citation_inspection: 19171

*** Joe the chimpanzee is allowed to be fed peanuts by the public. The method in which management instructs the public to feed him is by throwing the peanuts into his enclosure giving some people opportunity to throw the peanuts at Joe. Management stated that they warn the kids that if they throw peanuts at Joe, then Joe will throw peanuts back. When Joe throws the peanuts back he also throws dirt and shows aggression. The option of placing a feeding tube was discussed but due to a previous incident would not be safe to use again. Management should have a safer method for the public to feed Joe without throwing peanuts which could possibly cause injury to the animal or cause behavioral stress. During public exhibition, any animal must be handled so there is minimal risk of harm to the animal and to the public, with sufficient distance and/or barriers between the animal and the general viewing public so as to assure the safety of animals and the public. Correct by June 12, 2014