Timeline of events that led to closure of Horry County zoo
A Myrtle Beach area zoo is permanently closing amid a federal lawsuit aiming to shut it down and multiple complaints by the animal rights activists.
Waccatee Zoological Farm is closing due to the financial burden brought on by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ suit, which cited a track record of neglect to the animals in its care.
It has been opened since 1988.
Here’s a timeline documenting what led to the zoo closing:
- May 2018: A USDA report from a March investigation revealed some animals at the zoo showed “signs of psychological distress.” It described two baboons, a macaque monkey and two black bears pacing, rocking back and forth and showing repetitive behavior.
- June 2021: PETA condemned the zoo after a federal inspection revealed animal welfare concerns, including a lack of clean water for animals and failure to provide veterinary care for a pair of limping sheep.
- April 8, 2022: Feds hit the zoo with a nearly $8K fine after a series of site inspections turned up unsafe conditions and a lack of medical care, U.S. Department of Agriculture records show.
- April 28, 2022: PETA is asking a federal judge to shut down the zoo, saying its track record of neglect is responsible for harming hundreds of animals in its care — including several protected species.
This story was originally published September 13, 2022 at 3:38 PM.