KC zoo fined after chimp dies of starvation

Sunday, October 21, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Zoo has been fined more than $4,500 after one of its chimpanzees starved to death because other chimps wouldn't let him have any food.

KCTV (http://bit.ly/VfLZsI) reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified the zoo in May that it had failed to prevent dominant chimps from keeping food away from Nusu, a 13-year-old male.

Nusu weighed 94 pounds when he died in December, more than 50 pounds lighter than he should have been. Zookeepers were supposed to be keeping track of the chimp's weight, but didn't realize he hadn't been weighed in 20 months.

Zoo officials admitted Thursday that they failed to provide adequate care, but said changes were made as a result of the chimp's death.

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spelchek 8 months ago

Oops.

Ispy 8 months ago

Should have fined the zoo more, zoo keepers fired and head guy that owns zoo on a probation period and a gov watchdog to supervise a bit on the facility, I will now never step into this zoo. Negligence

hd2000flht 8 months ago

"...didn't realize he hadn't been weighed in 20 months." What??? They didn't realize they were not doing something they were supposed to do? For 20 months? Starvation is a long, painful process. Dominance over food is obvious, and should have been spotted by numerous people responsible for the care of these animals. All of those responsible for the care and record-keeping of these animals should be punished. Agree with Ispy--I won't go there again.

eileen10 8 months ago

I agree. That poor chimp was probably pushed, shoved and beaten by the other chimps too.I've never been to that zoo but I think I'll go just to eye ball the place and blow the whistle if needed.

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