How hundreds of animals were rescued from a troubled Puerto Rico zoo | 60 Minutes

[@irmapodesta4421]

I'm from Puerto Rico, and I always fought and protested for that zoo to close, and for those animals to be transported to rescue groups. Thanks Pat.

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie3]

There used to be a zoo somewhere in the San Juan metro area back in the mid-70s. Do you know if it's gone? I don't remember there being one in Mayaguez, but it was a very long time ago. Boqueron was empty and beautiful back then. There were rustic cabins 20 ft from the water, and you could rent them for $50/week. We had the entire place to ourselves except for a female member of the Olympic Swim Team. She'd swim a couple of miles out and back each day. I miss PR. 🛬 🌊 🏝 ⛵️❤ 🌴 😊🍹🥥🍍 🥭🍌

[@bongopro4401]

@@GuantanamoBayBarbie3this might b the one u remember

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie3]

@bongopro4401 Maybe so. I thought it was fairly close to our home in Bayamon, but I guess my memory is faulty. Perhaps we stopped there during a week we spent at Boqueron, which is also on the west side of the island.

[@ithanvega]

¡Gracias Irma! Soy de Puerto Rico y el maltrato de los animales en el zoológico de Mayagüez nos da muchísima vergüenza a nosotros puertorriqueños. Me alegra tanto que éstos animales estén en lugares dónde son tratados cómo se merecen 🥲

[@taylorc146]

Me and my son have been practicing our Spanish for a trip to the Indianapolis zoo to meet Mara.

[@ithanvega]

I’m from Puerto Rico and the horrible mistreatment of the animals at the Mayagüez zoo has infuriated me for years. I’m immensely heartbroken that many of the issues they have as results of their mistreatment are permanent but I’m also incredibly happy to see them get the homes they deserve…

[@xxyy1318]

Years? Where were you? Why didn't you do something about it?

[@AmberFarrald]

No animal should ever live like this. Hurts my heart. Thank you to Craig and Monica and their team for helping these animals. Thank you to the justice department for helping them

[@JoycelynMayo]

Thank you so much for rescuing the animals I loved as a child. They were very well cared of at one time. So PLEASE don’t judge the people from Puerto Rico. They loved those animals too!!

[@debbieschultz9768]

You’re right. No one has the right to blame Puerto Rico because it happened there.

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

Looks like there were organized efforts protesting it, the community made it happen ❤

[@thetruepatriot7733]

Nope... it's definitely fair to blame Puerto Rican leadership for this 😢

[@MeganKugs]

I definitely agree with not blaming the majority of citizens. They weren’t on the inside, they didn’t see the conditions firsthand and there were many, many people who protested against the zoo’s continued operation for years. However, there absolutely is blame to lay at the feet of the higher ups at the zoo, the government officials who could have stepped in years and years ago and the zookeepers who wouldn’t even help transfer the animals out of tiny cages with no electricity. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to work with and love animals and now they’re being taken away and you’ll never see them again but if you love them you need to be willing to put yourself aside to do what’s right for them. (It’s a similar principle when it comes to having a pet euthanized. No one ever wants that and it’s always awful but the choices are keep the animal around in pain because you’re not ready or allow them to leave in peace. I’ve been in that position and it rips you up but it’s the right choice.)

[@mononoke813]

Pretty sure that at SOME POINT it becomes obvious the “care” they *once* received no longer applied. 100% hold those Puerto Ricans involved accountable for not doing something sooner and 100% blame those who sabotaged and refused to help.

[@workingclassdog21]

Proud to say this sanctuary is almost in my backyard. It's a great place to visit.

[@kerirae4777]

WE NEED TO SUPPORT PAT AND HIS SANCTUARY!! Thank you - you are all heroes!🙏🏼🥰

[@JP-rb1js]

I have visited the Sanctuary multiple times and it’s a God send for these animals. I donate every month

[@FRANK-ex5fg]

😂 SO HAPPY these animals have been rescued treated for sicknesses, mis treatment, now getting all they need.😅

[@FRANK-ex5fg]

❤ MY HEART ACHES FOR THESE RESCUED ANIMALS THAT WAS SO MISTREATED, ABUSED TORCHERED. NOW FREE TO ROME AS THEY SHOULD!

