Can I report this?

[Tweety-holic]

When I went on a trip to Helen, Georgia, there was this place to see bears and other animals (mostly reptiles and spiders). First walking in, you buy apples and bread to feed to the bears. I was shocked to see what the bears were living in- they had a simple pool, with one wooden toy. They were contained in a cement room. It was very depressing. The bears appeared overweight (I'm not sure if they were or not) and were very lazy. This is one of the pens (they all looked the same):


I just don't see this as a very appropriate place for bears to live. Maybe it's just me, but I find it pretty cruel. Bears are intelligent animals, and they need more than a wooden tree-like toy. At least give the poor guys some grass. :/

The reptiles' conditions weren't much better. They were kept in travel containers and a lot of them didn't have water. One lizard of some sort was kept in a cage with no bottom- it was all big wire. His feet were constantly falling through the bars.
Here is a picture of a lizard in a cage, with no water (water bowl was empty):


They sold lizards and snakes also. The whole experience was just depressing and I just left angered.

If I can report this, who do I even report it to? Any help would be great.

[Marrie]

Report it to the humane society, they will at least be able to point you to the right organization if they can't help.

[Marrie]

For Captive Wildlife or Exotic Animals (e.g., whitetail deer, raptors, large cats)

Report to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division at 770-761-3044, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. They license individuals and companies engaged in the exhibition of wildlife and exotic animals (not normally domesticated) and enforces the Standards for Humane Handling and Care, O.C.G.A. §27-5-6. For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.


That's from the Georgia Gov page about the Animal Cruelty Protection Act - contact that place and report them since they are a wildlife park.

[Naava]

Yes! Like the previous posts said! This is animal cruelty and neglect, and the place will be shut down. Poor things!