Pymatuning Deer Park in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, has been cited by the federal government for more than a dozen serious animal welfare violations. This roadside zoo has kept visibly sick bears confined to barren concrete pits, offering them no chance to swim, dig, climb, den, or engage in any natural behaviors. These conditions are not just outdated; they are cruel.

According to reports, the violations go beyond the bear enclosures. Pymatuning repeatedly failed to clean up animal waste, failed to maintain a working veterinary care program, and operated without enough trained staff to meet even minimum standards of care.

This kind of neglect should not be tolerated anywhere, let alone at a facility open to the public and marketed as family entertainment.

We are calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to:

• Revoke Pymatuning Deer Park’s license to operate as an exhibitor
• Permanently close the facility due to repeated, documented violations
• Transfer all surviving animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can receive proper care and enrichment

Animals in captivity deserve more than a concrete pit and chronic neglect. It is unacceptable to keep them confined in such conditions while profiting from their suffering. Facilities like Pymatuning Deer Park damage the credibility of legitimate animal care institutions and tarnish Pennsylvania’s reputation.

Enough warnings have been issued. It is time to act.

Sign this petition if you believe Pymatuning Deer Park should be shut down for good, and its animals rescued and relocated to sanctuaries where they can live with dignity.

Photo Credit: PETA