I didn't think Pittsburgh would count since they chose to leave, and it's also been six years. If there no better options that might be it though.
Safari West Safari West News
- Thread starter snowleopard
- Start date
I do think that @Great Argus is right as to it being Pittsburg whom the AZA press release is referring to when speaking of the 10 who failed the process. You’re correct that they did choose to leave due to their elephant protective contact policies with keepers. But now that they are in breach of contract with the city, they are in dire need to be accredited by the AZA again.
A new USDA inspection was posted yesterday, conducted Sept 15th. It revealed that in May, two striped hyenas broke through a gate and attacked a third, which died three days later, after poor vet care.
"3.125(a) Critical
Facilities, general.
On 5/7/2021 the facility found that overnight two striped hyenas had broken the welds on gates in their enclosure, gaining access to a third striped hyena. The third hyena was visually assessed by the veterinarian, who believed further treatment was not necessary, as only a few superficial lacerations were visible and the animal's demeanor was not abnormal. Unfortunately the animal died three days later, and necropsy showed extensive deep tissue damage. "
"3.125(a) Critical
Facilities, general.
On 5/7/2021 the facility found that overnight two striped hyenas had broken the welds on gates in their enclosure, gaining access to a third striped hyena. The third hyena was visually assessed by the veterinarian, who believed further treatment was not necessary, as only a few superficial lacerations were visible and the animal's demeanor was not abnormal. Unfortunately the animal died three days later, and necropsy showed extensive deep tissue damage. "
Well that definitely explains the accreditation denial. There's multiple serious problems in that short listing.
That sounds like gross negligence on behalf of the veterinarian. How can the vet assume they were superficial lacerations without exploring the injuries to check for any pocketing and/or depth to the wounds? Yes I would assume the hyena would’ve needed sedation as they are painful and it’s not going to take well to exploring of wounds, but to make that kind of assessment is nothing short of bull excrement. That vet needs to be brought to the VMB if Safari West wants to make their claim that they didn’t have control over the outcome of the hyena and solely went off the diagnosis of the DVM.
arloisbad
Member
i know why they lost their accreditation and its because they bring their cheetahs to the same place i bring my dogs. i was wondering why they would lost it when they are a very good zoo and animals have great care and plenty of space for animals also i don't think they update their animals or trade that much i have grown up going there and they have always had the same animals . anyways them losing accreditation doesn't mean you shouldn't go there.
Hey there, I see you’re new to Zoochat so welcome to the club! I wouldn’t say that’s the sole reason as to why they lost it. The inspection was done by independent zoo experts and it was then assessed by the AZA that they couldn’t be accredited again due to the violations found with their veterinary care. I am not too familiar about all of California’s veterinary standards or policies but have worked in the field for more than a decade as a technician.
I’ve seen wild animals, albeit few, come into the practices I’ve worked at and certainly aren’t ones that are allowed as pets by the state of California. We’ve treated them and sent off to proper wildlife rehabilitation centers that are willing to take them. There was never any concern about whether or not to treat if we are able to, it’s our duty as veterinary professionals to be advocates for our patients.
Lastly, the USDA report published last year seems to coincide along with the issues seen regarding veterinary care of their animals.
What do you mean, what sort of place?
Their reasons for losing accreditation have been well documented. Animals were not receiving proper vet care after injuries, they were not fixing fencing and doing enough to prevent their animals from being attacked, etc. Zoos do not have to rotate their animals or species at all if they don't want to; sometimes it's best to stick with what you know.
leo811
Well-Known Member
The Predator issue in San Francisco that resulted in the death of one Red Kangaroo and two Wallaroos, in my opinion is the fault of Zoo mismanagement. The Zoo gave these Animals outside access at night, which is unnecessary to begin with. The Walkabout enclosure borders Sloat Blvd at the Northwest side, close to the suspected route taken by Mountain Lions moving north from San Bruno. Mtn Lion sightings are not new. Additionally the perimeter fencing has Coyote dig holes. No Animals, let alone ones kept at perimeter locations should be given night access to enclosures. In my opinion the failed to protect these poor souls under their care, and left them vulnerable to the horror they experienced.
SF did not have a full-time Vet for two months a few years back. Somehow that fail among others didn't figure into the AZA inspection. They were just re-accredited.
SF did not have a full-time Vet for two months a few years back. Somehow that fail among others didn't figure into the AZA inspection. They were just re-accredited.
arloisbad
Member
ya but safari west had predators entering but not attacking and they lost accreditation honestly the aza can be so annoying sometimes
Safari West lost almost all of their gazelle herd (forget which species) to predators over the course of several different events, so I don’t know what you are talking about. If u are curious look at the USDA reports. Its shows the lack of remedy by Safari West was negligent.
Safari West most certainly had predators attacking and killing. They had multiple USDA citations over several years about the fencing, and they never fixed it. They made no effort to improve the safety of their facility. There was also the issue with the hyenas.
AZA is far from annoying. They want the animals to be safe and cared for. Safari West routinely wasn't even meeting USDA's requirements, which are much lower than AZA's.
This is the hyena incident, taken from a USDA report:
"On 5/7/2021 the facility found that overnight two striped hyenas had broken the welds on gates in their enclosure, gaining access to a third striped hyena. The third hyena was visually assessed by the veterinarian, who believed further treatment was not necessary, as only a few superficial lacerations were visible and the animal's demeanor was not abnormal. Unfortunately the animal died three days later, and necropsy showed extensive deep tissue damage."
"On 5/7/2021 the facility found that overnight two striped hyenas had broken the welds on gates in their enclosure, gaining access to a third striped hyena. The third hyena was visually assessed by the veterinarian, who believed further treatment was not necessary, as only a few superficial lacerations were visible and the animal's demeanor was not abnormal. Unfortunately the animal died three days later, and necropsy showed extensive deep tissue damage."
troutaddict
Member
It's sad because I really want to like Safari West. I live ten minutes away, but from what I'm hearing it really just sounds like they're running a private pet collection at times. Was going to apply for an internship there but I'm having second thoughts.
troutaddict
Member
do you have a link to the USA report? I'd like to read it out of curiosity.
USDA. Go here: APHIS Public Search Tool
And put Santa Rosa for the City, then CA for the state. It'll be the second result, the one that says "active". Click on "query inspection reports" and it'll give you all the reports under that name.
troutaddict
Member
thanks!
arloisbad
Member
same i grew up going there and i know a lot of their animals are well cared for but what happened was easily preventable and they should be held accountable