13 WTHRZoo reviews procedures after sharks' death

Zoo reviews procedures after sharks' death

Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - The Indianapolis Zoo is reviewing several procedures after 15 sharks died Monday. Zoo officials say human error led to the deaths. There have been other recent incidents in which animals have died.

In the most recent case, 15 Bonnethead sharks died when they were exposed to too much ozone, an oxygen molecule used to clean their tank. The zoo says an employees made a mistakes.

"These are tragic incidents and these are animals the staff cares for, and it's very tough on them," said Judy Gagen, Indianapolis Zoo.

In the past five and a half years, the zoo has had several other tragic incidents: In 2003, Amali, a baby elephant died of an infection. In 2005, several stray dogs got into an exhibit and killed eight birds. In the past year a polar bear and two Kodiak bears passed away. Considering the facility houses 2,500 to 3,000 animals at any given time, some deaths are expected.

"There's a few incidents per year. With a living collection, things live and things die and sometimes things are accidentally killed," Gagen said.

In 2007, an accidental fire in an area called the Critter Corner killed nine small animals including turtles, snakes and an armadillo. That fire was caused by a heat lamp. Now, after the accident, the lamps are turned off at night when no one is around.

Learning from mistakes and making changes is critical, according to zoo officials. It's also what has kept Indianapolis an accredited zoo for the past 28 years.

"There are no systemic problems at Indianapolis. This is a zoo that very well meets the high standards for animal care and welfare. They're incredibly committed to wildlife conservation - a real model and leader across the country," said Steve Feldman, executive director of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a Maryland-based organization that accredits zoos and aquariums.

The zoo made public the deaths of the sharks, just like they publicized the arrival of bear cubs from Alaska. Good news or bad, here transparency is a priority.

Indy Zoo