Zoo officials are saddened after two black swans and two cereopsis geese were killed in an after-hours incident at the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia. The deaths happened sometime after the zoo closed Saturday and before zoo employees arrived Sunday morning.
According to a news release from Emporia Deputy Police Chief Mike Williams, one or more people entered the zoo and damaged a number of flower containers, in addition to injuring and killing birds in the zoo exhibit.
Emporia Police Chief Gary Smith said the birds were apparently killed by blunt force trauma as their skulls were severely crushed and there were some puncture wounds.
"We did have some evidence at the scene that we're going to process," Smith said.
One swan had to be euthanized because of severe injuries.
Lisa Keith, interim zoo director, and Lori Andrews, office manager of the zoo, said this morning that a pair of black swans and a pair of cereopsis geese were killed. The black swans were 3 and 21 years old and the geese were 14 and 11 years old.
The killings came on the morning of the zoo’s annual open house. The birds were discovered on morning rounds.
“We were able to handle the situation and go forth with the open house,” Keith said. “The zoo is deeply saddened by this incident.”
Keith said following the incident, proposals for installing security cameras installed are being discussed.
People with information on the incident are asked to call police at 343-4200. Information may be left anonymously by calling Lyon County Crime Stoppers, 342-2273.
Comments
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Posted by TacoBellB (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What kind of morons would get a kick out of killing defenseless birds? Seriously? Nice to know we have these kind of idiots living in Emporia. Trash.
Posted by crackinsack (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. The kids in this town are really messed up. I hope you feel good about yourselves. I'm sure you do. After all, it takes a real man to kill a defenseless bird, right?
Posted by hjcary (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Emporia is blessed to have such a nice, FREE zoo for people to visit. It really makes me angry to know people would distroy something that is a gift to them from the community.
Posted by Mommy_15 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When we were at the zoo Sunday for the open house my son (who LOVE both the swans and the "green geese") was just standing at the fence looking for the geese who always chases him up and down the fence. He was really sad that they weren't there, now we know why. I can't believe that someone would do such a thing to such BEAUTIFUL animals. I hope someone turns them in and they get a HARSH punishment!!!
Posted by justamom (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
crackinsack: What makes you think these were kids? I remember several years back an adult male put his dogs into the zoo through the fence and allowed them to kill.
Kids are not the only ones running around Emporia doing terrible things. Male/Female adults do bad things also. Please don't lay blame on a kid unless there has been shown proof that it was a kid.
It was a terrible thing, and whomever did this act of cruelty should be punished to the full extent of the law. Kid or adult.
Posted by witherdin2ition (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my God, who would do such a thing???? My husband and I go to the zoo JUST to see the cereopsis geese sometimes. They were so funny with the noises they'd make and they'd follow us down the length of their enclosure. And the swans were just gorgeous. I am just sick about this. And let me guess, if they ever find out who did this, the most that will happen is they'll get a fine, right?
Posted by offc_grl76 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The thought of this happening makes me SICK and ANGRY. I don't care if it was male/female/young/old, whoever did this needs to have the strictest punishment possible impossed on them. My husband and I were married at the zoo and it is shame that our community works so hard to provide a FREE beautiful place for citizens of all ages to enjoy just to have it destroyed by some thoughtless people who were just out to have a good time.
Posted by mickey66839 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah a free zoo that you have to drive around
a ghetto zoo thats what it is
Posted by witherdin2ition (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You can't drive into the zoo, what are you talking about?
Posted by crackinsack (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
justamom,
Awful defensive about your kids now aren’t we? If I recall correctly, I think you took the same stance (kids are innocent) over the pit bull issue. I’m not saying that adults are incapable of doing horrible things. In fact, they’re usually to blame for their kid’s actions in one way or another. In this particular instance, however, I’m willing to bet that the perpetrator/s were under 25. Granted, anyone 18 and older aren’t technically “kids”, but anyone who would do something as senseless as this is acting like a kid in my book.
Due to the lack of evidence provided in the article, I am solely going off of the nature of the crime to base my opinion. Until information arises that indicates otherwise, I’m sticking to my analysis.
I agree that they should be punished. I hope they throw the book at ‘em…literally…like an encyclopedia or something that would be extremely painful.
