IDA’s #8 Worst Zoo for Elephants: Monterey Zoo in Salinas, California

Tell Groupon to stop supporting this sham of a sanctuary: Monterey Zoo’s Vision Quest Ranch in Salinas, California.

Monterey Zoo and its Vision Quest Safari Bed and Breakfast in Salinas, California, is owned by Charlie Sammut, an exotic animal trainer. Although it claims to be a sanctuary, the Monterey Zoo it is not accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. In fact, many of the animals on display, such as lions, tigers, kangaroos, hyenas, baboons, and other animals, are forced to live in tiny, barren, wire cages, some only 6’x 20’, with concrete floors, and no protection from the burning sun and heat. Several of the big cats were purchased from breeders by Sammut, who also “rents out” the animals for film, television and live productions.

Groupon is supporting what is ultimately an exploitive, but well marketed, roadside zoo, by featuring deals for the zoo’s Vision Quest Safari Bed and Breakfast, where guests have their breakfast delivered by one of five African elephants “owned” by Sammut.

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