U.P. zoo owner provides House testimony

The House Agriculture Committee today listened to testimony from Carrie Cramer, part owner of the DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace and star of the Nat Geo Wild show “My Life is a Zoo,” on legislation that will help smaller, private zoos thrive in Michigan.

Carrie Cramer, part owner of the DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace and star of the Nat Geo Wild show “My Life is a Zoo,” provided testimony today to the House Agriculture Committee on Senate Bills 210 and 703. The legislation is now under consideration by the full House.

Senate Bills 210 and 703 were approved by the committee, which includes Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan. SB 210 adds the Zoological Association of America to the list of accreditation organizations that can qualify a member facility for a Large Carnivore Act (Public Act 274 of 2000) exemption; SB 703 clarifies the requirements necessary to import a large carnivore under the act.

“Having Carrie before the committee members to explain the importance of these bills to their zoo business and those in similar situations across Michigan was extremely helpful,” McBroom said. “This legislation is another step toward helping small businesses be successful, and in the zoo’s case, there’s the added bonus of educating and entertaining families and children about the environment and animals from around the world.”

The ZAA was established to “promote responsible conservation, preservation and propagation of animals in both private and public domains.”

McBroom said the bills now being considered by the House will provide a needed update to the law, since the ZAA was created in 2005, five years after the act was originally enacted.