weatherbirdSTL
Paws to consider
Since 2008, importing Arctic polar bears has been prohibited. Citing accelerated melting of sea ice, the Interior Department in the George W. Bush administration declared polar bears threatened under the Endangered Species Act. That, coupled with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, closed the door to imports to American zoos. After hearing a plea from the St. Louis Zoo, Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, has organized an alliance of House members that asked the Interior Department to begin awarding import permits "to accredited zoos that meet specific and rigorous public display, animal welfare and conservation education standards." (11.17.11)
Paws to consider
Since 2008, importing Arctic polar bears has been prohibited. Citing accelerated melting of sea ice, the Interior Department in the George W. Bush administration declared polar bears threatened under the Endangered Species Act. That, coupled with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, closed the door to imports to American zoos. After hearing a plea from the St. Louis Zoo, Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, has organized an alliance of House members that asked the Interior Department to begin awarding import permits "to accredited zoos that meet specific and rigorous public display, animal welfare and conservation education standards." (11.17.11)