Animal Planet: Drop "Yankee Jungle" - Don't Promote a Breeding Backyard Zoo!

  • by: Kristina Snyder
  • recipient: The Producers and Program Directors of Animal Planet

D.E.W Haven in Maine is a backyard zoo that breeds exotics for profit.

This zoo claims to be a sanctuary, but their animals live in cramped enclosures with few opportunities for stimulation or enrichment. Worst of all, this place breeds for profit under the guise of conservation, which a true sanctuary would NEVER do as it perpetuates the cycle of wild animal abuse and neglect. 

One of DEW's female tigers named Makeena gave birth to a litter of three cubs last summer, two of which were white tiger cubs. All of the cubs were taken from her the day they were born, handled by people, and used for profit.  The actual cub in the picture for this petition was killed because of a "congenital neurological condition" due to white tigers being notoriously inbred in captivity.  Neither of the other two cubs born remained at DEW Haven, and they never disclose the exact locations of where their animals go.  That is typical of the exotic trade, sell, donate business of backyard zoos. 

How do I know this? I was there. Through my own eyes I saw animals kept in unacceptable conditions, and numerous baby exotic animals, the outcome of their active breeding program.; I was informed of the cubs and their status directly from a family member at the entrance booth.  Plus the outcome of the cub that was killed was noted in the finding of a  USDA complaint which I filed.  DEW Haven did not disclose this information to the public.  The cub was used for media coverage but its death was kept secret.

Now they have hired actors and are going into their second season of a television show called "Yankee Jungle". The show includes interactions with baby animals, which a true sanctuary would never do. This will just perpetuate the exotic pet problem which is rampant in the United States and leave actual, accredited sanctuaries inundated with older, unwanted exotics.

Animal Planet has agreed to air all episodes of this misguided show and the second season starts soon! Tell Animal Planet to cancel “Yankee Jungle” a reality show set at DEW Haven - this type of facility should not be promoted!

Please sign my petition and let Animal Planet know that backyard zoos breeding exotic animals in minimally sized, barren enclosures should not be promoted!

Update #68 years ago
BIG NEWS: We're delivering the Care2 petition signed by over 100K of you to Animal Planet THIS WEEK! Click here to say you'll join us in Silver Spring MD! Can't make the trip? No problem - tweet @AnimalPlanet right now to share the message that breeding backyard zoos shouldn't get TV shows, they should get shut down!
Update #58 years ago
Animal Planet has not heard us and plans to run more episodes of "Yankee Jungle" this fall. I went back in June to check conditions and it was still unsanitary, unsafe, with depressing enclosures. Please join me for a DEMONSTRATION August 29 in Portland, Maine, 11 am to 2 pm. Here is the Facebook link and keep sharing the petition!

Update #48 years ago
URGENT!!! BREAKING NEWS!!!
DEW (Yankee Jungle) is filming new episodes! There is also credible evidence they have bred more baby big cats, at the very least babies from other exotic species that they are going to exploit guaranteed.

PLEASE re-share this petition! I am venturing again to get this petition to Animal Planet and Discovery headquarters, this time with the utmost determination!!! We will be heard!

Thank you
Update #38 years ago
The white tiger cub in the photo had to be EUTHANIZED due to a "congenital neurological condition". DEW had not disclosed this to the public and hoped nobody would find out. Animal Planet may still air more episodes of Yankee Jungle and promote this reckless breeding. We need more signatures and support so this will not happen! Also, please call this number and state how Animal Planet is supporting abuse by showing Yankee Jungle! (240) 662-8909
Update #28 years ago
AP is re-airing Yankee Jungle and is considering ordering more episodes! Please call Animal Planet's viewer line TODAY and say NO to Yankee Jungle! (240) 662-8909
Also, keep sharing the petition as we will be bringing it to AP's NY offices soon!
Thanks for helping these animals!!
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