JWOOD (b) (6), (b) (7)(C) Inspection Report Wild Animal Park... · poor condition, debility,...

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD

United States Department of AgricultureAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service

2016

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:

Site:WILSON'S WILD ANIMAL PARK

Date

Type

WILSONS WILD ANIMAL PARK

2016

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 016

GLORIA S MCFADDEN, D V M USDA, APHIS, Animal Care

VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER Inspector 1048Title:

Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

of 117-01397_000001

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)


Customer:Inspection Date:

247716

Animal Inspected at Last Inspection

Cust No Cert No Site Site Name Inspection

2477 52-C-0038 001 16WILSONS WILD ANIMAL PARK

Count Species

Total

17-01397_000002

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C) (b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD


2015

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:


Date:

Type:


2015

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 2015



Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

Page 1 of 217-01397_000003

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C) (b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD


2015

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 2015



Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

Page 2 of 217-01397_000004

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)



247715




Count Species

Total

17-01397_000005

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)



247717




Count Species

Total

17-01397_000007

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C) (b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

17-01397_000012

17-01397_000015

17-01397_000016

17-01397_000017

Customer: 2477Inspection Date: 16

Animals Inspected at Last Inspection



SpeciesCount

2477 52-C-0038 001 WILSON'S WILD ANIMAL PARK 16

Site Total

17-01397_000019

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD


2016

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:


Date

Type


2016

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 016



Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

Page 1 of 117-01397_000029

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)



247716




Count Species

Total

17-01397_000030

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

USDA, APHIS, Animal CareANIMAL WELFARE COMPLAINT

Complaint No. AC16-184

Date Entered 10-Dec-15

Received By JLH

Referred To Magid

Reply Due 11-Jan-15

Facility or Person Complaint Filed AgainstName WILSONS WILD ANIMAL PARK

Customer/License/Registration No. 52-C-0038 / 2477

Address 985 W PARKINS MILL ROADCity WINCHESTER

State VA

Zip 22602

Phone No 540-662-5715

ComplainantName Deborah Metzler, M.S.

Organization PETA

Address

City State Zip Phone No./Email address [email protected]

How was complaint received? Email

Details of Complaint: SEE ATTACHED

Results:

Application packet provided? Yes No

INSPECTOR DATE

REVIEWED BY DATE

17-01397_000031

From: Harrington, Justin L - APHISTo: "[email protected]"Subject: USDA APHIS ANIMAL CARE - Animal Welfare Complaint SubmissionDate: Thursday, December 10, 2015 10:15:00 AM

December 10, 2015

Deborah Metzler, [email protected]

Dear Complainant:

Thank you for your correspondence November 20, 2015 concerning WILSONS WILD ANIMAL PARK. Your concern has been issued number AC16-184. If you wish to know the results of our findings, you must send a request, in writing, to our Freedom of Information Act office. Depending on the circumstances of the situation, please allow us enough time (30 to 60 days) to thoroughly look into your concerns.

FOIA requests can be submitted three ways--1. Email: [email protected]. Fax: 301-734-59413. US Mail: USDA, APHIS, FOIA

4700 River Road, Unit 50 Riverdale, MD 20723

Animal Care is the division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is responsible for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The Act provides minimum standards for the humane care and use of animals at USDA licensed or registered facilities.

Animal Care inspectors conduct routine unannounced inspections at all USDA licensed and registered facilities to ensure that they are meeting or exceeding these minimum standards. Our inspectors also conduct searches for unlicensed facilities conducting regulated activities. We perform inspections and searches when necessary in response to valid concerns and complaints received from the public to ensure the well-being of the animals and compliance with the law. If violations are found, enforcement action appropriate for the circumstances will be initiated.

Please be assured that we will look into your concerns and take appropriate action if necessary.

Thank you for your interest in the welfare of these animals.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Goldentyer, DVMDirector, Animal Welfare OperationsUSDA APHIS Animal Care

From: Deborah Metzler [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 3:09 PMTo: [email protected]; ACEASTSubject: Request to Investigate Wilson's Wild Animal Park, Lic. No. 52-C-0038

Dear Dr. Goldentyer,

17-01397_000032

Please see the attached request for investigation of Wilson’s Wild Animal Park (license number 52-C-0038), sent on behalf of PETA. The corresponding DVD is being shipped via UPS. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Have a great weekend,Debbie

Debbie Metzler, MSCaptive Wildlife SpecialistCaptive Animal Law EnforcementPETA Foundation509-859-6079

17-01397_000033

November 20, 2015

Elizabeth Goldentyer, D.V.M.

Director, Animal Welfare Operations

USDA/APHIS/AC Eastern Region

920 Main Campus Dr., Ste. 200

Raleigh, NC 27606

Via UPS and e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Re: Request for Investigation of Apparent Animal Welfare Act Violations at

Wilson's Wild Animal Park (License No. 52-C-0038)

Dear Dr. Goldentyer,

I am writing on behalf of PETA to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA) promptly investigate Wilson's Wild Animal Park (WWAP; license

number 52-C-0038), for the following apparent violations of the Animal Welfare

Act (AWA), detailed in the attached appendix, which were documented by a

concerned citizen who visited the facility on October 30:

A lioness was limping and in apparent need of veterinary evaluation and

treatment. See Video 1.

