Three Bears General Store: A Nightmare for Bears
In a horrific display of greed and cruelty, Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has been condemned by PETA for their abysmal treatment of animals. Two young black bears are trapped in a concrete pit, deprived of their natural behaviors like foraging, roaming, and hibernating—all for the sake of profit. The roadside zoo has a long history of neglect, unsanitary conditions, and inhumane treatment of bears, leading to multiple deaths.
PETA has awarded Three Bears General Store with the 2024 “Grinch of the Year” title, highlighting their callous disregard for animal welfare. Despite numerous citations and warnings, the facility continues to subject these bears to a life of misery and exploitation, with visitors encouraged to toss food into their pit, often landing in feces or puddles. The bears are denied the most basic necessities and are forced to beg for sustenance from tourists, a far cry from their natural habitat where they would roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors.
Cherokee Bear Zoo: A Heartbreaking Reality
Cherokee Bear Zoo in North Carolina is another tragic example of animal exploitation and neglect. Black bears and grizzly bears are confined to tiny cinderblock pits, devoid of any semblance of their natural environment. Experts have decried the conditions at the roadside zoo as “disgusting” and “cruel and unusual punishment,” with bears pacing on hard concrete, predisposed to debilitating joint diseases like arthritis.
The exploitation of bear cubs at Cherokee Bear Zoo for public encounters, such as photo ops, highlights the callousness of the facility’s operators. Separated from their mothers at a young age, these cubs suffer from psychological distress, exhibiting abnormal behaviors and struggling to cope with their captive environment. The cycle of exploitation continues as cubs outgrow their usefulness and are replaced with new, younger animals.
Spring River Zoo: A Tragedy in Roswell
Spring River Zoo in Roswell, New Mexico, has a troubling history of federal Animal Welfare Act violations, including inadequate care, filthy facilities, and animal escapes. Trapped in dungeon-like enclosures, bears named Sierra and Ursula spend their days walking in circles, denied the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors like roaming and foraging.
Despite promises of improvement from the city of Roswell, the conditions at Spring River Zoo remain dire, with animals suffering from neglect and mistreatment. The tragic death of animals due to unsafe enclosures and inadequate care underscores the urgent need to speak out against these roadside zoos and demand better treatment for the animals in their care.
Take Action Now: Stand Up for Bears
The plight of bears at roadside zoos is a somber reminder of the exploitation and cruelty that animals endure for human entertainment. By raising awareness, supporting reputable sanctuaries, and refusing to patronize facilities that profit from animal suffering, we can make a difference in the lives of these majestic creatures. Join PETA in their fight for animal rights and help give bears like those at Three Bears General Store, Cherokee Bear Zoo, and Spring River Zoo a chance at a better life. Together, we can ensure that no bear is denied their basic rights and freedoms in the name of entertainment.