Mickey66839…you do know that you CAN get out of the car and go inside, right?
Posted by gazette_reader (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is the Kansas City Star article: http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_...
They report that the birds died from blunt force trauma and puncture wounds. One of those poor birds wasn't even dead when they were found - it had to be put down.
I hope whoever did this is discovered, and discovered soon. I don't even want to know what kind of person is capable of doing something so awful to four innocent animals.
Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@mickey - Emporia is very fortunate to have a zoo, given the size of the city. And, it's free to boot! It may not seem like much of a zoo to you, but to a child, it's amazing and fun. To adults, it a beautiful place to go and relax.
Posted by Pollyanna (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do we have to read the details from a KC Star article?? Did they run the article later and have more details available or did the EG miss it?
Posted by TacoBellB (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe I recall hearing numerous times how people who enjoy torturing and killing innocent animals tend to turn that to humans eventually. I think it was a TV interview on serial killers or something. Perhaps when they find the person(s) responsible, they might want to put them on a list for future reference. Sickos!
Posted by witherdin2ition (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TacoBellB~
That's correct when identifying sociopathic behavior in children.
Posted by sciguy (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope whomever did this is paid back ten-fold. Karma can be a really great concept.
Idiots like this never stay quiet for long. I hope they can put them in jail and seize any money or possessions they or their families may have to pay for the emergency response, security upgrades, and (if it is possible) replacing the animals.
I saw the black geese nesting earlier this year. I was hoping maybe they would have a family.
What a terrible, terrible thing to do.
Posted by nascar (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Emporia should be so proud that we have such upstanding citizens in this town. There are no words to describe how sick this is and how pathetic these individuals are!! I am sure with out wonderful laws against animal cruelty, they will be fined at the worst. This is just disgusting and we should all be embarassed!!
Posted by flowergirl (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We just moved here this spring and the one thing I couldn't wait to do was take my 4year old grandson to our beautiful little zoo.My heart is heavy for those who nutured and cared for those creatures.
Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They better find these losers. I cant imagine having the cruelty to kill those poor birds. Makes me sick!
Posted by emporian (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope they find the low lifes who did this. I bet they wont be able to keep their mouth (or) mouthes shut, so it is only a matter of time before they brag to the wrong people. Hopefully karma catches up to them.
Posted by esu42 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's heartbreaking. I remember loving those geese when I was a child, and I went to the zoo and drew them on Friday, feeling very fond of them. What a horrible thing to do.
Posted by debkay100 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am deeply saddened that these beautiful creatures lost their lives. It is troubling that there are cruel people out there that will kill an animal just for the thrill! I say these people should be dealt with severly! NO MORE SLAP ON THE WRIST! These people should be locked up-in jail or a detention center for minors. I am so sick of these kinds of people taking something so beautiful and ruining it for others. These people don't deserve any kindness or respect. I say lock them up for years, I'd rather my tax dollars be spend on locking them up! Note to this person(s), You will be caught. If there were more than 1 of you, you have no secret to keep! And if you were alone and told even 1 person, again you have no secret to keep. You will get what you deserve! You are a loser!
Posted by sciguy (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My wife and I are regular contributors to memorial funds at the zoo and are members of the Emporia Friends of the Zoo (see http://tinyurl.com/6zz65n ).
I am going to send an additional contribution to the Zoo. I suggest that others who support our zoo do the same. If enough of us send in contributions, it might go a long way toward helping to recover from this act of heartless violence.
SUPPORT THE ZOO! http://tinyurl.com/6zz65n
Posted by debkay100 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Mickey 66839-what is your problem? Do you not see the beauty that is at the zoo for all to behold? I love visiting the zoo, it is such a peaceful and relaxing place. The ducks and swans are such entertainers and so many of us love the tranquil atmosphere at the zoo. You don't sound like a person who respects life. So from your point of view, the beautiful creatures don't deserve to live because we have a small zoo and you drive your car around it! You need to get a life and find something constructive to do with your self-like doing volunteer work at the zoo! No, maybe not. I don't think animals would be safe around you!
