If one Michigan lawmaker is successful, large carnivores will be able to breed at Michigan zoos.
Republican
Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge announced he plans to introduce a bill
allowing breeding programs for carnivores to begin at five Michigan
zoos, including Battle Creek's Binder Park Zoo, according to a Tuesday
news release.
The release said such breeding was made illegal in
the state because of the inhumane conditions created at exhibits found
at roadside attractions. Binder Park and the other zoos mentioned in the
bill — Detroit Zoo, Lansing's Potter Park Zoo, Grand Rapids' John Ball
Zoo and Saginaw's Children's Zoo at Celebration Square — are members of
the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Other groups would
be allowed to breed the animals if they comply with safety, animal
welfare and conservation mandates in the bill.
Animals outlined in the legislation include lions, cheetahs, tigers, jaguars, leopards and bears.
Binder
Park Zoo has long had a cheetah exhibit, and opened a black bear
exhibit in 2014. The zoo is planning on building an African lion habitat
in 2016 after fundraising is complete.
For more on Binder Park
Zoo programs, go to www.binderparkzoo.org or call 979-1351. For more on
the pending legislation, go to www.senatorrickjones.com.
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