EL PASO, Texas (CBS4/KFOX14) — CBS4/KFOX14 has been working to uncover the truth behind allegations of animal mistreatment at Jungle Reef.
CBS4/KFOX14 obtained a USDA inspection report for Jungle Reef which outlines several violations, including incidents that tragically resulted in the death of animals.
On August 15, a nine-month-old wallaby named Juniper was killed after being crushed by a gate.
The report describes how a worker brought hay into the enclosure while Juniper roamed the area.
Video footage shows Juniper placing her head inside a gap near the hinge of the gate.
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The gate closed on her head, and according to employees, she died within minutes.
Following the incident, a guard was installed to prevent a similar tragedy.
Another violation involved Juniper and a 10-month-old wallaby named Wally, who were fed an inappropriate formula for their age and developmental stage over four months.
The report highlights that this could lead to nutrient deficiencies, improper development, weakened immune systems, and illness.
This issue was only addressed after a USDA inspector raised concerns.
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In early August, an adult female budgie was separated from the flock and placed in a separate room after being observed unable to fly.
The bird was monitored for a few days, but on the third day, it was found dead.
A veterinarian was never notified of the bird’s condition, which the report states could have prevented prolonged discomfort and suffering before its death.
Jungle Reef also failed to provide records for four adult rabbits that were reportedly adopted from the facility, another violation noted in the report.
The violations mentioned in the report were corrected during the inspection, which took place on August 20.
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