Huge news! The Animal Legal Defense Fund has submitted complaints to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, urging the agencies to revoke any permits granted to Puerto Rico's zoo (also known as the Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park). The Animal Legal Defense Fund is asking that the Puerto Rican Government confiscate the animals and immediately send all animals to appropriate sanctuaries, due to the Endangered Species Act and animal cruelty violations at the Zoo.

The complaint alleges the zoo is in violation of the Endangered Species Act as well as Puerto Rico’s animal cruelty laws, which mandate animals be provided shelter, safe food, and adequate veterinary care. Multiple sanctuaries have offered to rehome some of the animals. A committee appointed by the Puerto Rican government echoed its support for moving the zoo’s animals to sanctuaries, but no animal has been transferred to date. You can read move details about this legal action from the Animal Legal Defense Fund.