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USDA inspects Topeka Zoo again for violations - KSN TV, Kansas News and Weather

USDA inspects Topeka Zoo again for violations

Last Update: 6/11 9:37 am

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) - The federal government sent inspectors to the Topeka Zoo this week to investigate what it calls the zoo's repeat violations of animal care laws.

Investigators from the U.S. Department of Agriculture were at the zoo Tuesday and Wednesday.

USDA spokesman David Sacks says the investigation was prompted by repeat and direct violations of the Animal Welfare Act in the last year.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that zoo director Brendan Wiley says investigators looked at reports from 2006 to the present and sought documents showing how the zoo reacted to previous problems.

Wiley became director of the zoo after the USDA criticized it for numerous animal deaths, its professional accreditation was tabled and most of its management left or were fired.

He says no new incidents at the zoo triggered the latest investigation.

 

Unexpected hippo calf born at the zoo.

Baby hippo born at Topeka Zoo - KSNT.com - News, Weather, Sports - Topeka, Kansas

 

Brookfield Loans the Zoo Three African Wild Dogs:

FOTZ members to get sneak peek of wild dogs | CJOnline.com

Here is a photograph of the exhibit shortly before opening:
http://www.zoochat.com/1064/topeka-zoo-2011-future-african-wild-231037/

 

Temporary penguin exhibit (with only 4-6 birds) opening in the spring:

Penguin exhibit coming to Topeka Zoo | CJOnline.com

 

How long before Topeka Zoo has zero elephants? The zoo has been under pressure to get rid of its two elephants (one Asian and one African) for years, and so I'm sure that it is simply a matter of time before they are transferred to another facility. It might take another two years but the zoo has no funding for a new exhibit and I'd be flabbergasted if the zoo still had elephants a few years from now.

Poll: Emails advocate move of zoo elephants | CJOnline.com

 

The first rainforest building in any American zoo, built in 1974, is currently in the middle of a 6-7 month revitalization. The interesting article on the link discusses in detail the plans for the overhaul of the famous structure, and also mentions that the zoo will finally make a decision this spring on whether or not to keep its elephants.

Work progresses on zoo's Tropical Rain Forest | CJOnline.com

 

A short article on the $1.2 million renovation of the Tropical Rain Forest building, and when the facility re-opens it will actually rain inside:

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/faba3a9bae9247be9fed184285b2cb40/KS--Topeka-Zoo-Rain-Forest/

 

On Thursday the zoo opens Penguin Plunge, a temporary exhibit with 6 African penguins. (The very next day Vancouver Aquarium opens Penguin Point, a permanent exhibit with African penguins.)

Zoo to launch Penguin Plunge on Thursday | CJOnline.com

 

Topeka continues to lurch from one problem to another: the zoo's vet - apparently now back on the staff - is suing for unfair dismissal.

Former zoo director feared firing | CJOnline.com

It does all sound rather tangled.

The comments that follow the article are interesting. Clearly some of the posters have their own agenda, but 'gruntled' seems to know what (s)he is talking about. I'd be interested if any Zoochatters have a view of this one. I've always had a soft spot for Topeka after visiting several times in the early 1990s, and find this continual crisis rather sad.....

 

This is not just another problem, but an old issue getting media attention from a current civil lawsuit.

 

Another USDA isnpection.
City mum on latest zoo inspection | CJOnline.com

 

2 Topeka Zoo orangutans are pregnant | CJOnline.com

 

I uploaded about 50 new photos of Topeka Zoo into the gallery today, and having recently finished reading the 500+ page autobiography of Gary K. Clarke (Director Emeritus of Topeka Zoo) I am struck by two things. Firstly, the zoo was truly innovative with its World Famous Tropical Rain Forest building that opened in 1974, along with the Gorilla Exhibit and its walk-through tunnel in the mid-1980's. Secondly, these days the Rain Forest structure is extemely small, the gorilla habitat is far too tiny for its inhabitants, and there are countless subpar exhibits all across the zoo. Some of the new areas are nice (Black Bear Woods) but the elephant paddock is asking for trouble from animal-rights activists and the threat of losing AZA-accreditation is once again looming in the foreground. The much-anticipated Penguin Plunge temporary enclosure is the worst thing in the zoo!

 

Topeka Zoo secures 5-year accreditation | CJOnline.com

I wonder if it was approved with the condition to improve their elephant exhibit by then or get rid of the pachyderms.

 

More on the fate of the Asian and African Elephants at the Topeka Zoo;
Public split on Topeka Zoo elephants' fate | CJOnline.com

 

Surprise Elephant Inspection!
USDA Surprise Zoo With Another Elephant Inspection

 

An Addra Gazelle was euthanized due to unexpected illness.
Gazelle succumbs to illness at zoo | CJOnline.com

 

Pregnant Topeka Zoo orangutan given emergency hysterectomy | CJOnline.com

 

Topeka Zoo introduces Sumatran tiger | CJOnline.com

 

Looks like gators are coming.
Zoo clues suggest announcement will have teeth | CJOnline.com