The Prison Inmates Who Run A Zoo

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THIS Florida prison has a furry little secret - a zoo full of alpacas, birds, alligators, a lemur and even a sloth. The farm at Stock Island Detention Centre, in Key West was founded by accident in 1994 when the prison fenced off an area underneath to protect a gaggle of ducks that kept getting injured while crossing the road between the jail and a golf course. Now the prison is home to over 150 animals, ranging from the original ducks and farm animals to alligators and a ten foot python. Jeanne Selander, who manages the farm, takes four volunteers from the prison to help care for the animals and maintain the farm.
Video Credits:
Videographer / director: Quincy Perkins
Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote
Editor: Thom Johnson
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[@sunscreen7838]

“the animals don’t judge. they don’t care that you’re wearing an orange outfit.” i love that

[@ernstthalmann4306]

If only people were the same

[@adelerhead8928]

They actually seem really motivated, animals can do wonders to someone's soul

[@slipmasterd]

People are animals.(we are mammals,part of the classification Animalia.Animalia meaning animal.) So I suppose humans can just SUCK.

[@cassiereilly120]

Animal programs like this have turned around a lot of former inmates

[@ernstthalmann4306]

Replace prison labor with letting these guys and gals work with animals, and all of society will benefit.

[@chaseitondown]

This should be part of certain prisons. I mean...if all jail's to prison's had stages and programs the inmates could work for and graduate....look at what could become of the ones being released back into the communities. All prisons need to change. You can't stick them away, institutionalize them and expect a good outcome. Like that saying....doing the same and expecting a different result?! That's called insanity! Now if the prison system could be a more productive place, then inmates have a fighting chance when released. Just like the animals they care for. Dogs in a shelter are scared and sad and lash out because they never knew anything better. But take them out of that and socialize and work with them and themselves....a completely different dog. Love changes people. It’s the best medication for all. I hope someone comes on and starts implementing change to the prison system because you can’t lock up anyone and let them sit and think that’s humane. This place is very cool. As well as the animals and corrections officer!

[@maxk5065]

i also wish prison was more about rehabilitation than punishment... you're taking the people with the worst life and making it even worst and somehow expect them to be better, how could it work. you shoud pay your debt to society by doing something usefull for it and that zoo is one of the best program i've seen so far

[@thewildcardperson]

Chase Itondown if we’re being real they don’t care and they want to you to suffer and die not just the system but normal people to

[@igybulsen5159]

PATRICK THE BURGLAR WHY ? 😍😍😍🤗🤗🤗

[@nerdimusprime7760]

This is really cool to see inmates get a chance to turn their life around.

[@Apex-jf4pn]

Taking care of and forming a bond with animals is probably one of the best rehabilitation activities for prisoners. You re-learn you don't have to be hard all the time and get back in touch with your human side.

[@xradelox]

My local animal shelter actually uses inmates as workers. I think they have like five at a time. It's a county run shelter and it's tax payer paid so it makes a lot of sense. They do most of the manual labor so the staff can accomplish other things as well. There's no way all the daily chores could get done without the inmates. It's a program that helps everyone involved.

[@notkatkat]

This is so precious

[@Sophia4B]

Such a sweet story

[@chancekuehnel8448]

Who drops off Sloths and Parrots on the side of the road? 😂

[@zantecarroll4448]

The intelligence of the pig to present its bowl for food could give us enough humility to stop eating their bodies. They are not farm animals, they are farmed animals because we farm them. We are so practiced at displacing our own actions and responsibilities onto the vulnerable groups we victimize we don't even know we are doing it.

[@biberflub]

Now they understand how animals feel like when they are locked up in cages.

[@NEGAHNEPOHON]

Zoo within a zoo. You need to be empowered to give. Can’t imagine that depraved people can be generous.

[@thecitizenjoan]

When people in Prison have a more fun job than you

[@primeordi8029]

Dude inmates can handle animals better than seaworld

[@3ssoaddictzz]

Wow, this prison animal farm has better carr and bigger and better environments than most (like 80%) real, famous zoos in the world.

[@snappynappydugout7072]

This is a county jail....not a prison....

[@ironbarsjack7977]

That was so cute I wanted to cry

[@Baldoxxx4000]

2 things already to worry. First, he is not motivated to leave or escape, another is he might make love to the animals.

[@teamwangjacksonwang292]

*People in the comment don't understand JAIL vs PRISON. They are different. Your extreme bad crimes end up in Prison unlike a petty small crime*

[@sanjuanavillanueva5433]

“Checking for contraband yeah” wanted sum attention so bad.

[@writerchim7885]

Its kinda sad how this Jail Zoo Is better then some other zoos we dont wanna talk about..

[@greensaregoodforyou9261]

They should have this at every jail

[@TolumniaMC]

I'm just going to go get myself arrested and put in this jail. Be right back.

[@naomiluna8600]

If I ever go to jail (hopefully not) I wanna go there

[@emilymarie2166]

Madison hu tru tru no wonder the whale died and the prisoners care so much I love it ecspessialy the one with the ferret I have one too but this whole thing warms my heart

[@bozo3910]

These inmates probably know more than Petsmart employees

[@xl000]

Does the converse exist ? Zoo employees / animals / who run a prison ?

