Footage Reveals Imperiled White Lions Languishing at Texas Roadside Zoo

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PILOT POINT, Texas - The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), respectively, to compel the agencies to confiscate two ESA-protected white lion sisters who are apparently experiencing symptoms of a severe medical condition. Footage documented at a Texas facility called Sharkarosa Zoo shows one of the lions, Nzuri, struggling to walk and stand, while Kali did not attempt to stand when observed. Veterinarians who documented the footage conclude that both lions are in desperate need of appropriate medical care and proper housing. The complaint asserts that the animals should be moved to a sanctuary that is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and the federal government should suspend and then revoke the facility's AWA license.

"Anyone looking at the footage can see these animals are not well and need help. The federal government can provide that help. It has the authority to intervene in protecting these lions and should do so quickly," said Brittany Peet, transparency and regulatory affairs program director at ALDF. "The USDA and Fish and Wildlife Service should enforce the law, investigate the Sharkarosa Zoo for animal welfare violations, and immediately transfer these lions to a reputable sanctuary where they can get the proper care they need."

Footage shows Nzuri clearly displaying a significant medical condition, and Sharkarosa Zoo's own signage says that both lions have been suffering with mobility issues since as early as 2023.

The condition apparently results in an inability to walk, lie down, and get up from a lying down position without significant struggle due to severe incoordination and imbalance, which can cause confusion, anxiety, fear, distress, frustration, and prolonged suffering.

The unstable movement and inability to engage in healthy levels of coordinated movements causes muscle wasting, which puts extra pressure on the joints pre-disposing them to joint disease and pain.

The disease is limiting their ability to seek water and shade and remove themselves from uncomfortable positions.

"I observed first-hand how Nzuri and Kali are suffering at the Sharkarosa Zoo," said Monica Bando, a veterinarian at ALDF. "In my professional opinion, I am gravely concerned about the welfare of these lions after observing Nzuri unable to stand or walk without swaying and stumbling, causing her to fall over and struggle to right herself. These symptoms require thorough evaluations with veterinarians and specialists with relevant expertise so that appropriate treatment can be pursued."

Adding to their distress, footage shows these lions need much better housing that provides greater safety and comfort and serves their medical needs. They are in need of housing that is quiet, away from public gaze, with access to comfortable indoor space and ample soft surfaces to reduce the risk of injury.

The lions at Sharkarosa Zoo are protected animals under federal law. The AWA requires licensed animal exhibitors to demonstrate adequate experience and care for these animals, but the lions at Sharkarosa Zoo do not appear to be receiving adequate veterinary care. The ESA prohibits the harassment of protected animals such as failing to provide proper medical care, which appears to be the situation at Sharkarosa Zoo.

Captive white lions like Nzuri and Kali are the result of genetic inbreeding that can cause numerous issues due to lack of genetic diversity including compromised immune systems and spinal issues. Roadside zoo operators create these issues and it typically is left to organizations like ALDF and reputable sanctuaries to end the exploitation and rescue the victims.

Photos and video of the lions are available upon request.