Need to report neglect/abuse of parrots...but to whom?

Question

There is a small, private zoo in my city.  I went to visit last Friday and was appalled at the condition of the birds.  They are being housed in a barn, with one tiny light (about as much light as you would get from a nightlight in a dark room) and covered in blankets b/c there is no heat.  The birds have no light in their cages, no way for their circadian rhythms to normalize, and the diet is nothing but sunflower seeds.  Finally, the barn is filthy and the cages are stacked upon one another.  It's as if this zoo director is more of a hoarder than a director.  However, I've gone to numerous places seeking help and have found none.  USDA, USDA Veterinary Services, Humane Society, Animal rescue groups, Fish and wildlife...even the news.  NO ONE will help.  Please, can someone offer suggestions?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I can't promise anything, but being a zoo employee (not that zoo), I would contact the AZA...which is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that oversees and accredits zoos across the country.  They have regulations on just about every zoo process and manage breeding, transfer of animals, etc. within the accredited zoo system.  
In these conditions and being a small, private zoo, I can pretty much guarantee that they are not accredited by the AZA, as it is optional to apply, but if you contact them and express your concerns, they might be able to point you in the right direction or offer some advice.

The AZA web-site is aza.org and there is a contact us option at the bottom of the page.

The other thing you can do is get the word out about these conditions.  Encourage your community to not visit this place and therefore not support it or what they stand for.  You could even contact local media if you really want to cause a stir and see if they will pick up the story.  Nothing pulls at heart strings like animals and children, and the bad publicity might force them to re-think their care of their animals.

Best of luck and thank you for standing up for animals that cannot stand up for themselves.

tishajan72 · Answer

I would check with the local police department.Then an avian veterinarian and ask him/her where to report this.

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Need to report neglect/abuse of parrots...but to whom?

2 Answers