Animal welfare advocates are calling for the immediate closure of the Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF) in Miami, following a disturbing report from federal wildlife inspectors. The facility, owned by former drug trafficker Mario Tabraue, has come under scrutiny for multiple violations, including the severe injury of an endangered clouded leopard and the death of a capybara. The findings have reignited debates about the ethics of roadside zoos and their treatment of wild animals.
Disturbing Findings from Federal Inspectors
During a March inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) flagged several critical violations at the ZWF. These included inadequate housing conditions for animals, filthy cages, and contaminated food and water supplies. The incidents under review highlight a troubling pattern of neglect at a facility that charges an exorbitant $1,500 per hour for offsite “field trips” showcasing exotic animals.
The tragic fate of Petra, a female clouded leopard, is at the heart of these allegations. She suffered a gruesome leg amputation after being attacked by a male leopard in a breeding attempt that