A local roadside zoo was fined last year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture who reported finding animals in poor health and facilities that allowed one resident animal to escape.

Indian Creek Zoo in Lambertville was fined $13,500 in late 2022, sparked by a complaint by well-known nonprofit organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

PETA contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with complaints about the zoo, which resulted in the fine for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966. Complaints from PETA included allegations of poor veterinary care, unsafe working conditions based on a reported incident during which a baboon bit an employee, and unsafe animal enclosures, which allowed a porcupine to escape and never be found.

The Monroe News attempted to contact Indian Creek Zoo for comment several times but received no response as of press time.

Indian Creek Zoo, which is currently closed during the cold season, has a full slate of events and activities planned for the upcoming year, including “Giraffe Encounters” and field trip opportunities for local schools.

Indian Creek Zoo is not the only American roadside zoo to face fines recently. Similar exotic animal attraction locations in Wisconsin, South Carolina and elsewhere have faced legal troubles during the past year. This follows years of allegations against the USDA from groups such as PETA and the Animal Defense Legal Fund for allegedly not holding violators accountable for misdeeds and poor conditions.

In the USDA’s letter to the Indian Creek Zoo issued on Sept. 28, 2022, the organization specifically cited the baboon bite incident, which allegedly occurred on Nov. 11, 2020.

“The enclosure door for an olive baboon had gaps that were approximately three inches wide and were large enough for the baboon to reach his arm through,” the letter said.

The issuance went on to address a February 2021 inspection, during which several animals were reportedly found to be in severe need of veterinary intervention.

“You failed to use appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose and treat disease and injuries,” the USDA asserted in the letter.

It also said it was learned during an inspection in August 2021 that on July 29, 2021, an African crested porcupine was missing from its enclosure and was never found.

"You failed to maintain outdoor enclosures that were structurally sound and designed and maintained to contain the animals," the letter said.

On the Net: To read the full citation and notification of penalty from the USDA, go to www.aphis.usda.gov/enforcement/indiancreekinvestments.pdf