By AISLYNN PATRICK

Wisconsin is one of five states, along with Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina, with almost no laws regulating the ownership of exotic animals. There is no precise definition for an ‘exotic’ animal, but generally an animal is considered exotic if it is a species that can survive in the wild, or it is non-native to a specific region/continent. Hedgehogs, for example, are not native to the US and therefore are considered exotic, hence the reason owning a hedgehog is illegal in some states. But exotic animals also include dangerous species like lions, tigers, bears, wolves, foxes, bison, and numerous others that do not thrive in captivity. 

There are some federal laws that regulate the breeding, sale, transportation, and exhibition of wild animals, but there are simply not enough inspectors to monitor these activities. Additionally, such laws exclude individuals, who are exempt from these federal regulations by simply owning exotic animals as pets (i.e. not using them for the commercial purposes listed above). Regulations are also fragmented across states, which frequently allows repeat offenders to evade law enforcement. 

Among the wildlife organizations required to have permits from the US Department of Agriculture are roadside zoos and petting farms, which are the primary focus of this article. Senate bill 126 pertains almost exclusively to warm-blooded exotic animals (reptiles and birds are not regulated by the USDA). So, what is the proposed bill?

This week, senate bill 126 was introduced at a public hearing by three Republican Senators to the Wisconsin State legislature. Its intention is to expand the definition of “public zoos and aquariums” to include those that are accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). So…what does this mean?

On the surface, this bill might seem insignificant, but the implications are disastrous. Currently, wild and exotic animal collectors in Wisconsin who use their animals for commercial purposes are mandated to be certified by the American Zoological Association (AZA) and are documented by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This means that authorities can inspect these facilities to ensure animal welfare standards are met and the public remains safe.

But under senate bill 126, said commercial operators would be exempt from DNR inspections and regulations. The only requirement would be reporting to the ZAA, whose standards are far more lax than the AZA, particularly concerning visitor interactions with animals. The ZAA also permits the commercial trade of captive-bred exotic animals. 

The bill is short, stating simply that it will “expand the definition of public zoos and aquariums to include those that are accredited by the Zoological Association of America (AZA).”

One of the bill’s fiercest critics is Freeland, an international US government-supported organization that aims to combat both human and wildlife trafficking. Freeland’s founder, Steve Galster, is a strong advocate for stricter regulations around wildlife ownership and fears that Wisconsin could become a new hub for wildlife traffickers.

In response to this bill, Galster pleaded with lawmakers to reconsider, arguing that roadside zoos endanger the public and line the pockets of a select few. “These facilities do not serve the public interest,” Galster commented. “They do not educate people about wildlife, and they do not contribute to conservation. They send the wrong message to children that it’s ok to pet wildlife, and that endangered species can be saved by breeding them. This is reprehensible, Tiger King-like entertainment at its worst.”

The implications of this bill go beyond the treatment of animals. If passed, regulating zoos and aquariums would be significantly more challenging and would increase the risk of disease being passed to people and livestock. 

In 2020, zebras that were transported from South Africa to Asia brought with them African Horse Sickness (AHS) which spread quickly and was fatal to 90% of the infected horses. COVID-19 was also transmitted by wild animals, likely bats or raccoons. Bone diseases and swine flu are often caused by interaction between domestic and wild animals, and it devastates farmers. Sadly, these are some of the most common animals found in zoos and wildlife parks today. 

Prairie dogs were imported to Wisconsin years ago and brought monkeypox with them. It is now illegal to import prairie dogs to Wisconsin for this reason, but zoo inspectors cannot discern whether the animals were captive-bred or smuggled in. Any zoo that is exempt from these inspections can launder poached or smuggled wildlife–and they do.

In his closing statement, Galster contended that streamlining business operations is not worth the risks that this bill proposes, adding “this is one business that will not benefit people through relaxed regulations.”

Roadside zoos are unethical and dangerous to humans and wildlife. As someone who loves animals and takes every opportunity to observe them, I understand the desire to be as close as possible. But taking a selfie with a tiger is not worth the abuse and neglect the animal likely endures on a daily basis. Exotic animals belong in the wild, or, when necessary, in clean facilities that are responsible enough to care for them. 

We must commit to treating animals with the respect they deserve. Encountering animals in the wild is an incredibly rewarding experience. When observed from a sensible distance, we can still experience the beauty of wildlife while preserving the integrity of nature. And, when wildlife remains wild, both people and animals are safer.

Featured Image: A female bison making eye contact with Patrick at Badlands National Park in SD. Taken from her car, which was parked a respectful distance away! Wild animals are tolerant of people when they respect their space.