An Ontario petting zoo under investigation by animal welfare authorities for leaving a kangaroo and other animals in the sun without shade at a recent festival north of Toronto says it takes exceptional care of all its animals.
Tim Height, the owner of Tiger Paw Exotics, says the kangaroo was just resting as it usually does during the days and not near death as alleged by a visitor to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's annual street festival.
That visitor, Jonathon Cole, says he saw the kangaroo curled up on minimal bedding on the hot road with no available water and foam coming from its mouth.
He thought the animal was dying and complained to both Height and to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who attended and told the petting zoo to provide a tent to give shade to the animals.
Height says the sun had just broken through and staff were already constructing a tent for the animals, which also had separate enclosures with rabbits and porcupines.
The company organizing the petting zoo portion of the street festival has cut ties with Tiger Paw Exotics, but says this was the first complaint in seven years working with Height's organization.
"We take excellent care of our animals and take pride in our business," Height wrote in an email.
"The kangaroo was resting comfortably and staff would not disturb her."
He said kangaroos usually sleep during the day and are more active in the morning and at night.
Veterinarian Colin Peace said Millie, a nine-year-old female red kangaroo, was healthy and in good spirits when he examined the animal on Monday.
"These animals are from Australia and are used to the heat," Peace said.
"She was just resting when the public saw her."
The OSPCA has launched an investigation into Tiger Paw Exotics and the case is being managed by one of its zoo inspectors.
