Yet Another Roadside Zoo Suspected Of Widespread Mistreatment Of Animals

Another day, another shoddy roadside zoo suspected of mistreating animals that should have never been there in the first place.

Today’s zoo in question is Maple Lane Wildlife Park which is located in Topeka, Indiana, and owned by Lavern Yoder.

According to its website, Maple Lane Wildlife Farm is a “family-friendly, interactive environment for animal lovers of all ages.”

Sounds nice.

But it is anything but…

Today, armed with damning video footage taken at the farm, PETA fired off a complaint to the USDA requesting that the department investigate the tawdry zoo for multiple animal welfare concerns.

A bear displaying extreme difficulty walking, a tiger with an ulcerated lesion, and numerous animals with little to no protection from the scorching summer heat were all caught on camera.

A PETA Foundation wildlife veterinarian also documented a long-tailed macaque who was biting himself and a leopard who was pacing incessantly; both signs of psychological and emotional distress.

A capuchin monkey used for visitor photo ops was noticed biting and hitting himself within the small confine of a birdcage.

confined to cramped corn crib cages with concrete flooring, allowing almost no opportunity for exercise; animals without appropriate shelter or any at all; and birds confined to tiny cages with mesh flooring and no way to perch.

“There is clear evidence of chronic, long-standing suffering and neglect at Maple Lane Wildlife Farm roadside zoo,” says PETA Foundation Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “PETA is calling on both local and federal authorities to ensure that these animals receive the care that they need and are entitled to by law.”

PETA reportedly wants to work with the owners of Maple Lane to transfer the bear and tigers to a reputable sanctuary.

In 2011, the USDA issued two official warnings to Maple Lane for numerous violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Violations since then have included failure to provide adequate veterinary care, properly clean animal enclosures, maintain safe shelters for the animals and more.

How many more warnings are needed to make others understand what is clearly not-acceptable treatment of animals?

Worse, how many more animals must suffer endlessly while confined in cages when they should instead be roaming free in the wild or at the very least a reputable sanctuary where they can be treated with the love, care and respect they deserve?

WAN does not promote or encourage any activities that exploit animals for entertainment purposes or profit!