Recent highly publicized animal deaths at the Hogle Zoo have left many Utahns confused and concerned. The average citizen lacks the expertise to determine from news accounts whether animals are being treated properly at the facility.
The federal government could do much to clarify the situation by releasing results of an investigation into the zoo. So far, however, officials have declined to do so, even though the investigation is finished.Their decision is a disservice not only to the people of Utah but to the zoo, as well.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said this week officials are reviewing the results of the investigation to determine whether litigation is necessary. Officials of the USDA, which administers federal laws regarding the treatment of animals, don't want to act too quickly on such matters, she said.
No one could accuse them of that. The investigation started in September of 1993 after coyotes got into a gazelle enclosure and killed two gazelles. Other animals have died since then, including five capuchin monkeys and two giraffes.
The latest death came early Tuesday when a giraffe named Woody died from a fall in its pen.
Deaths are not uncommon in zoos. But the Hogle Zoo deaths have generated a great deal of attention, and they have sparked outcries from various quarters. Last year, an employee left the zoo and angrily charged that animal keepers were inadequately trained.
To their credit, zoo officials have been open about the deaths, notifying reporters promptly. They also have taken pains to provide better training and to improve facilties in recent months.
The deaths at the Hogle Zoo have been unfortunate. Whether they are more than that remains to be seen. But as long as federal officials keep the results of their investigation secret, their silence will continue to hurt the reputation of a zoo that has served the community well for generations.
Federal officials should release the results of their investigation now.