Two bears were confined to a barren concrete enclosure. One of the bears had

worn pads on his or her paws. Bears can develop serious joint problems if they

are not provided with an appropriate substrate. See Photos 1–3.

The pig pen had exposed wire fence on the ground, which puts the animals at

risk of injury. See Photo 4.

A spider monkey was kept in solitary confinement, which can lead to severe

psychological trauma for this highly social species. See Photo 5.

Tigers were pacing, indicating that the space they are provided with does not

adequately meet their species-specific needs. See Video 2 and Video 3.

Inadequate drainage was documented in the tiger enclosure. This is an

apparent ongoing problem at WWAP. See Video 2 and Photo 6.

Please ensure that all animals at WWAP are provided with adequate veterinary

care, shelter, food, and water and are otherwise handled in accordance with the

AWA. Please also hold the facility fully accountable for any violations that you

discover during your investigation.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please inform me of the

complaint number that your agency assigns to this correspondence.

Very truly yours,

Deborah Metzler, M.S.

Wildlife Specialist, Captive Animal Law Enforcement

509-859-6079 | [email protected]

17-01397_000034

Appendix

a. Lame Lioness in Apparent Need of Veterinary Attention

The witness reported seeing an African lioness who walked with a slight limp (see Video 1). Please

immediately inspect this animal, including her veterinary records, and ensure that she is receiving

adequate veterinary care pursuant to 9 C.F.R. § 2.40.

b. Bears Confined to Small Concrete Enclosure

Two bears were confined to a small, barren concrete enclosure (see Photos 1 and 2). Inadequate

substrate can predispose the animals to early-onset osteoarthritis and foot injuries—indeed, one of the

bears appears to have significant wear to his or her foot pads of the hind limbs (see Photo 3). Wearing

can predispose bears to painful blisters and ulcers, and these animals should be provided with

appropriate natural substrate to ensure and maintain proper footpad musculoskeletal health.

Recognizing the health risks inherent in confining bears entirely on concrete substrate, a July 20 USDA

inspection report of Pymatuning Deer Park (license no. 23-C-0019) stated that:

Black bears normally engage in postural behaviors of swimming, climbing, and digging.

These bears have no ability to express these behaviors in this enclosure. The female is

showing signs of debility consistent with being housed exclusively on concrete. … This

enclosure needs to be addressed and maintained to provide the opportunity for the bears

to engage in species appropriate behavior.1

The enclosure in which these bears are confined does not provide them with opportunities for the normal

postural behavior of swimming, climbing, and digging, in apparent violation of 9 C.F.R. § 3.128,

requiring that "[e]nclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to

allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement.

Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or

abnormal behavior patterns" (emphasis added). § 2.131(d)(1) states that "[a]nimals shall be exhibited

only for periods of time and under conditions consistent with their good health and well-being."

Please also inspect both bears and their veterinary records and ensure that they are receiving adequate

veterinary care, pursuant to 9 C.F.R. § 2.40.

c. Pig Pen With Hazardous Wire Fence on the Ground

The witness observed and documented a section of wire fence on the ground of the pig enclosure (see

Photo 4). This is a hazard that puts these pigs at risk of injury, in apparent violation of 9 C.F.R. §

3.125(a) (requiring that "[t]he facility must be constructed of such material and of such strength as

appropriate for the animals involved … and shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals

from injury") and also § 3.131(c) (requiring that facilities "shall be kept clean and in good repair in order

to protect the animals from injury and to facilitate the prescribed husbandry practices set forth in this

subpart"). Furthermore, the wire on the ground prevents the pigs from rutting in the dirt, which is part of

their natural repertoire of behavior and should be considered a basic welfare need, in apparent violation

of 9 C.F.R. § 3.128.

d. Spider Monkey Kept in Solitary Confinement

The witness observed a spider monkey who was confined in isolation (see Photo 5). Monkeys have

complex physical, social, and psychological needs. In the wild, spider monkeys live in complex fission-

1See USDA Inspection Report, Pymatuning Deer Park, license number 23-C-0019, July 20, 2015. 17-01397_000035

fusion groups of up to 40 individuals. Without this necessary interaction with others of their kind,

monkeys are afflicted with loneliness, boredom, and depression.

Confining primates in isolation violates 9 C.F.R. § 3.81, which states that exhibitors "must develop,

document, and follow an appropriate plan for environment enhancement adequate to promote the

psychological well-being of nonhuman primates," and § 3.81(a), which requires that "[t]he environment

enhancement plan must include specific provisions to address the social needs of nonhuman primates of

species known to exist in social groups in nature."

WWAP has been cited previously for its failure to implement an environmental enhancement plan for

this solitary spider monkey in violation of 9 C.F.R. § 3.81 and failure to comply with Id. § 3.81(c)(4),

which requires that special considerations be made for "[i]ndividually housed nonhuman primates [who]

are unable to see and hear nonhuman primates of their own or compatible species." These are repeat

violations that WWAP received on August 12, 2014,2 and May 8, 2015,

3 and they remain apparently

uncorrected.

