The USDA cited the Jackson Zoo for several issues. See what their latest inspection found
An April 3 inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture found several issues within the Jackson Zoo and revealed an adult male klipspringer, which is a type of antelope, was killed by an adult male Grevy's zebra in March.
"The male klipspringer had been living in the same enclosure as the zebra for approximately 5 years with no signs of incompatibility until March 2024," the inspection report states. "On 3/9/24, the zebra displayed signs of severe aggression after which the animals were separated temporarily. The animals were re-introduced and the death occurred a few days later."
Due to the incident, the zoo had to make sure all animals in the same enclosure were compatible "and that animals are not housed near other animals that interfere with their health or that cause them discomfort."
In total, the zoo received five citations for unsafe housing of animals, improper food storage, separating some animals for safety reasons, unclean enclosures and other sanitary concerns. The inspection was necessary for the city to keep their exhibitor's license.
The inspection and the following citations come months after the Jackson City Council discussed the possibility of shuttering the zoo due to budget concerns. A majority of the council, as well as Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, were against the idea. Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley, who represents the ward where the zoo is located, has been adamant that the zoo is vital for West Jackson and the rest of the city.
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Two citations the zoo received dealt with unsanitary enclosures, including excessive rust in at least two enclosures and "evidence of widespread rodent activity." The zoo has until June 8 to establish a program that will control the pests.
The USDA also cited the zoo for animal food not being properly stored.
"The walk-in cooler (refrigerator) is not working … Some fruit flies were observed in the cooler landing on uncovered food," the report states. "Animal food that is not properly stored may become contaminated, unwholesome, or degraded. Animals may develop health issues as a result of consuming improperly stored food."
The city had until May 10 to fix the walk-in cooler, though it is not known if the problem was resolved.
One bird enclosure at the zoo that houses a hybrid macaw and four yellow-crowned Amazon parrots also showed signs of unsafe living conditions.
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"The enclosure housing one hybrid macaw and four yellow-crowned Amazon parrots has a few wooden perches that have been severely chewed, exposing approximately a dozen metal nails that are sticking up and out of the perches. While no birds have been injured, the presence of sharp points in the enclosure may be a hazard for the birds," the report states.
The Jackson Zoo is run by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, which is headed by Abram Muhammad. The city is still going over the findings, according to City Spokesperson Melissa Payne, and did not provide a comment.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS zoo receives multiple citations from USDA. See details
