The Worst of Florida
Vacation spots you definitely want to miss

ARFF has released its list of "Worst of Florida" tourist attractions. These roadside zoos, substandard aquariums, pseudo-sanctuaries and other menageries have been the subject of numerous complaints that we have received in recent years.

At these facilities, animals are confined to barren cages or tanks that are so small they provide almost no opportunity for natural movement or exercise. With nothing to do to pass the time, many animals become psychologically disturbed and develop abnormal behaviors such as endless pacing or rocking, and extreme lethargy. Other features of the disreputable zoos and aquariums on ARFF's list include social animals kept in isolation, animals forced to perform circus tricks for the amusement of guests, and irresponsible breeding.

Below are reviews of four attractions in south Florida that made ARFF's "Worst of" list. Please visit ARFF's website-- www.animalrightsflorida.org/worst -- for the complete list.

If you have the misfortune of visiting a roadside zoo or aquarium where animals are suffering from neglect and/or an inadequate environment, please let us know!

Native Village (Hollywood)
The sign on the "Florida panther" cage at Native Village says that panthers can run 35mph and leap more than 20 feet. Sadly, the panther inside the concrete and chain link cage is only able to walk back and forth a few short steps.

Over the years, the number of animals at Native Village have dwindled (a tiger and a bear were transferred elsewhere), but if you enjoy seeing coatamundi, panthers, bobcat and a few other animals confined alone in barren cages, this is the place for you. Not surprisingly, for an extra charge alligator wrestling is also available.

Seminole Okalee Village (Hollywood)
Advertisements for this depressing zoo, located next to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, promise a "journey into an authentic Seminole village." You may find examples of traditional arts & crafts in the gift shop, but you'll be wishing you had stayed at the slot machines once you see this collection of raccoons, opposums, bears and a panther in small, wire cages.

The Village also features alligator wrestling during which a man roughly forces open the mouth of a small alligator, among other abusive tricks. Seminole Okalee Village used to have lions and a tiger on display. We can only imagine what happened to them.

In May 2008, ARFF filmed a bear and raccoon exhibiting abnormal, stereotypic behaviors at Seminole Okalee Village. Click here to view the video.

Monkey Jungle (Miami)
"Where humans are caged and monkeys run wild." That has been Monkey Jungle's slogan since its doors first opened in the 1930s. Although it is true that a group of small monkeys are allowed to roam in an enclosed area above the walkways, the other monkeys at Monkey Jungle today are confined in small, dull cages.

But what makes Monkey Jungle stand out is King, a 38-year-old western lowland gorilla. Of the approximately 350 gorillas in zoos in the United States, King is the only one who lives alone and who has no prospect of ever having a companion. King has lived a solitary existence since a female gorilla at Monkey Jungle, Mitzie, died in 1989.

In 1997, a campaign was launched to persuade Monkey Jungle to send King to Zoo Atlanta, where he could be with other gorillas and live out the remainder of his life with companionship and dignity. But despite Zoo Atlanta's invitation and pleas from noted primatologist Jane Goodall and thousands of Florida residents, Monkey Jungle refused.

Instead, after languishing for 20 years in a concrete-and-bars cage, in 2001 Monkey Jungle built a naturalistic enclosure where King is able to feel the sun and breath fresh air. Although the larger enclosure was an improvement, Monkey Jungle continues to ignore the issue that King is alone. Gorillas and other apes are intelligent animals with complex social and emotional lives. King needs companions.

During King's daily show at Monkey Jungle, he is fed treats to perform degrading tricks such as the Hokey-Pokey for the amusement of tourists.

Tragically, King is not the only solitary ape at Monkey Jungle. Mei, a 22-year-old orangutan also lives alone in a concrete enclosure.

Jungle Island (Miami)
Jungle Island is one of Miami's oldest attractions. It opened in 1936 as Parrot Jungle and not much has changed since. It's animal shows have remained little more than circus-acts, but in a desperate attempt to turn around disappointing ticket sales, the focus has switched from parrots to more "exotic" animals like tigers and orangutans. Jungle Island teaches irresponsible and harmful lessons about conservation and how people should interact with wild animals.

For example, Jungle Island allows visitors to hold tigers, orangutans, chimpanzees and other animals for photographs. On it's website Jungle Island promises, "there is always an assortment of cuddly [tiger] cubs who are sure to bring a smile to your face. " Of course, these animals can only be used for this purpose as babies, therefore creating a never-ending cycle of breeding and disposal of adult animals.

The big cat show at Jungle Island features white tigers and ligers (offspring of a male lion and a female tiger). These sad animals are not found in the wild; they are bred merely to retain their genetic abnormalities. This unnecessary breeding has led to serious birth defects and they often suffer lifelong health problems, if they survive to adulthood. Jungle Island is also notorious for renting out its orangutans and other animals to film television shows and commercials.

http://www.animalrightsflorida.org/worst