[@PerfectSaga]

If I was a guard at this place, I'd ask the good ones if they would want to work in a zoo and then, as a prison guard, I would give them the best review I possibly could. Get them back doing something that makes them want to stay out.

[@erinonfire70]

If i go to jail for god knows what i want to go here i love animals

[@VAIL-4224]

Hmmm now I want to be in jail now to take care animals

[@kaptainkpop6750]

I hope they can get a job in the wildlife field when they get released so they can start over

[@liaa171]

aww this is so cool

[@teamposion204]

The lama at 0:24

[@dogtips8837]

This is the type of thing that makes a difference!!!

[@regular7817]

Dog Tips HELL YEAH

[@lierlimelemon3785]

I’m the 999 like I guide others to treasure I cannot poses

[@teresaring4820]

That pig is smart he saw the dude and it pushed it's bowl out for food

[@maxime6093]

teresa ring True! Pigs are in fact often smarter than dogs :)

[@creamcity1893]

teresa ring he knew what time it was...time to get his grub on

[@dreaming0fghosts]

All pigs in general are pretty smart

[@PancakemonsterFO4]

M se you forgot crows

[@wilburmcbride8096]

They might be even smarter than some people..ha,ha.

[@chaoticdusk1316]

This is one of the best things you can do to help rehabilitate prisoners. It's good for helping them build empathy, a sense of responsibility, and even gain a sense of purpose and meaning if they are low on self-esteem. Of course it wouldn't be a good idea for people with a history of animal abuse, but for most inmates exposing them to animals like this and letting the have an animal or animals they can take care of is a very good thing for them.

[@BratzRockAngels]

@Doom Wolf I agree, treating bad people badly will only make people worse and it won't teach anything. This is actually helpful, and helps calm people down. 💜

[@calvry4157]

it just depends on how these people got to jail. If it's something horrible, then they shouldn't be anywhere near anything, let alone animals.

[@h8sjws735]

Having worked in the local jail, I can see how this type of program could be a turning point in someone's life. Deciding whether prison should be just punitive or be a rehabilitation opportunity or some mixture of the two has been going on since prisons were developed, and will probably continue to as long as prisons are necessary, so the success of programs like these is directly tied to recidivism rates and the current political landscape. I pray these guys do turn it around and continue to justify the benefits of rehabilitation programs like this, for themselves, future inmates and community at large. Well done to this Sheriff's office!!

[@shellos8]

The inmates are chosen very carefully.

[@sarahc9230]

That moment when prisoners take better care of animals than seaworld...

[@oogabooga4498]

Lol

[@samhesketh]

Sarah c oof

[@crowley5186]

OOOOO but true

[@ang3lx_xdvst]

Sarah c this comment needs more likes

[@Dinocaprice]

Sarah c hahahahah

[@bbg4566]

Man this actually makes me want to be arrested

[@kierontemnov2452]

Don't make crimes now!

[@user-bq3se3sz2b]

I know right I can work with animals with out a education

[@khoiRsix]

Make sure u get sent to Monroe county jail

[@Q_doggo]

The. GamingDog Me too 😂😂

[@graciebertoli5047]

Strands in the back off the room yells WORK AT A Zoo

[@P4nicpink]

The pig just push a food bowl outside so he can give them food omggg 02:04

[@AdamBorseti]

Yeahhhhhhhhhh, that pig wasn't fuckin' around!

[@idot3331]

Pigs are relatively very smart animals.

[@locumania]

@@AdamBorseti 😂😂

[@Xenkatze]

*Casually petting a honey badger*

[@chip5976]

You mean the skunk?

[@jessicakershaw9549]

Yeah thats a skunk

[@creaturebeechx]

Skunk, but whatever. Badgers aren't for petting, casually or otherwise😂

[@lexisclark2568]

It's a skunk, they're actually very sweet!

[@carlo8641]

LexisClark Really, I always thought they are scared of humans, and will spray if a person comes near, I see them crossing or by the road sometimes next to the forest so I dont know that much

[@moonzer_]

Feel like prisons should have more resources like this, good for mental health, time to think, relax, distress and become a better person in my opinion anyway lol

[@DjTheFrog5525]

I 100% agree on this. To help someone become a better person and heal from past trauma they need an environment that not only suits them, but helps them feel calm, relaxed, and loved. Not iron bars and cold dark cement. They need support.

[@vivling999]

@@DjTheFrog5525 : OH YES! You are so right. I wish they had these types of programmes in every prison. Training dogs for Service Animals, rehabilitating animals for adopting, having places for unwanted animals, and then YES opening them for the public to visit. THIS is what we need, it helps animals and it help inmates. This is a win-win situation.

[@KaitlynBurtonISaGOD]

I can agree but at the end of the day they are in prison as punishment and there should be a carefull difference.

[@angel420garcia]

Kaitlyn Burton prisons should also be used for rehabilitation.

