Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Security of Duluth zoo under scrutiny after flood

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Zoo seal on Grand Avenue
This seal is one of two that escaped from the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth during the devastating floods last month. It was photographed on Grand Avenue. Zoo officials say the seals were returned safely, but about a dozen other animals died at the zoo.
Courtesy of Ellie Burchar

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Security issues at the Lake Superior Zoo are under scrutiny after about a dozen animals died in last month's flood.

The Duluth News Tribune reports that an alarm sounded three hours before zoo officials knew they had a serious problem.

According to protocol, the security company told animal management director Peter Pruett of the alarm about midnight. Protocol then calls for the security company to contact police.

But police didn't get to the zoo.

It's unknown if those three hours could have saved the animals, but zoo staffers have been lobbying for 24-hour security for years and say it would've meant quicker intervention.

Zoological Society chief executive Sam Maida recently hired a company for 24-hour security. He says he planned to do that later this month but accelerated the process.

Gallery
1 of 1
Zoo seal on Grand Avenue
This seal is one of two that escaped from the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth during the devastating floods last month. It was photographed on Grand Avenue. Zoo officials say the seals were returned safely, but about a dozen other animals died at the zoo.
Courtesy of Ellie Burchar