Evidence (Please add your own & contribute + comment!!)

Hiya! My name is Soup and I'm in 10th grade! My friend and I recently went to Stew Leonard’s hoping for a fun, lighthearted day, but as soon as we got there, we could tell something was wrong. The animals looked miserable. Their pens were small, dry, and lacked care. They didn’t even have access to fresh water or proper shelter. It wasn’t the cheerful experience we expected — it was honestly heartbreaking. We left feeling disturbed and couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it was to keep them in those conditions, which is why we knew we had to speak up.

Stew Leonard’s is a popular grocery store with a small petting zoo in Danbury, CT. But right now, the animals there are living in cramped, dirty, and stressful conditions that don’t meet basic welfare standards — and are literally illegal. We checked.

These are living, feeling creatures who deserve care, space, and clean conditions — not to be kept in unsanitary enclosures just for entertainment. The current situation not only causes suffering but also puts public health at risk, especially for young kids who visit the zoo frequently. Families go to see animals, not to witness neglect.

We’re not asking to shut it down forever — just to pause it until it can be cleaned up, renovated, and brought up to humane standards. Fixing this wouldn’t just help the animals — it would make the space better, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone. It’s an opportunity for Stew Leonard’s to do the right thing and come back better than ever.

These animals deserve better, and we can help make that happen together. All it takes is enough of us standing up and saying, “this isn’t okay.” With more attention, more voices, and more support, we can push for real change that improves their lives.

We are spreading the awareness all we can and hopefully this gets recognized soon! This starts with local voices but grows stronger when the community steps up together.

Sign to support a safer, kinder space for them! It's super quick and helps out a ton. Even one signature brings us closer to making a real difference.

[Contact Jessouphawk11@gmail.com for inquiries]