[@joshuadejesus9861]

I’m from Puerto Rico,I have seen this zoo in decline and I wish this was done sooner

[@xxyy1318]

Then why didn't you write Congress?

[@joshuadejesus9861]

@@xxyy1318 I was a minor a literal child?

[@just10case]

Thank God for people like Craig

[@DjHotheadJenniferCatesLongoria]

Me & my wife can say enough of how great you people are. Thank you so much for everything you and your wife do.

[@IAMHIM15]

Support Pat and his organization and check out his years of videos. He's been trying to fix the problems that WE human's created.

[@YourMsRightHere]

For every human that is terrible to animals there is almost always someone like Pat. We should all be like Pat

[@apandama-wk8hi]

Those poor animals. I'm so glad they found a beautiful home. That animal sanctuary is based in Colorado. It is amazing. I did volunteer work as a teenager It's such a beautiful place. Some of the animals from tiger king actually ended up there as well if I remember correctly.

[@RavenMistwolf]

The fact that locals sabotaged your efforts to rescue these horribly mistreated animals is absolutely disgusting. Everyone who contributed to this mistreatment, abuse, and neglect deserves to be imprisoned! I know this is not reflective of most people living in Puerto Rico, so please don’t hate on them as a whole. Thank you all for doing so much to save these poor animals and give them the better lives they deserve.

[@RubySmith-c9q]

Thank you for saving these beautiful animals

[@PeachMintz]

The fact there were people protesting AGAINST Pat is insane and they were told “oh there’s no abuse. It’s the animals getting older and the hurricane’s fault.” Thank you Pat and your team for everything you do

[@1226-i9u]

exactly! did you see the mountain lion that was all skin and bones? Like was there childhood memory worth letting these animals live like this and in conditions like this? Letting that poor mountain lions suffer with cancer for so long it went through his whole body, that poor thing suffered up until his last day, and they had the nerve to protest

[@jessycaphoenix8152]

Wow. Thanks to everyone who helps and loves animals.

[@erikadowdy2382]

Im tearing up ; I LOVE THESE PEOPLE🎉❤ U know those airlines aren’t cheap!!!

[@chelseamiranda6651]

So sad for the animals that never made it but incredibly happy for the ones that are now in a much better place. Humans can be so cruel and selfish. Thanks Pat and Monica for all the good yall are doing

[@richardjohnson5529]

Craige and Monica You Are Heroes, Thank You for Caring.

[@katiefountain2407]

Thank you to the kind souls who cared 🙏

[@pattimiller9157]

God bless you a million times for saving the animals ❤

[@jyoster6447]

Coming in from Puerto Rico. I remember going towards that zoo when I was little, and I got to learn a lot about the animals living there. As much as it saddens me that I won't get to see them again, I'm happy for them that they got better homes. And I'm very ashamed of the folks who were being stubborn and uncooperative regarding the rescue. Puerto Rico I see it as a place where people of different cultures come together and help each other, so I don't condone the attempts at sabotage done.

[@lindafischlein728]

I have visited the Wild Animal Sanctuary. What an amazing place and gift to these poor creatures!

[@althepal1983]

Thank you for rescuing. It’s important that sanctuaries stay ‘hands-off’!

[@liviamon]

Thank you for taking care of these animals. I do not care where you come from or what agency or corporation you represent, you represent these animals and their wellbeing. There is, or was, another place located in the city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, called "Parque de las Ciencias" they have (or had) some live animals on display. Many years ago, my kids used to go to watch the animals. The last time they went they returned sad and eyes swelled with tears for the state the animals were in. They never went again. I do not know if it currently has animals or is just a "science display" place.Those animals were in worse condition than those that were at Mayaguez Zoo. Some groups protested for the bad conditions the animals were kept in. What happened after their protests, no one knows, it was “swept under the carpet” by the city government. It makes me sad and ashamed of the way these managers and government entities treated all these animals.

[@terireed3740]

I cried.. and cried some more. 1st from immense sadness about their treatment. And then from happiness about their rescue. Blessings to all people who help the helpless.

[@raydomenech7646]

I lived a few miles away from that zoo when I was a little boy and remember going once. It was an ugly and neglected zoo back then, I never went back… it was a sad place, glad they shut it down.

[@robinmeekins1400]

Thank you Pat!!!!! God Bless these innocent creatures!!!

