USDA cites Duluth zoo after animals drown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited a Duluth zoo after several farm animals drowned in June flooding.

The USDA cited the Lake Superior Zoo for inadequate shelter for farm animals at its West Duluth facility. The zoo has since satisfied the USDA's demand that the zoo provide adequate shelter at its farm animal exhibit.

Six sheep and four goats died at the zoo during flooding that devastated northeastern Minnesota. The USDA conducted a routine inspection on Aug. 28.

Director of zoo operations Peter Pruett tells the Duluth News Tribune that most of the protection for the animals is out of the zoo's hands as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to improve the drainage of Kingsbury Creek that flows through zoo property.

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