Zoo animals get permanent home
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
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Most of the zoo's animals were transferred
to Peace River Refuge and Ranch.
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It's a sad goodbye for many Bay area children, but a
happy ending for hundreds of animals that now have a
permanent home.
The Sarasota-Bradenton Children's Zoo in Manatee
County shut its doors about two years ago due to
financial troubles.
"It was just a little place for animals," said zoo
volunteer Doris Vannostran. "I had people walk around
just to see the animals."
Soon after closing, about 100 of the zoo's animals
were brought to the Peace River Refuge and Ranch in
Zolfo Springs.
"Fish and Game informed us that if we didn't take
them all, they would be put to sleep," said Peace River
Refuge Vice President Lisa Stoner.
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The zoo was bought out by the
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.\
Picture above: A cougar resting at Peace
River Refuge & Ranch |
The zoo was recently sold, but the animals will get
to remain at Peace River.
"They're all safe," said Stoner. "They're all good.
They'll be here for life."
The Sarasota-Bradenton Children's Zoo was bought out
by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which
plans to demolish the site.