[@martinejustice6416]

And, thank you 60 Minutes for bringing this tragedy to light. I want to donate to the organizations who took these animals in & the people who rescued them. 🙏

[@meggiemooism]

First one is an animal sanctuary in Colorado, run by this man Pat Craig. The elephant sanctuary is a refuge in Georgia run by Carol buckley idk if I spelled that right.

[@martinejustice6416]

@meggiemooism Thank YOU for the info! I'm happy to let them know you were their advocate for the contributions I'm making.

[@martinejustice6416]

@@meggiemooism is the elephant sanctuary in Georgia, USA? Or Georgia, in the country of Transcaucusia?

[@meggiemooism]

@@martinejustice6416 aww that's sweet 😊 no need to do that, I'm happy to help. I was pretty certain it was Georgia USA but interestingly it seems it may be in Tennessee USA but not 100% sure. Google Carol Buckley. She's the founder, president & CEO of elephant aid international. Her info & website should be the first results when you Google her name. 😁

[@ounca]

@@martinejustice6416 Georgia, USA

[@cathy1944]

This made my heart happy to see them free and happy in a safe home.

[@mdwoods100]

Amazing couple. Thank you for caring so much.

[@AlternativeHomesteading]

Thank you 60 Minutes for covering this story and to those wonderful people for rescuing these tortured animals. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. This is happening all over the world and in the United States. We have whales and dolphins that need to be rescued from so-called aquarium attractions. The list is endless. Please make certain you have back up caretakers to take over when you no longer can.

[@josefinematildehansenvonki2384]

Bless all of you❤❤❤

[@tmgetts]

What beautiful souls he and his awesome team are! The animals are finely home! ❤❤❤

[@mexx8093]

Thank you so much for saving and rescued these amazing animals ❤ God bless you all 🙏

[@jacobe9187]

Mans doing Gods work. Anyone abusing animals does not have a soul.

[@polarberri]

Amazing to see how vast a space they have now. Thank you for all that you do!

[@ediethorne7217]

Pat and his team are fantastic

[@traceylewin772]

Wow,my heart broke😪how amazing 🎉you are. THANK YOU, I'M GOING TO GO find out how I'll support you ❤

[@Megadextrious]

I’m always amazed at just how beautiful and regal the big cats are 😍 sometimes you can forget just how big they are when watching on the screen. I love seeing them head bump each other the same way my kitty does to me 😄 Thank god for people like this; what wonderful heroes ♥️

[@davidbonilla904]

I've been living in PR for the past 26 years. This story speaks volumes of the negligence the government has, not only with them, but even with us the people. They keep wondering why people keep fleeing to the States, but their narcissism is so immense that they're completely unable to see the truth before our eyes. It's honestly embarrassing AF, not only to see the point those animals were allowed to live in, but to hear that the zoo employees literally wanted to keep them in those conditions (which I know personally they did). I truly am sorry you had to live through that. And I thank everyone involved in saving those animals. Please never forget, THE GOVERNMENT IS THE CAUSE OF ALL OUR PROBLEMS!

[@jimk8520]

Government is comprised of people. It’s the complete jerks among us who are the cause of our problems.

[@portcybertryx222]

These are some rare, endangered and exotic animals that should absolutely be treated with respect and care. I don’t care about how much money we spend on this. It ain’t important. We shouldn’t let neglect cost us our treasured wildlife.

[@michellecooper5753]

Craig, thank you so much to you and your wonderful team. Great work for our precious creatures. They need you and we do too.

[@grilleddcheesus5122]

I’m glad these animals were rescued, but someone needs to be held responsible for the crimes committed in that zoo. Also, government of Puerto Rico, shame on you for allowing this injustice.

[@KJ-gc8oq]

Wonderful to see such a vast amount of space and to hear that Walmart donates a ton of food every week.

[@chilltarts]

Don’t praise the corporation too much. They’re only doing it because they get a tax write off. If that were to stop, the donations would too 🤨

[@zacharytracy3797]

I worked at Sam’s Club (Walmart) and gathered 4 gifted cakes that were being given away to the employees as gifts for Thanksgiving. There was almost 80 full-sized Bundt cakes 5 days after Thanksgiving and they were going stale. I gave those 4 I could fit into my car and donated them to a local food bank. Next day I was making arrangements with the food bank to come pick up the rest when they fired me for stealing from the store to sell the goods myself. I showed PROOF of my communications with the Food Bank and they still fired me. Don’t simp for corporations and don’t “donate” to their causes as the money YOU give to be donated is classified as the corporation giving that money away charitably to their benefit!

