Brookfield's dismal animal safety record

I keep getting these "Animails" from Brookfield Zoo, announcing new animal babies and displays. I can't figure out why they think this is good PR; inevitably weeks or months later, I read about a featured animal being killed, usually due to neglect and irresponsibility.

When I went to the zoo to see the baby tiger twins, I was horrified to learn that the father tiger attacked (and ultimately killed) the little male while the mother frantically bit off bits of both cubs' tails trying to save them. Recently I returned to the zoo, taking a friend's 10-year-old son to see a baby gibbon, only to discover it had died. I never did get around to seeing the much-publicized stingray bay, after a faulty thermostat killed the 16 stingrays.

Add to the above tragedies the premature death of Mame the African elephant, who was mauled in an altercation with another elephant in their small enclosure; the recent death of one of the giraffes who strangled himself on items left within his reach; and a recent dolphin loss due to infection. Yet Brookfield Zoo remains open for business. I have never heard of so many animals being killed at one zoo on a regular basis, and I'm tired of reading about how the staff was "upset about the tragedy."

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums needs to hit Brookfield Zoo where it really hurts: with heavy fines and closure, until the zoo can demonstrate it has the knowledge, skills, and ability to keep the animals - who are at their mercy - comfortable, safe, and alive.

Lori McDaniel

Wheaton