Animal welfare violations swarm Miami zoo owned by ex-drug kingpin in Tiger King

Federal wildlife inspectors have uncovered severe animal welfare violations at Miami’s Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF), a roadside zoo owned by Mario Tabraue, a convicted drug trafficker featured in Netflix’s *Tiger King*. Inspections in March revealed disturbing conditions, including an endangered clouded leopard whose leg was amputated after an attack by a male leopard during a botched breeding attempt, and a capybara that died due to inadequate care. The facility, which charges up to $1,500 an hour for private animal encounters, was cited for dilapidated enclosures, contaminated food and water, and unsafe housing conditions that posed risks to both animals and staff. Animal rights advocates have condemned the facility, calling for its immediate closure.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) detailed how the female clouded leopard, named Petra, suffered severe injuries when she reached through a gap in shared enclosures to interact with a male leopard. The male attacked her paw, necessitating the amputation of her entire left leg. The incident, which occurred in January but was documented in the March inspection, violated federal Animal Welfare Act standards requiring compatible housing for animals. A USDA veterinary officer noted that the zoo’s attempt to breed the leopards despite their incompatible proximity had directly led to the mauling.

The capybara’s death and Petra’s injuries are among multiple violations uncovered by inspectors, who also found filthy cages, algae-contaminated water, and dead insects in food supplies. Animal welfare groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have accused ZWF of prioritizing profit over animal safety. PETA’s captive wildlife advocacy director, Klayton Rutherford, described the facility as a “hideous roadside zoo” where profit-driven decisions endanger animals. The zoo’s social media response to Petra’s injury—posting a video asking for donations to cover her veterinary bills and construct a new enclosure—has further fueled criticism.

Mario Tabraue, a former cocaine trafficker who served 12 years in prison for narcotics and racketeering charges, has faced repeated scrutiny over his ownership of ZWF. The zoo’s operations, which include handling exotic animals like alligators and arctic foxes, have drawn comparisons to the exploitation depicted in *Tiger King*. With federal violations mounting and animal welfare groups intensifying calls for action, the future of ZWF remains uncertain. The USDA’s findings underscore broader concerns about the ethical treatment of captive wildlife in private facilities.