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Exotic Incident #2479

Incident Date:
02/01/2010
Location:
Calhan, CO - USA
Facility Name:
Serenity Springs Wildlife Center
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Leopard
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

According to a citation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, zoo owner Nick Sculac failed to obtain veterinary care for a female leopard in obvious distress. He stated that the leopard was giving birth. After she was found dead an hour later, Sculac left her body overnight in the enclosure she shared with a male leopard. In the morning, the male leopard was found on top of the female, vocalizing and in distress. Sculac administered tranquilizers to the male and used a noose around his neck to remove him from on top of the female. Sculac then injected the male with a reversal drug and removed the noose. The male leopard appeared to have trouble breathing and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. He was discovered dead the following morning.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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