skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar; 283 workers nationwide, including 83 in CO, killed on the job; IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread; New research shows effects of nitrates on IA's most vulnerable.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Pentagon begins removing transgender troops as legal battles continue. Congress works to fix a SNAP job-training penalty. Advocates raise concerns over immigrant data searches, and U.S. officials report progress in trade talks with China.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Volunteers with AmeriCorps are reeling from near elimination of the 30-year-old program, Head Start has dodged demise but funding cuts are likely, moms are the most vulnerable when extreme weather hits, and in California, bullfrogs await their 15-minutes of fame.

Undercover Probe at VA Roadside Zoo: Abuse, Neglect, Public Danger

play audio
Play

Friday, January 23, 2015   

NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. - Abuse, neglect and unsanitary conditions are just a few of the terms used to describe the scene at a roadside zoo in Natural Bridge.

The Humane Society of the United States says it conducted an undercover investigation at Natural Bridge Zoo, which displays exotic animals - primates, bears and tigers. Wayne Pacelle, the society's president and chief executive, said the investigation revealed what he calls an "alarming number" of animal-welfare violations.

"Animals living in filth, animals denied adequate nutrition, animals who were manhandled, animals who were abused and harmed," Pacelle said. "This is all at odds with the normal standards of the professional zoological community."

Pacelle said the investigation included videotaping and took place from May through October, and some animals died during that time as a result of alleged neglect and lack of veterinary care. The zoo breeds tiger cubs and takes them away from their mothers when they are far too young for public interaction, he said. The zoo charges for "photo ops" with the cubs, and Pacelle said investigators even saw toddlers being allowed to interact with them.

"We believe it's inherently dangerous for the public to interact with these animals," he said. "It undermines the welfare of the animals and public safety, and does nothing to advance principles of conservation of endangered species."

The society filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit public contact with big cats, primates and bears. Pacelle said this roadside zoo is one of 84 around the nation and is not to be confused with zoos that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Humane Society of the United States has filed complaints with local, state and federal authorities, Pacelle said, and would like to see the zoo's exhibitor license revoked. Calls for comments from Natural Bridge Zoo have gone unanswered for this story.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
The California Parent and Youth Helpline has helped almost 113,000 people since its inception in 2020. (kieferpix/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

The California Parent and Youth Helpline turns five years old today - just in time for a brand new study that confirms its effectiveness. The study…


Environment

play sound

A Michigan group is speaking out after a top congressional leader's comment that lawmakers will most likely scrap the $7,500 federal tax credit for bu…

Environment

play sound

The Mississippi River is the drinking water source for 20 million people and its starting point in northern Minnesota has new protections following co…


The National Wildlife Federation said managed grazing is one of the top conservation practices used by South Dakota farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

A new mapping tool shows South Dakota is a big player on the farm conservation scene. The online feature coincides with a new poll, revealing most …

Social Issues

play sound

Sunday is Mother's Day, and what moms may need most is a day off. Research shows that inequities persist in the amount of time moms and dads spend …

Nevadans could save 16% on their utility bills by 2035 by pursuing cost-saving energy-efficiency measures, according to the National Renewable Energy Lab. (Scott Habermann/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Nevada clean-energy proponents have launched a new website to help connect Nevadans to energy and cost-saving programs. One of the nonprofits behind …

Social Issues

play sound

Ahead of Mother's Day, one Kentucky middle-school student has received recognition for honoring his grandmother in a "Grandparent of the Year" essay …

Environment

play sound

Nonprofits, businesses, organizers and leaders have signed a letter calling for more climate solutions in Arizona and around the country. They claim …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021