IDA Seeks Whistleblowers at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
$2500 reward offered for evidence of animal cruelty at amusement park
As Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif. prepares for limited winter hours that will restrict public access to the animals there, IDA is launching a whistleblower campaign in an effort to expose and document animal cruelty at the amusement park. Our campaign includes:
- A toll-free hotline (1-888-4-ZOO-TIP) that whistleblowers can call anonymously to report negligence or animal abuse.
- A $2500 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of Six Flags or its agents for violating federal, state, or local animal cruelty and/or animal welfare laws.
- A series of ads in Vallejo-area newspapers publicizing the hotline and the reward.
- Direct outreach to park employees and patrons.
IDA is launching the campaign on the eve of the two-month anniversary of the death of Makonnen, a two-year-old giraffe who perished in an overnight fire at the park that is suspected to have been caused by a malfunctioning electrical system. The giraffe was one of numerous animals -- including seven elephants, two orcas, and at least four dolphins -- who have died at the park since Six Flags took over management a decade ago.
"We know that there are park employees who care about animals and are distressed by the way they are treated at this amusement park," said IDA president Elliot M. Katz, DVM. "Our whistleblower program will enable them to help the animals at Six Flags without fear of losing their jobs."
Noting that the several former park employees who have come forward with allegations of negligence and abuse did not feel safe doing so while still employed at the park, Katz said, "We are calling on people of integrity within Six Flags to call the hotline anonymously so they don't have to wait until they retire or leave the park to report negligence or animal abuse."
IDA has been critical of the park's treatment of animals, particularly the elephants, seven of whom remain confined at the park in the shadow of a rollercoaster. Since 1995, nine elephants, including two full-term calves, have died at the park, and many of the current elephant residents suffer from health problems including foot disease and arthritis -- the leading causes of death in captive elephants.
What You Can Do:
Please Take Action to urge Six Flags to send the elephants to a sanctuary. Also follow up with polite letters, phone calls, faxes, or emails.
Mr. Martin Lathrop
Park President
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
2001 Marine World Parkway
1001 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, CA 94589
Fax: (707) 644-0241
Email: