Chicago zoo probe in another animal death

Chicago zoo probe in another animal death



Chicago, IL, May. 6 (UPI) -- Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, already under
investigation because of the deaths of three elephants, is under
federal investigation for the death of a camel.


An official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture told the Chicago
Sun-Times the situation at the zoo regarding animal shelters
"contributed to the death of this animal."

Zoo officials confirmed the death of the Bactrian camel but said the
animals live in Mongolia where temperatures often drop below zero
Fahrenheit.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote Agriculture officials
in January and cited a "whistle blower" reporting the camel had been
left out overnight and was later found dead.

The Agriculture Department inspected the Lincoln Park camel area twice
and issued a report that claimed the area "does not provide adequate
shelter from inclement weather."

A University of Illinois pathologist was inconclusive on the cause of
death but said he suspected a gastrointestinal disease. Animal-rights
activists say the cold played a role in the death.

The zoo is also under scrutiny because of the deaths of three of its
elephants in six months, including Wankie, an elephant that died Sunday
while being transferred to another zoo.