[@roseg.4354]

Thank you to all helping hands.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MeganKugs]

I’m so happy to know about this organization! I’m going to donate what I can as soon as I can. The incredible work they’re doing deserves as much support as possible. 💜

[@MarieGrafmiller]

THANK YOU!!!!!! Your efforts and compassion is what makes this world a better place.❤❤❤

[@DarlenePoston]

Craig, thankyou soooo much for rescuing all the animals you have .You are definitely a warrior for them. The world needs more of you and also your wife and team.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexi2460]

Watching the repeat this summer, so sad that it took so long to get the animals out of Puerto Rico. Bless all our global rescue sanctuaries. We need better laws.

[@Marie-ts8rp]

Thank you 60 Min for this story! Please evrryone support Carol Buckley's Elephant Refuge North America & Pats Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colora🐅🐘

[@amf-bj7ni]

Thank you to all the people who are able to help abused and abandoned animals. It would be nice if the US government would put our money to that instead of funding wars.

[@izmazliishak9871]

❤Thank you

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you for saving these helpless animals that have been so poorly treated.

[@moppeliini6614]

There is a hope for humanity...

[@florabamabelle6413]

@@koriw1701Vote D are you joking? The blue states are turning US into a PR zoo!

[@jbegg1978]

These people seriously give me hope for humanity.

[@ramonperez-rl4ws]

Thank you for their rescue. I was there on the island. Yes I am so grateful for their rescue. I have it to do my own rescue I am living now in Orlando Florida. It was great to see Mundy again 🎉😊😂 thank you.

[@BooBuKittyPhuk]

Watching this literally made me cry. I'm so confused by people who want to keep these beautiful creatures in those horrible environments. Thank god for people like this and the animals they're able to save. Just wish there was more that could be done.

[@Beautifulday14]

Your all amazing I hope the best for everyone that helped these animals❤. Craig you are sent straight from heaven

[@kbraxton45]

Great man ~ Thank You and everyone that assisted these beautiful animals 💗

[@ManuelCaceres-m2h]

I am crying nonstop right now. Bless you Pat.

[@tonyastadt6110]

I am so blessed that there is people like you in your wife To build a sanctuary for these creatures that people don't understand and don't take care of your blessing!! And now they have a new life to enjoy🤗❤

[@georgefoord7087]

that is amazing, well done Pat and his team

[@latyshal.2286]

Thank you for rescuing those innocent animals. ❤ I hope the rest of their lives is the best of their lives. God blessed you all. ❤

[@suziperret468]

Hip hip hooray! These animals deserve sanctuary and a chance to feel the freedom to roam with their own kind!

[@jpjp455]

❤❤❤❤ ! God bless Pat Craig, his wife and team abundantly for saving the innocent animals!!!

[@CatsSleepyHollow]

I got to see the main Sanctuary and it is a beautiful place! If you want to have the full experience, do the guided tour with people like Austin who have so much knowledge and love what they do. Then go see Linda and find some beautiful souvenirs that benefit what you just enjoyed! My Son and I loved it and I am saving up for the next trip! Hopefully one day I get to see the other locations too.

[@iriselsa66]

😮 I'm very disappointed on the care that was neglected for these animals!

[@jimk8520]

Thank you, Pat!

[@mayramarrero1218]

Thanks for rescuing the animals, so happy to see that they are doing much better.

[@dinomation]

Nice to know that there’s still kind people who care for these animals in the world.

[@martinejustice6416]

How can anyone abandon these beautiful & majestic animals? These people took charge and saved these poor maltreated animals - there are no words that can describe how selfless & angelic they are. Thank you from an embarrassed US citizen.

[@jorgecruzseda7551]

A shame on us in Puerto Rico because of damm corruption 😢

[@brandonwilliams1851]

Thank God for these people's help.

