Below is the statement from Amplify Austin: Austin Zoo

"Habitats and areas under construction or to be constructed in 2019:

1. Expansion of three young North American Black Bears' habitat, including a new pool, pedestrian bridge and overhead bear walkway

2. Second classroom for our Education building.

3. Continue working on our on-site veterinary clinic

Zoo Accomplishments:

1. Achieved ZAA Accreditation

2. Introduced Winter Camps through the education department

3. Welcomed 26 new animals this year”

Below is our statement:

Our hope is to be transparent, fill in the gaps and update you on what else has recently happened at the zoo.

•     The North American Black Bear habitat expansion has been a fund-raising point for the last 4 years. During that time, July 30, 2017, an Administration House for offsite offices was purchased. Zoo staff (and board members at the time) argue that money should have been used for improving animal enclosures and finding space onsite for admin staff. The purchase was complete by the time staff or board could announce any concern. Austin Zoo, how much did we spend on the admin house? For how many is it beneficial? Why not use that money to expand the black bear exhibit as told to donors? What animals are in small, unacceptable off-display habitats because we chose to spend money this way instead?
•     Education is important but top priority should be animal welfare. 3 crocodilians spent this winter in covered metal troughs. Alligator snapping turtle, Wesley Snaps, has lived in a trough since 2015. February 2018, Austin Zoo took in 10 turtles (8 box turtles and 2 alligator snapping turtles) from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department without any long-term plan for them. All these animals need proper housing. A rescue zoo should offer a forever home not a sub-par backyard set up. Austin Zoo, how long will reptiles continue to be pushed aside and treated like overstock?  
• Austin Zoo really needs a proper on-site veterinary clinic and a on staff on site veterinarian. In the last 5 months, 4  young animals have passed away. Austin Zoo, please prioritize money to provide proper medical and daily care to the animals.
• “Welcomed 26 new animals this year". Austin Zoo, who are those animals? What are their stories? How many of them died within their first year living at the zoo? Which ones are still off-exhibit in makeshift exhibits?

        In the section discussing “areas under construction” they forgot to add Staff. Since June 2018, 6 zookeepers have been fired. Most recently, 3 zookeepers have been terminated in the last 5 days. 2 zookeepers after their interviews with the Zoo's lawyer and 1 after refusing to be interviewed by the Zoo's lawyer.

        Experienced zookeeper of 9 years, Kris Ledoux, was put on paid suspension January 29th after going on the record for the Austin American Statesman article- “Turmoil At The Austin Zoo: Documenting A Zookeepers Revolt”. Following her suspension, she was told she had to meet with the Zoo’s employment attorney. She was terminated February 24th 2019 for not meeting with the Zoo's lawyer. The official reason is unknown because she has yet to receive any documentation. Ledoux’s presence will be missed at the zoo by animals and staff alike. Momma Ledoux, as some keepers refer to her, is known for her push to have proper winter enclosures and a compassionate end of life protocol. Above is a picture of Ledoux with Annie, the patas monkey, days before she passed away in Momma Ledoux’s arms.