I reported Como Zoo on PETAs website and they wrote a very helpful email back. I plan to take all of these steps. 

Thanks for contacting us about Como Park Zoo. Your concerns are justified; conditions for animals at these types of exhibits are often unimaginably horrid. Our office receives hundreds of complaints about zoos and roadside displays every year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses animal exhibitors and enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA sets forth only minimum requirements for animal care, and for the most part, only addresses basic husbandry issues. For example, according to the AWA, animals must be fed, watered, and sheltered, yet space requirements only mandate that the animals be able to make “normal postural changes” (i.e. allow them enough room to stand up, lie down, and turn around). The cages at Como Park are within regulation. There is no requirement for grass, greenery or other natural vegetation. Some species, including horses, ponies, reptiles,  fish, birds, and other cold-blooded animals are afforded noprotection.  This outfit’s last two inspections (copies attached) were “clean.” You can see what we’re up against.

We hope you will put your concerns into action! Caring people like you are workOmg to make a difference for animals in zoos all over the country.

There are a number of important steps you can take to get started:

1. Write to the zoo’s president and board of directors explaining that the conditions you saw are unacceptable and ask that the zoo significantly renovate, add enrichment and stop adding any more animals. 

2. Write to the chamber of commerce and the department of tourism. Tell them that you are appalled at the conditions at the zoo and that it reflects poorly on the community. Point out that the poor living conditions for animals make the zoo unworthy of promotion.

3. Contact St. Paul's mayor and city council. Tell them that the zoo is a disgrace and leaves visitors feeling awful for having visited. Ask them to take a more hands-on approach to what is going on at the zoo and to not assume that “all is well.” 

4. Spread the word! Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper detailing what you saw and encourage readers to stop patronizing any place that uses or displays animals. This is an excellent way to educate countless readers about the grim life for animals in captivity. Review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp! are also great ways to reach a lot of people, as is your Facebook page if you have one.

5. Please do not go back to the Como Park Zoo or to any other animal display, anywhere.  As long as people continue to buy a visit or make a donation, these displays will continue to exist and the animals will continue to suffer. It really is that simple. Talk to family, friends and co-workers, especially those with small children who may be inclined to go.  Explain to them that every visit is directly contributing to the animals’ miserable lives

6. If you live nearby, please consider holding periodic demonstrations outside the zoo, after this crisis is over. We can help.

Sincerely,

Jennifer O'Connor

Animals in Entertainment Campaign Writer

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