Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

red dog 1

(31,767 posts)
Sat Aug 30, 2025, 05:31 PM Saturday

Shut Down The Cherokee Bear Zoo Now

Species Unite

SIGN THE PETITION

Throughout the United States, countless animals suffer in low-budget roadside zoos.
Used for cheap entertainment, these animals are often confined to barren cages, forced into unnatural interactions with tourists, deprived of proper care, and subjected to poor diets and living conditions.

One of the worst examples of these exploitative attractions is the Cherokee Bear Zoo in Cherokee, North Carolina.

At this bleak tourist stop, black bears, grizzly bears, and even sun bears --- a species native to Southeast Asia --- are imprisoned in concrete pits.
These grim enclosures are void of natural stimulation, each containing little more than a few scattered mats on the ground, a tiny pool that is barely sufficient for the bears to cool off during the sweltering North Carolina summers, and a few scattered tires and logs as makeshift enrichment.

More + Petition:
https://speciesunite.com/shut-down-the-cherokee-bear-zoo-now




3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Silent Type

(10,796 posts)
1. I remember several places in Cherokee in 1950s had bears in tiny cages and poor old
Sat Aug 30, 2025, 06:28 PM
Saturday

Native Americans dressed in headdresses dancing along road. It was disturbing as an 8 year old back then.

On the other hand, back then — before the casinos and tourism — they had almost nothing. They don’t need that junk nowadays.

Silent Type

(10,796 posts)
3. Forgot about that, haven't been in the past 10 years. Used to be big into hiking and bicycling.
Sun Aug 31, 2025, 11:12 AM
Sunday
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Vegetarian, Vegan and Animal Rights»Shut Down The Cherokee Be...