Collins, Mississippi: Backyard Exotic Animal Orphanage (Closed)
Tigers, wildcats, snapping turtles, some retired from circuses. Evidently not for those afraid of animals that bite. (Raided in Jan. 2012 by state wildlife officials after complaints by the Humane Society of the US. Authorities removed a number of animals.)
Collins Zoo
- Directions:
- Collins Exotic Animal Orphanage. On the northbound side of US Hwy 49 about a mile south of town.
- Hours:
- June 2012: Reported closed in 2012.
- Status:
- Closed
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Was closed earlier this year due to poor animal conditions.
[Heather, 06/12/2012]This roadside zoo was raided by authorities earlier this year and closed due to neglect of animals and visitor safety.
[Hpmcfarland, 03/25/2012]The Collins Exotic Animal Orphanage is just off of Hwy 49 North between Jackson and Hattiesburg. Three tigers, lots of caged wildcats, some cougars, and a huge snapping turtle. $3 admission. Looks like its just in someone's backyard. When we visited, one of the tigers had just had a baby and they had it in their living room with baby gates around it. Very scary exhibit of photos of locals showing off their snake and turtle bites........
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Eleven animals were removed for assorted violations during the January raid. Zoo owners Gus and Betty White have asked the state to return the seized animals. The zoo had been raided in the past. News reports in February indicated they still intend to operate and had not yet closed permanently.