HB 1117 (Rep. Harrison, R-Temple Terrace) and Senate companion SB 1456 (Sen. Miguel de la Portilla, R-Miami) pave the way for the lease of state conservation lands by zoos to graze (and study) herds of exotic hoofed animals like zebras, giraffes and antelopes, as well as exotic birds.  The bill targets conservation lands, would allow the construction of facilities, utilities and roads, and tasks the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with developing rules for implementation.

Giraffes on Paynes Prairie? Zebras on Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area? It is hard not to imagine the worst, where zoo facilities could occupy or alter native habitats, eliminating public lands from public access. Private pasture land is abundant and available for zoos to enter into enterprising partnerships—which leads us to believe the only incentive for going the public lands route? Bargain-basement state leases.

HEADS UP!! The House version passed last week but the Senate version was trapped in committee. Last night, the Senate Rules committee withdrew the bill from committee, sending it to the Senate floor for a vote on Special Order TOMORROW (Friday). Please call on your Senator by phone or email to vote “no” to this unacceptable affront to Florida’s public lands. 

Read more on the proposal and its backers online by clicking here.