Sarasota big cat habitat calls PETA animal safety allegations 'absurd'
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary received warnings over animal conditions and an interaction between a man and a 6-month-old black jaguar.
A representative from PETA said they tipped the USDA about the incident, following an Instagram post from the man. Photos show him touching the jaguar without any barriers in place, which is now illegal following the Dec. 6 passing of the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
The legislation was pushed by Tampa Big Cat Rescue CEO Carole Baskin, known from Netflix’s “Tiger King” show. The law restricts direct contact between the public and big cats, but the incident with the guest happened in April, months before the legislation outlawed contact.
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“Big Cat Habitat put a visitor at risk by allowing him to enter a jaguar’s cage,” said PETA foundation director of captive animal welfare Debbie Metzler. “Now that big cat encounters are illegal, the facility should send these suffering animals to reputable sanctuaries.”
Big Cat Habitat Vice President Clayton Rosaire said that the organization never allowed visitors to interact with big cats in the habitat's history. He said the only reason the visitor was able to get up close with the jaguar was that he was a USDA license holder and has owned his own big cats.
"It's absolutely absurd to go by anything PETA says because they're false on all their statements, and this was the only thing that PETA could find to try to use against us," Rosaire said.
On Nov. 28, the zoo received one critical and two non-critical warnings from the USDA. The critical warning referenced the April incident, where a man was allowed to enter an enclosure to interact with a 6-month-old black jaguar.
The citation said that animals must be handled with enough distance and barriers to avoid the risk of harm to the public and to the animals.
“At approximately 12 weeks of age, dangerous animals, such as tigers, lions, bears, and wolves become too big, too fast, and too strong to be used in public contact,” the warning said.
Two non-critical warnings were also filed on Nov. 28. One of them called for “environment enhancement to promote psychological well-being” for squirrel monkeys at the facility.
“At the time of inspection, the documented program of environmental enhancement for non-human primates to was inadequate,” the warning said.
The second non-critical warning referenced a need for a clean water supply to adult timer wolves. The water receptacle was coated with green-brown slimy material, while mosquito larva was seen swimming in the water, the citation said.
“Drinking contaminated water can lead to disease and illness or may cause the animals to stop drinking water leading to dehydration,” the citation said.
Rosaire said that the water wasn't used for drinking water but for the animals to play in. He said that they have an automatic water dispenser as well.
On Nov. 29, the zoo passed its re-license inspection.
Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire and her family, the zoo hosts over 150 exotic and domestic animals from tigers, goats, camels, jaguars and more.
Since 2014, the zoo has had four non-critical warnings, one critical warning, and three “teachable moments”, according to a USDA inspection report search.
PETA has long criticized the zoo and has alleged that the organization exploits animals in circus shows and fails to provide proper living spaces for them.
Rosaire, a ninth-generation animal worker in his family, said those that are quick to criticize don't have the full scope of the care they provide for the animals.
"It's really messed up," Rosaire said. "We work every day out here feeding animals and taking care of them. People are so willing to attack, but none of those people are willing to come do chores."
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Big cat habitat gets warning after man interacts with 6-month jaguar
