Horse pen at Deer Haven Roadside zoo in April 2018 photo/Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
The Deer Haven Roadside Zoo owned by Bradly Gerwig and located in Keymar, Maryland voluntarily relinquished 14 animals to the the Animal Legal Defense Fund after a lawsuit was threatened in April 2018. The animals removed included two lemurs, a bobcat, six arctic foxes, four cavies, and a coatimundi who were transferred to a number of sanctuaries. The unaccredited roadside zoo still has animals remaining on its property.
According to the ALDF, the illegal conditions at the mini zoo included very sick animals, poor sanitation and safety hazards. Several people have been bitten and/or injured by the some of the zoo’s animals according to USDA inspection reports.
I visited the roadside zoo earlier this year. It was closed to the public after threatened with a lawsuit. I took photos and a video of deer and goats on the property. The animals I saw appeared not to be neglected and subsequently haven’t been removed from the property.
horse pen at Deer Haven
photo/Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
The Animal Legal Defense Fund facilitated the transfer of 14 animals to reputable sanctuaries across the country, including Endangered Primate Foundation, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, and Foster Parrots in Rhode Island. A special thanks to Loving Transport and Primate Rescue Center for their assistance with transporting the animals to their new homes.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer, and an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the television show, “A Close Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her tripawd, Brody, who was a formerly abused pup who lost his leg because of cruelty inflicted upon him. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https:www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookatAnimalWelfareIssues and be sure to check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com.
So I guess after A.D.L.F. Sues every petting or roadside zoo out of business they will be satisfied. When a bunch of lawyers go after small petting zoos who they know don’t have money to defend themselves it must make them feel great. Maybe some day lawyers will be extinct and a different system will be put in place for disagreements and grievances.. Hopefully there is a nice roadside place where I can take my kids to show them what a lawyer looks like. Hopefully they can stand the smell.
When I saw this zoo up close earlier this year, the animals I saw weren’t neglected nor appeared abused. I wasn’t able to see the animals they did remove so I can’t speak about them. I had visited another roadside zoo in Lancaster County, PA where one woman claimed they were emaciated and had mange. I took photos and videos of that mini-zoo as well. I saw no abuse, neglect, starvation or emaciation. No mange either. I wondered if we were at the same zoo this woman who started a petition for which she wanted the animals removed.
Two animal control officers visited the place and said the animals were ok. But, it didn’t matter. The animals were removed. I didn’t agree with that decision.
I don’t think all roadside zoos are bad while some are cruel to animals.
I think the words “roadside zoo” is now going to be related to animal cruelty immediately.. I don’t know if it’s the goal of the ALDF to close all mini-zoos or not but I do know we have to be fair.
Thank you!
Wow! A voice of reason . Don’t hear that to often in this day an age. At least you travel to see these places for yourself. I respect you for that!. I am sure the lawyers don’t travel to any of these places.
I’ve seen some roadside zoos that aren’t bad but I’ve also seen some that aren’t good. Those animals needed to be moved. Do you know if this place is still open?
Not all roadside zoos are bad.
I don’t know if this roadside zoo has reopened or has stay closed since all of this has happened. Good question. Will try to find out.
Thanks.