Collins Zoo

Collins Zoo

Date opened	1988[1]
Location	Collins, Mississippi, USA
Coordinates	31°36′57″N 89°32′17″W / 31.6159659°N 89.5379305°W / 31.6159659; -89.5379305Coordinates: 31°36′57″N 89°32′17″W / 31.6159659°N 89.5379305°W / 31.6159659; -89.5379305
Number of animals	300
Number of species	100
Website	www.collinsmszoo.com

The Collins Zoo, formerly the Collins Exotic Animal Orphanage, is a zoo located in Collins, Mississippi.

History

The Collins Zoo was founded in 1988 by Gus and Betty White as an orphanage for exotic animals.^[1] Usually the animals are circus animals that have gotten too old or pets that have gotten too large. The zoo is located on Highway 49.

Animals

Lions, tigers, mountain lions, and leopards are several of the major attractions at the Collins Zoo.

A white wolf is featured in the center of the zoo.

There are over forty different species of snakes, lizards and turtles in the zoo.

Other attractions

• Petting zoo
• Souvenir shop
• Animal feedings

Legal issues with the State of Mississippi

In 2001, state wildlife officials raided the zoo and seized several skunks, alligators, alligator snapping turtles, bobcats and several other species of animals indigenous to Mississippi. It appears the zoo is preparing a civil action against the state.

In March 2010 the zoo was again raided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and an opossum, red-eared slider turtles, and some box turtles were taken. The zoo was issued 22 citations, many for "lack of permits for inherently violent animals."^[1][2]

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Mississippi Wildlife Agents Issue Citations To Collins Zoo". wapt.com. Jackson Hearst Television Inc.. 24 March 2010. http://www.wapt.com/r/22937124/detail.html. Retrieved 3 May 2011. 
2. ^ Wheeler, Kevin (24 March 2010). "Collins zoo raided by Department of Wildlife". lox.com. WLOX TV. http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=12196010. Retrieved 3 May 2011. 

External links

• Official website