Posted by purplebutterflyhippie (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
crackinsack : Ok who is to say this was a kids doing? Do you know something that you are not telling? Come on any adult with a twisted head is capable of doing this too. Don't point your finger at a child unless you have proof. That would be like someone coming up to you and saying your kids did something wrong, they have no proof but they know that they did. Stop pointing fingers just remember that when you do 4 more are pointing at you.
I hope they get the person or persons that did this. The zoo is free and those animals are there for the town not for beating.
And also Mickey 66839 this is not only a zoo its a refuge for sick and hurt animals. Its not here for the fact of having the all the animals in the world here. Its to help animals. You don't have to drive around it you can get your lazy butt out and walk to ya know.
Posted by jayhawker (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mickey66839, you must have a really great zoo in Burlington.
Posted by gazette_reader (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The one bit of good news is that in Kansas, animal cruelty is now a felony offense. See: http://network.bestfriends.org/legalanim...
"Under the new law, anyone found guilty of "intentionally and maliciously killing, injuring, maiming, torturing, burning or mutilating any animal" will face penalties of at least 30 days in jail and $500 to $5,000 in fines."
Posted by gazette_reader (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many of the animals at are zoo are there because our zoo has a proven track record of taking good care of animals who are injured or endangered. Our zoo is one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country.
But even more than a zoo, it is something Emporians have embraced as their own special place. With no admission charges, many people are able to pop in over a lunch hour just to watch the turtles sunning themselves or the prairie dogs play. It's the kind of zoo your five-year-old can see a mountain lion or a bald eagle from just a few feet away. And it's a beautiful garden, with plantings and landscaping beautiful enough to make me envious.
Posted by ntmidtrfan (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Notice they didn't take a broken piece of pottery and try to corner and hurt the mountain lion...why not chicken **its. Sorry but stuff like this drives me crazy. I brought my family here almost five yeas ago to get away from "big city" happenings and it makes me mad to have to realize it happens everywhere. Within the past week another fellow Emporian who drives the DVA van for our veterans had his shed and garage burned and his personal vehicle vandalized by someone...shamefull...Karma all I can say...Karma
Posted by kmartin66801 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That makes me sick to my stomach!!! The geese were my favorite part of the zoo when I was a kid. I am 17 and they have been there since I was little. Whoever this sick person was should be heavily punished! How can anyone harm or kill a defenseless animal? I know our zoo may not be much compared to others, but why can't people just appreciate what we do have? Good luck on finding who it was!!
Posted by qasey (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sad and angry that anyone could display such disregard for life. I can't bring the birds back, but I can send a contribution to help pay for the cost of a security system. Please join me!
Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the zoo is such a peaceful place, we like going there to unwind. it s well kept and something to be proud of i hope someone is punished for this!
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have only lived here for a few years but our family really enjoys going to the zoo about once a month. Would donate to a repair fund if one is available. I know you cant replace a 14 yo swan but maybe to help repair any other damage involved.
Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lets raise the money to buy camras and an electric fence to zap the next person who tries to let themselves inside the zoo at night.
Posted by offc_grl76 (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoever did this just needs to do the right thing and turn yourself in. You made your one sad horrible mistake in your life but you can make up for some of it by turning yourself in and taking responsibility for your actions. You know who you are and sooner or later it is going to come out and you will be caught. It will be easier on you if you just turn yourself in.
As for my husband and I we are going to donate money to the zoo to help with replacement of the loved birds and the purchase of security cameras.
Posted by lewisbailbonds (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have every ounce of confidence that epd will find the person or persons who did this horrible thing.. and when it is publicized, we, the citizens of emporia need to start a petition to let the prosecuters know we want the maximum punishment,,no deals for this crime,, this is truly a tragic loss for the zoo,and for the emporia citizens and there are a lot of victims here..lets not let this crime be minimized....are you with me....
Posted by dvl_dwg (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i wish whoever it was that did this to the zoo and to the animals and most of all , the citizens of emporia, would come pay me a visit and see how big and bad they really are. it takes a big person to do that to animals. any way my invatation is open to the little punks who did this, come pay this Marine visit.
Posted by Summer_Breeze (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a tragic, senseless, shameful thing to do! I hope these felons are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Does anyone else think that the timing of this attack was significant--right before the Zoo's annual open house? Was this the mayhem of some disgruntled former City employee?
