Animal Rights Groups Make Big Deal About Oglebay Letting Kids Slaughter Zoo Animals

WHEELING - The Good Zoo at Oglebay recently came under scrutiny from PETA, the ALF, liberals and other animal rights groups after the zoo announced plans for its newest exhibit. On Monday a spokesperson for Oglebay Resort told reporters that starting this summer, families will have the option to buy a pass that lets them eat any animal in the zoo. Tickets start at $150 each and were available to pre-order following the announcement. Sales set a new record previously held by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. Still, despite the enthusiasm shown locally, criticism quickly sprang up from around the nation. PETA president Ingrid Newkirk is traveling to Charleston to petition the state to put a stop to what Oglebay is dubbing the 'Animal BBQ' experience. This will be Newkirk's 47th visit to the West Virginia state capital this year alone.

"This is an outrage to animal lovers everywhere," said Newkirk. "This zoo is teaching our children how to lie and deceive animals into subjecting themselves to the dinner table."

The process of lying and deceiving that Ms. Newkirk refers to is part of the zoo's already existing 'Animal Encounters' package, where children can enter the exhibits and help the zookeepers train and feed the animals.

"We decided to include the 'Animal Encounters' package with the 'Animal BBQ' package for various reasons," said Clyde Donovan, a zoo manager. "The biggest reason we wanted to do this was to develop a relationship between the guest and the animal before the slaughtering. This helps the animal trust the guest, which is especially useful if you purchase the deluxe package."

The deluxe version of the 'Animal BBQ' package, priced at $175, lets visitors kill the zoo animal themselves by using a meat cleaver. For an additional $10 on top of the deluxe package, you have the option of choosing how you end the animal's life; using a shotgun, katana, lethal injection and running the animal over with a Jeep are just a few of the options available.

"For children under twelve it's required that they use a .22 caliber rifle," said Donovan. "They won't be strong enough to kill the animal swiftly otherwise and the shotgun might kick a little too hard for them."

Donovan says that families who purchase the package will be able to witness the entire process, from skinning to butchering then cooking.

"We wanted our guests to get the full experience," Donovan said proudly. "They'll be able to enjoy the freshest meat they will ever taste, as well as getting the opportunity to chow down on some animals that might not be around much longer."

Also announced on Monday was the zoo's decision to add many new exhibits of endangered species such as the Siberian Tiger, which brings speculation that the new animals will also be available to slaughter and consume. However, Donovan and Oglebay refused to elaborate any further.

"You'll just have to buy your tickets and see," said Donovan with a wink.