ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 19, 2009 – The Detroit Zoo has offered sanctuary for three lions that are being kept in a junkyard in Oakley, Kan.  The lions have passed required medical testing ensuring they will not transmit diseases to other animals and are due to arrive in Detroit at the end of the month.

Last fall, Thomas County sheriff’s deputies inspected the lions’ living conditions at the request of an animal protection organization.  They found that the facility was inadequate and that its owner lacked the resources to provide safe and proper care, potentially posing a threat to both the lions and to humans.

Last month, a man was mauled by one of the lions after he reached into the animals’ enclosure.  No charges were filed against the facility’s owner in the incident, providing he agreed to move the lions to the Detroit Zoo.  As a condition of accepting the lions, the Zoo required that the owner provide written assurance that he will not acquire exotic animals in the future.

The Detroit Zoo is frequently asked to help with the rescue of exotic animals from private owners, pseudo-sanctuaries, roadside zoos and circuses.  “Often, the welfare needs of exotic animals in these environments cannot be adequately met.  Consequently, they end up in compromised conditions and in need of rescue by zoos and other animal welfare organizations,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.

The Detroit Zoo helped the Michigan Humane Society and other organizations to pass legislation barring the ownership of dangerous exotic animals in Michigan.  “Humans assume a profound and unique responsibility when keeping animals in captivity.  All of us who care for exotic animals must be committed to providing conditions that ensure their well-being,” said Kagan.

The Detroit Zoo is home to three 17-year-old lions – females Bikira and Katie and male Percival – two of which were rescued by the Michigan Humane Society and brought to the Zoo.  Katie was taken from a suspected crack house in Detroit in 1992 and Percival was discovered in an abandoned house in Detroit by neighborhood children the following year. 

Once at the Detroit Zoo, the Kansas lions – two females and a male – will be in quarantine for 30 days to ensure they are healthy and acclimating well before joining the others at the lion habitat.
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