mike | 11:36 AM
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