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No USDA Investigation Expected In Leopard’s Death
By: Associated Press
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A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it has no plans to further investigate the death of a spotted leopard held under a state-issued quarantine at an Ohio zoo after an exotic animal escape.
Spokesman Dave Sacks said Thursday the agency sees it as a closed matter.
A keeper was moving the leopard between enclosures in late January when it unexpectedly reversed course as a door was being lowered.
The leopard suffered injuries, and the state veterinarian decided to euthanize it.
A USDA inspector cited the Columbus zoo in February for improper handling of the leopard and for not having enough trained staff present for shifting the animal.
A recently released USDA report regarding a follow-up inspection in March shows the zoo has properly addressed those issues.