A Miami Zoo Once Run by a Drug Lord Is Under Fire After a Leopard Lost a Leg and a Capybara Died

Federal inspectors have cited a Miami roadside zoo owned by a former cocaine trafficker for multiple animal welfare violations, including the death of a capybara and the amputation of a clouded leopard’s leg after botched breeding attempts. The Zoological Wildlife Foundation, which charges $1,500 an hour for off-site animal encounters, was inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on March 30. The facility is owned by Mario Tabraue, who served 12 years of a 100-year sentence for drug trafficking and racketeering and appeared in the Netflix series *Tiger King*. Among the violations found: broken and unsafe cages, filthy enclosures, and food and water contaminated with algae and dead insects.

According to USDA veterinary officer Danisha Bullock, the female leopard, named Petra, had her leg mauled by a male after staff placed them together for breeding. The pair were separated by a wall with a guillotine door that had a gap at the bottom. Petra reached her paw under the door, and the male attacked, leading to the amputation of her entire left leg. The capybara was found dead in January after being housed with a male for six weeks. The zoo’s owner told inspectors he was “100% certain” the male killed the female while trying to mate.

Animal welfare groups, including PETA, are calling for the zoo’s closure. “The facility chases profits at the expense of animal welfare, and animals are paying with their lives and limbs,” said Klayton Rutherford, PETA’s director of captive wildlife advocacy. He noted that the zoo later posted a video of Petra with Tabraue, asking for donations to cover her veterinary bills. The USDA ordered the zoo to permanently separate incompatible animals, but has not confirmed whether a follow-up inspection has occurred. The zoo did not respond to requests for comment.