Inside the Miami Zoo Allegedly Abusing Endangered Animals for Profit

When a zoo charges families thousands of dollars to get up close with exotic wildlife, it can feel like a rare and magical experience. But behind the scenes at some roadside facilities, that thrill comes at a devastating cost to the animals involved. The Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami is under renewed scrutiny after federal inspectors uncovered a series of deeply troubling violations that left one endangered big cat without a limb and another species dead.

According to The Guardian, a US Department of Agriculture veterinary officer visited the facility in March and documented critical violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Among the most shocking findings: a female clouded leopard named Petra lost her entire left leg after being placed near a male for a breeding attempt, and a female capybara died on New Year’s Day under eerily similar circumstances, after being housed with a male the facility also hoped she would breed with.

These were not isolated accidents. The same zoo has a documented history of injuries to both animals and humans, filthy enclosures, contaminated food and water, and unsafe housing. It is owned by Mario Tabraue, a former cocaine trafficker who appeared in the Netflix series Tiger King. Despite his past and the facility’s long record of violations, the zoo continues to operate and charge up to $1,500 an hour for encounters with exotic creatures.

Wildlife advocates at PETA have called for the zoo’s closure, pointing out that businesses built on forced contact between wild animals and the public are structurally incapable of prioritizing animal wellness. When profit drives every decision, the needs of wild species will always come last.

The good news is that public awareness is genuinely making a difference. Advocates note a meaningful shift in how both the public and federal regulators are responding to these situations. Consumer choices carry real power here. Supporting accredited sanctuaries, avoiding pay to play animal encounters, and speaking up when you see something wrong all contribute to a growing movement that is slowly changing what is considered acceptable treatment of wild animals.

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