[@teamcougars]

Bless 🙏🏻these loving and caring people who rescue and rehabilitate these spectacular animals 💜💜

[@najee151]

The happy ear flaps at 11:53 😭😭😭😭

[@courtney76r]

Thank you so much for saving and helping these beautiful creatures! So thankful there are still good people in the world 😊

[@pamelasmith8330]

GOD BLESS THESE PEOPLE FOR LOVING AND CARING FOR GOD'S PRECIOUS CREATURES!!!!! 🙏🏻❤

[@r1verman]

Thankful that there are wonderful sanctuaries to give these animals a proper home. I love zoos. They provide for people to see and experience species they would otherwise not be able to see, but the animal's care and well-being should always be first priority.

[@watsonspuzzle]

I don't understand why the zoo didn't reach out to a rescue as soon as they realized they couldn't keep the animals in good health. Why let a lion be eaten alive over time with cancer? Thankfully, this sanctuary stepped up to provide for them.

[@diamondjim7560]

Very possibly the owners were receiving government funds to operate that place. Instead of putting the money into the welfare of the animals, they devoured it themselves. Might be one of the reason the staff and locals fought the rescue. The money was going to dry up immediately and they knew it. The other villain is the Federal Wildlife Agency charged with oversight. If they knew this was going on and did nothing, another agency management that needs to be accountable. If they never bothered, same thing… clean out management of another corrupt government institution.

[@joyfullone3968]

A beautiful true tale, thanks for helping them all!💕💕💕

[@tswaw15]

Thank God for people like these guys!

[@debbieschultz9768]

I have the utmost respect for Pat and his wife (?) and the team. You are Angels to these animals. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@saralee9075]

I love these sanctuaries with all my heart and to be a 4th generation Colorado person I very proud to have a safe environment for these lovely animals. When I hit the lottery I will be sure to donate to this wonderful place and all my love to all the keepers !! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@rosac8168]

I’m from PR I didn’t even know we had a zoo! I’m disgusting to know that thank you so much for your caring hearts

[@fincarosa6767]

I begged jack hanna to come 2 years ago!! Those animals were kept in horrible conditions, sick elephant...sad Thank you to everyone whom was part of this rescue!! I was still worried about all the animals that needed someones help.❤

[@NaturingIFindNatural-august73]

🥺 that had me all choked up.! how fantastic is that.! amazing humans all of you.! bravo. ☺️😊😃😆 ✌🏻🇦🇺🌏🤘🏻

[@KCDWolf]

I remember visiting this zoo when I was a kid. It was pretty awesome, then I left for the mainland, so now seeing this is really heartbreaking

[@spideywhiplash]

Seeing things like this is why I only donate to animal rescue organizations. Humans have a voice and enough help. Animals are the natural beauty of our planet and the silent suffers. Best to take care of them.

[@forlisac1]

Amazing couple! Thank you for saving animals. Animals only have one precious life here on earth. They are no less valuable than human lives. This is why I do not eat or use animals. 💜

[@carolynvillanueva5573]

Thank you for rescuing them😢

[@stephn987]

This made me cry. How can people be so cruel, I’ll never understand! Thankfully for every mean person there’s people like Pat and his crew ! You guys are amazing! When I win the lottery I know who my first donation will go to ❤

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

Zoos are never the answer. Support sanctuaries and rescue groups who aren't looking for a profit. Animals deserve better.

[@artedejali]

Back in the 70s Safari Park was the zoo to go-school trips, etc., and it was a very sad zoo. I remember there was a hippopotamus by itself in a cement enclosure with a small water filled pool. Thank you for rescuing the animals. ❤

[@artedejali]

Safari Park en Puerto Rico

[@kobeykitty1311]

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is an amazing facility. Check it out if and when you can. The animals are so well cared for, the staff is incredible!

[@pango-y8j]

Beautiful story

[@Bobsk3]

Thank you! ❤️

[@zoyita04]

Im from Puerto Rico and went to this zoo 2 times I felt very sad both times, i thought I was helping them by visiting them with my entrance money but that's not how it works. And yes, our government lied in that letter they did neglect this zoo and its animals. I'm very happy and relieved that they are in a happy place now. Thank you!

[@ManuelCaceres-m2h]

I always feel sad at zoos.

[@steveseagull158]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ God bless your souls!! Love the work you do.

[@SlinkyFromHell.4]

I hope this story greatly increases his funding.