The Emporia Zoo is one of the jewels of the community thanks to the wonderful job of landscaping done by Dave McCullough and his crew; the attractive, clean animal exhibits taken care of by Lisa Keith and her crew; and the fact that the Zoo is a refuge for sick and injured animals. It's something Emporia can take pride in--a beautiful place to visit and take the family.
Like several others who posted, I intend to make a contribution to help install security cameras, so that this kind of travesty won't happen again. I hope hundreds will join me.
Posted by alsrac (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our zoo has been in the Headlines too often lately, first announcing the open house, then reporting the resigning of its director and now this terrible news, I hope these last 2 news are not connected in any way.
Posted by madpoet (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was outraged when I heard the news on Channel 13 about the birds killled at the zoo. I had to explain to my 3 year old son why we couldn't see the black swans in Emporia anymore. They were among our favorites. We just visited the huge zoo in Wichita and really Emporia's exhibits are just as nice for such a small area. Emporia is hardly a "ghetto zoo"! It's clean and well-maintained with nice exhibits and beautiful landscaping.
I agree juveniles are likely to blaime. Such senseless acts are often done by bored kids. We'll find out when the police arrest the jerk(s). I hope someone turns them in soon!
Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i want to write a letter to the prosecuter, whats his name and mailing address? im going to let him know this should treated as the serious crime that it is!
Posted by justthinkin (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wondered how long it would take for someone to insinuate that a disgruntled former city employee might be responsible. I'm glad it wasn't among the first entries in the string. Shame on you, and then to go on and praise the individuals that seemed to make it their goal to see him gone. Did anyone else hear the train that took him out?
Now, if we are going to point fingers - WITHOUT REASON - here are a few other (and I certainly hope they are unfounded) suggestions as to why this may have happened: 1. it increases donations (please note the entries), 2. a means to a promotion, 3. create a public outcry and support so the City wouldn't dare prune the budget, 4. force the City to provide better security (which isn't a bad thing, but at what cost?, 5. I don't know, maybe DPT got bored and wants to make another comeback.
With those points suggested, I assure you I also intend to make a contribution because it is a good cause. God Bless the employees - present & past - that have worked hard to make the zoo a beautiful respite from the ugly parts of our world.
Posted by lewisbailbonds (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The County Attorneys' name is Mark Goodman...He is the top man,, he has several assistants but he will make the final decision..his adress is 430 commercial st. emporia, kansas 66801...
Posted by KUtriSIS (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is sick and I would really like to think this wasn't some stupid publicity stunt. A publicity stunt can be done without killing animals, even as stupid as it is otherwise. My God that is just stomach churning to even think that the city would be capable of something so cruel just to get a little extra money. On that matter, I don't care who you are, you will be caught and prosecuted! Mark my word, there are enough people out there that you will run your mouth off to and you'll be lucky if it doesn't get your hind-end beat BEFORE you get locked up.
Posted by jennifersmith (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not understand why someone would have done this. My son who is 5 loves going to the zoo. He cried yesterday when he found out. It was our favorite stop--those beautiful geese waddled up to the fence. They were so friendly. Thank you to all the friends of the zoo who help give Emporia a beautiful zoo for the town to Enjoy! I hope that whoever did this is confesses. What an awful action!!!
I will help with a security system too! I don't want this to happen again . Make me both angry and sad.
Posted by sadinemporia (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mickey66839: are you involved in any way, it sure sounds like it since you are disgusted by our "ghetto" zoo...hmmm...maybe an officer should contact you to get your involvements...
Posted by JessicaNelson (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dont you people have jobs?
Posted by crackinsack (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jessica "Nelson",
Don't you think it's time you got a new Username?
Posted by kmartin66801 (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah I agree. Someone should check into this Mickey66839 guy he sounds a little iffy. My mom has been speaking to people at work about this, and everyone agreed with her that the reward money should be increased. So maybe that way the sick person that did this has a higher chance of getting caught and punished.
Posted by wyse_guy (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well mickey mouse what does your ghetto zoo look like fence around your backyard and your family running loose.You dont even live here what did you do ride a boxcar through our fine town.
Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on June 25, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Time to close this out and move to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/ope...
Gwen Larson
Managing Editor