Topeka.org: Statement from City Manager Norton Bonaparte, Jr. Regarding the Recent USDA Findings at the Topeka Zoo

I take the two recent USDA reports that are critical of the Topeka Zoo’s veterinary care and record keeping – and therefore the overall animal care – very seriously. The Zoo’s primary goal is the well-being of the animals. There are obviously past situations at the Zoo that are not acceptable and we must do everything we can to ensure that such incidents don’t happen again and that superior animal care is given.

 I am therefore calling for an independent top-down review of the zoo with the ultimate goal of implementing best practices in all aspects that lead to better animal care. I will be asking the USDA, the AZA, and Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine to either provide direct assistance with the review and/or direct us to organizations that have experience in raising the overall quality of a zoo’s animal care.

The process will be transparent and we will keep the public informed.   We will be including representation from Friends of the Topeka Zoo and other private supporters.

 Due to a recent vacancy, the City has requested KSU veterinary medicine to provide veterinary care. The City has utilized KSU for veterinary medicine in the past.

 The Topeka Zoo has long been a family attraction and has the strong support of many private supporters. We want to continue those relationships and maintain public confidence concerning animal management.

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