WWAP has continued to hold this spider monkey in isolation with no apparent justification. Pursuant to

9 C.F.R. § 3.81(e)(1), this type of exemption from the environment enhancement plan "must be

reviewed at least every 30 days by the attending veterinarian."

e. Tigers Showing Signs of Psychological Distress

The witness observed and documented that tigers were pacing (see Video 2 and Video 3). The repetitive

stereotypical movements of these animals indicate psychological distress. Abnormal pacing behavior is

likely caused by a lack of sensory stimulation and suggests poor welfare and suffering.4 This behavior is

a sign that WWAP is exhibiting these tigers in apparent violation of 9 C.F.R. § 2.131(d)(1) and is likely

not providing them with sufficient space, in apparent violation of 9 C.F.R. § 3.128. Wild carnivores are

naturally far-ranging animals, and their stereotypic pacing—an "abnormal behavior pattern"—is a sign

of stress.

As you investigate these apparent violations, please also inspect these tigers and their veterinary records

and ensure that they are receiving adequate veterinary care, pursuant to 9 C.F.R. § 2.40.

f. Apparently Ongoing Inadequate Drainage in Tiger Enclosure

The witness observed and documented standing water and muddy conditions in the tiger enclosure (see

Video 2 referenced above and Photo 6). These conditions appear to suggest longstanding drainage

problems, in apparent violation of 9 C.F.R. § 3.127(c), which requires that "[a] suitable method shall be

provided to rapidly eliminate excess water."

This is a persistent problem at WWAP, as it was cited on July 9, 2015,5 for failure to prevent excessively

muddy conditions and standing water in the tiger enclosure. The inspector stated, "[m]easures must be

taken to prevent the settling of an excessive amount of water. Additionally, a method to rapidly remove

excess water from the enclosure must be established and maintained … [c]orrect by July 30, 2015." This

issue remains apparently uncorrected.

2See USDA Inspection Report, Wilson's Wild Animal Park, license number 52-C-0038, August 12, 2014. 3See USDA Inspection Report, Wilson's Wild Animal Park, license number 52-C-0038, May 8, 2015. 4R.R. Swaisgood and D.J. Shepherdson, Scientific Approaches to Enrichment and Stereotypies in Zoo Animals: What's Been

Done and Where Should We Go Next? Zoo Biology 24, 499–518, 2005. 5See USDA Inspection Report, Wilson's Wild Animal Park, license number 52-C-0038, July 9, 2015. 17-01397_000036

Wilson's Wild Animal Park

License No. 52-C-0038

Winchester, Virginia

October 30, 2015

Photograph 1: Small and barren bear enclosure with concrete substrate

17-01397_000037

Photograph 2: Full view of the bear enclosure

17-01397_000038

Photograph 3: Close-up of one of the bear's worn foot pads on his or her hind legs

17-01397_000039

Photograph 4: Exposed wire in the pig pen

17-01397_000040

Photograph 5: Spider monkey in solitary confinement

17-01397_000041

Photograph 6: Standing muddy water in the right corner of the tiger enclosure

17-01397_000042





SpeciesCount


Site Total

17-01397_000045

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD


2015

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:


Date:

Type:


2015

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 2015



Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

Page 1 of 217-01397_000058

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idJWOOD


2015

KEITH WILSON

OWNER 2015



Prepared By: _______________________________________________Date:

Received By: _______________________________________________Date:

Title:

Page 2 of 217-01397_000059

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)



247715




Count Species

Total

17-01397_000060

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idGMCFADDEN


2015

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:


Date:

Type: INSPECTION

Wilsons Wild Animal Park

An exit briefing was conducted with the owner.

2015

USDA, APHIS, Animal Care

Prepared By

VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICERTitle:

Title:

GLORIA S MCFADDEN, D V M

KEITH WILSON

OWNER

20151048

Received By:

Date:

Page 1 of

Date:

Inspector

117-01397_000061

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)





SpeciesCount


Site Total

17-01397_000062

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b





SpeciesCount


Site Total

17-01397_000072

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idGMCFADDEN


2014

2477

52-C-0038

001

Customer ID:

Certificate:


Date

Type: INSPECTION

Wilsons Wild Animal Park

2014


Prepared By:


Title:


KEITH WILSON

OWNER

20141048

Received By:

Date:

Page 1 of

Date:

Inspector

317-01397_000076

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_id220140955190850GMCFADDEN


2014


Prepared By:


Title:


KEITH WILSON

OWNER

20141048

Received By:

Date:

Page 2 of

Date:

Inspector

317-01397_000077

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

Inspection Report

insp_idGMCFADDEN


The exit briefing was conducted with the owner.

2014


Prepared By:


Title:


KEITH WILSON

OWNER

20141048

Received By:

Date:

Page 3 of

Date:

Inspector

317-01397_000078

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)





Species Count


Site Total

17-01397_000079

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)





SpeciesCount


Site Total

17-01397_000088

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

(b) (6), (b) (7)(C)

17-01397_000095

JWOOD (b) (6), (b) (7)(C) Inspection Report Wild Animal Park... · poor condition, debility,...

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