A wildlife attraction in Miami-Dade County, the Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF), has come under scrutiny after a recent federal inspection revealed multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Among the incidents reported were the amputation of a leg from an endangered clouded leopard and the death of a female capybara during a breeding attempt. These events have raised concerns regarding animal safety and welfare practices at the facility.
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According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report obtained by the animal rights group PETA, ZWF was cited for ten violations during a routine inspection conducted on March 31, 2026. The inspection highlighted key issues, including failing to ensure compatibility among animals housed together, which led to both the death of the capybara and the severe injury to the clouded leopard.
In a troubling January incident, a female capybara was found dead after being housed with a male capybara for several weeks. The facility’s licensee reportedly expressed “100% certainty” that the male had suffocated her while attempting to mate. The inspection report notes that housing incompatible animals can lead to stress, injury, or even death, illustrating a significant oversight in animal management at ZWF.
In another alarming case, an adult female clouded leopard sustained severe injuries when she was attacked during a breeding attempt with an adult male. Inspectors determined that a gap in a shared enclosure wall allowed the male to reach through and injure the female. This unfortunate incident resulted in the amputation of her left leg. Clouded leopards are classified as endangered, making the consequences of such events particularly serious.
Mario Tabraue, the owner of ZWF and a figure known for his past dealings in narcotics, has publicly disputed the allegations and suggested that the incidents were beyond the foundation’s control. In a statement to the Miami New Times, he elaborated on the care the clouded leopard received following her injury, affirming that she has since adapted well to an outdoor enclosure away from public view. He described the death of the capybara as a natural occurrence, further suggesting that these events are part of the unpredictable realities of wildlife behaviour.
Despite Tabraue’s assertions, the USDA inspection report categorises both incidents as critical violations, underscoring the inadequacy of ZWF’s animal management practices. The report highlighted persistent issues, including insufficient enclosure conditions that presented risks to the health and safety of the animals. Among the additional violations noted were sharp edges and rust in enclosures housing capuchin monkeys and servals, as well as further hazards from close proximity to the perimeter fence.
Additionally, the inspection revealed unsatisfactory food preparation and storage conditions. Concerns about hygiene were raised when inspectors found dead flies and gnats around food storage containers and dirty water receptacles across various animal enclosures. Such conditions point to the necessity for systemic improvements in ZWF’s operational practices.
In light of these violations, PETA is urging the public to reconsider their support for the Zoological Wildlife Foundation. Klayton Rutherford, director of captive wildlife advocacy for PETA, voiced strong disapproval of the facility, stating that wild animals ought to have access to spacious habitats, rather than being confined to inadequate, cramped enclosures that pose substantial risks to their welfare.
Meanwhile, Tabraue has dismissed the accusations against ZWF as unfounded and symptomatic of ongoing complaints pushed by PETA, claiming that the organisation aims to undermine their operations. He has maintained that the foundation provides significant animal care and that the reported incidents do not reflect the standard care extended to the animals.
Zoological Wildlife Foundation, which hosts over 100 species including tigers, lions, and various exotic birds, promotes itself as a venue offering immersive wildlife experiences. However, with these recent reports serving as a stark reminder of animal welfare obligations, it seems a critical evaluation of their practices and conditions is more necessary than ever. As scrutiny continues and advocacy groups call for improvements, the onus remains on the foundation to ensure that animals within its care receive the humane treatment they deserve.