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Topeka Zoo seeking quarantine building for animals

1/23/2012

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Topeka Zoo says it needs a special building to quarantine its large animals when they are ill.

Zoo director Brendan Wiley says the lack of such a building could jeopardize the zoo's chance for accreditation this year.

He says the lack of a quarantine building was pointed out in 2007 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The association is examining the zoo this year because its five-year accreditation is ending.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports (http://bit.ly/zNO72O) the city council discussed the need for the building for large apes and carnivores last week but took no action.

Wiley said the zoo has several large species that need a place to stay when they are ill. His proposal is for a rehabilitation area that would cost an estimated $746,000.

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Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com