The USDA called this 'acute and suspicious.' A young giraffe and hippo died at the Franklin zoo this year, with no vet records presented for either of them to inspectors. Hundreds of animals were brought in and out of these parks with no records, as reports note. This is noteworthy since Jason Clay was federally indicted in 2022 on charges of illegally trafficking a juvenile chimp.Ģ021 is the year Clay's parks saw a large number of issues at both locations. Inspectors also made records of reports that Clay was offering picture sessions with a baby chimp. In 2019, reports note that Clay began acquiring big cat species at his East Texas park - specifically a Lynx and a Caracal. At the Franklin zoo in May of this year, a kangaroo was found to be very thin and weak. In 2018, Clay first received reports on the East Texas Zoo and Gator Park, and in June of that year the park was found to be fully compliant. Over the years, some USDA visits did find the site to be fully compliant at times. Immediately problems were reported in February and July of 2014: the alleged mishandling of a drugged zebra, the lack of veterinary records on file for animals, no enrichment plans for primates, lack of attendants in petting zoos, and missing records regarding the acquisition or disposition - meaning the intake or moving - of animals. While 003 is not named in the record as Franklin Drive Thru Safari, the Franklin zoo is one of two sites listed on Clay’s license, along with the East Texas zoo (to clarify: Clay was previously licensed with the East Texas Zoo & Gator Park, but current licensure does not appear on the USDA site). Reports begin to show up first in 2014, at a location registered to Clay labeled Site 003. Now, a walk-through wildlife zoo near Canton also historically owned by Jason Clay, is up for sale too through the same company.Įast Texas Zoo & Gator Park and the Franklin Drive Thru Safari have both seen a slew of issues over the years, revealed through 27 USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspection reports. The Franklin Drive Thru Safari is up for sale through the company Texas Ranch Sales, LLC. A portion of the proceeds from the program go towards supporting the work of a giraffe researcher in Africa.FRANKLIN, Texas - Last week KRHD/25 News reported the latest updates on the sale of the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, touching on a federal animal trafficking indictment against the zoo's owner, Jason Clay. Tickets to this special program are $30 per person (in addition to the park entrance fee) and include a one-hour interactive session about giraffes, meeting and feeding Buddy, a Giraffe Ambassador Field Study and Training Journal, a T-shirt, and a certificate. Last, but never least, you’ll meet Buddy, one of the Ranch’s rare twin giraffes who was raised by people and who, therefore, loves interacting with them. This animal science workshop discusses giraffe biology, feeding habits, species interaction in the wild, and how researchers across the world are studying them to help protect their dwindling numbers. Offered monthly (with the first one taking place on Saturday, November 21), The Giraffe Ambassador program, designed for ages 6+, introduces kids and adults to the wonders of giraffes. – Tiffany Soechting, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch The Giraffe Ambassador Program We wanted to see what we could do –in Texas – to change that perception.” We began to really see how this species is in peril in the wild – and how it gets little publicity about their plight compared to other African species. We heard from media around the world and from giraffe researchers, too. The birth of our twin giraffes in 2013 opened up a whole new way of thinking for us. And, this week, the Ranch launches their exclusive Giraffe Ambassador Program! Two years ago, a rare set of giraffe twins, Buddy and Wassawa, were born at the Ranch. But did you know, giraffes have lived at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch for more than 30 years? In fact, since 1984, 21 giraffes have been born there. Giraffes return to the San Antonio Zoo later this week (stay tuned to San Antonio Mom Blogs for more details about this!). It’s a big week for giraffes in San Antonio. Disclosure: My family and I attended a complimentary beta test of the new Giraffe Ambassador program at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
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