Profit-hungry roadside zoo to blame for zebra’s injuries
January 1st, 2008 by admin
Monday morning, a zebra got loose from a trailer and crossed four lanes of U.S. 41 before being captured about an hour later in a residential neighborhood in North Fort Myers.
The zebra was on her way from the petting zoo at North Fort Myers’ Shell Factory to North Carolina where she was to be bred. According to Charlotte County Animal Control, who helped capture the zebra, she suffered injuries to her legs and mouth during the ordeal.
The Shell Factory’s two zebras were purchased as babies from exotic animal breeders; the young zebras are promoted on the Shell Factory website as its “star attraction.” Apparently, they are now hoping for another cute baby animal to draw crowds. Shell Factory CEO Nancy Mitchell told a local newspaper that the ill-fated trip to North Carolina would go ahead.
The Shell Factory’s quest for profits is the only reason for the injuries suffered by the zebra.
Please contact the Shell Factory and urge them not to transport the zebra to North Carolina. Breeding and purchasing exotic animals perpetuates a cruel industry.
Contact:
Nancy Mitchell, CEO
Shell Factory and Nature Park
Phone: (239) 995-2141
Online comment form.