MIAMI — Federal wildlife inspectors cited the Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami for multiple Animal Welfare Act violations following incidents in January 2024 that resulted in a clouded leopard amputation and a capybara death. A U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection on March 30 documented dilapidated, insecure, or unsafe housing conditions, filthy cages, and food and water contaminated with algae and dead insects.

An endangered clouded leopard underwent amputation of its entire left leg after being attacked by a male clouded leopard during a breeding attempt at the facility in January. On the same day, a female capybara died in an enclosure shared with a male capybara; the facility owner stated he was “100% certain that the male killed the female while trying to mate with her.” Danisha Bullock, a veterinary medical officer with the USDA, cited both incidents as critical violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, which requires that animals housed together must be compatible and not interfere with each other’s health.

The USDA ordered the Zoological Wildlife Foundation to immediately and permanently separate incompatible animals. The facility received a prior critical citation in July 2021 after a lion cub over 16 weeks old bit a child.

"The facility chases profits at the expense of animal welfare, and animals are paying with their lives and limbs at this hideous roadside zoo," said Klayton Rutherford, director of captive wildlife advocacy at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "There’s no way to run a business like this in an ethical manner that gives the animals what they need to thrive," he said.

The Zoological Wildlife Foundation did not respond to requests for comment. Emails sent to a media contact listed on the facility’s website were returned as undeliverable, and two general email addresses yielded no response. The USDA also did not respond to an inquiry about whether a re-inspection had occurred.