[@KaitlynBurtonISaGOD]

@@angel420garcia by careful difference I mean small petty crimes compared to more serious crimes

[@scrappymom7881]

Great program for all involved. Those guys don't realize how lucky they are to work with so many cool animals!

[@Rainmanxxl1967]

When you listen carefully to the answers of the inmates you´ll get a proof that they exactly know what a luck they have to be Chosen to take part at that programm

[@dadplscomhome5380]

+Rainmanxxl1967 maybe he/she meant about the others inmate who just want to go outside ..

[@maplegumm]

Plot twist: *their training the birds to fly them outta there*

[@astraviart816]

Maple Gum 😂😂😂

[@thecitizenjoan]

Im gonna say it: *They’re*

[@thecitizenjoan]

Just cause Im feeling petty

[@funylee547]

This is an underrated comment

[@grantbarranger4543]

@@thecitizenjoan stfu

[@blacklion6678]

_I can imagine a famed serial killer caught and is now in the prison like this holding a white bunny and treated it like a newborn baby. . ._

[@arbaazpsy8186]

Blacklion 667 😂😂😂

[@sarahjayne1620]

I had very similar thoughts!! This big scary dude cradling animals and talking to them in a baby voice! 😂

[@nope4216]

they shouldn't have the previlege to have fun and do this though. prison isn't supposed to be fun.

[@thenamelesseditor3350]

That sort of mindset is what keeps criminals from ever growing as a person and transitioning back into society once they are out of prison. Change their perception and give them a basic education then maybe they won't step down that wrong path again. Again note that only a rare select few inmates are allowed this privilege. They are probably all non-violent offenders.

[@nope4216]

+FatGamerGuy lol that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. prison is punishment, not rehabilitation. look at them, they are obviously enjoying seeing the animals. there is nothing penalizing about it. you're dumb as rocks boy.

[@starsalazar1723]

Keep it up you got this

[@MJ-dh6pu]

1:22 the pony is like, "Wait is that camera? Let me strike a pose.."

[@rennierad]

Really awesome program, it's a saving grace for these guys. Thank you for saving animals and humans. ❤

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😺 What a positive response to a simple problem. Keep the ducks safe and give the inmates something worthwhile to do with their time. As more animals have been taken in, more opportunities have arisen for the inmates to develop positive attitudes and skills. Is there any possibility for the inmates to participate in a study course to obtain a recognised animal care qualification?

[@BigBadMonkey23]

Can't remember their exact name, but there's a non-profit animal rescue & care organization somewhere in the southern US (I think Florida or Louisiana) that accepts freshly released men and women with a positive reputation.

[@habibcisse9809]

Sir Meow The Library Cat exactly jail should be productive place

[@naheehong]

The animal that the zookeeper is petting is just like: LESS TALKING! MORE STROKEING!!

[@mattvonwenden5405]

skunk

[@mal-be2se]

It’s a ferret

[@mal-be2se]

Matt Von Wenden ferret

[@j5santos]

Let all the dogs and cats have sanctuary and allow the imates to love and care and feed the animals. Its a win win! Pets are so useful. Alot of them do not have to be put down... if they just utilize them for healing or training purposes

[@erikm8372]

I know, one example; like in Costa Rica there's that dog shelter with 1k dogs... on 100 acres of land.. it's a great lifestyle for the animals, but I read they're struggling. Costa Rica should totally get the local inmates down there to help.

[@trustmeidontlie1906]

This is how you can make people change! You cant expect people to change by putting them in cells for a really long time in their life, it just makes it worst. You wanna make them feel like they are loved and can change, not feel like a monster who will stay like a monster no matter how hard they try.

[@Knightgil]

YES. Punishing doesn't change people, love is what changes people. Everyone is worthy and deserving of love, and often, people who turn out the way criminals do were always lacking love throughout their lives.

[@bladestorm1745]

Officer: your times up Inmate : I wanna stay Officer : no your free Inmate 'slaps officer' Officer : now your staying

[@iigalaxypuff660]

That'd the care animals need... :3

[@moriel01]

*_Patrick's cute._*

[@bigfan1041]

aaaaaaand this is why we still have criminality

[@belle369]

You like the bad boys...

[@futon2345]

He’s a bad boy with a soft spot in his heart for animals 😍😜

[@pillowsandblankets1432]

How's the woman casually cuddling a skunk??

[@SirBuljo]

the skunk had its spray glands removed.

[@maxk5065]

@@SirBuljo not obviously, if they don't feel threatened they don't spray actualy ferets are kind of domesticated skunk and could do the same and it's illegal (at least in my country) to have their glands removed

[@vd6070]

Isn't that a honey badger?

[@kNINER-tj6mq]

@@vd6070 yes it's a honey badger

[@kiddfaith4397]

Wonderful idea, and as they work it's like an animal therapy rehab program for the prisoners. Good for everyone, and caring for someone or something really does help you keep remembering what truly matters most in life.

[@FantomLightning]

Oof this dude is attractive...

[@munstercarcruisers482]

Quirs

[@betheroo2397]

Yeah, I was kind of distracted by Patrick ;)

[@raptormage2209]

see, everyone deserves a second chance

[@freshwhite335]

Patrick should model

[@HardcoreHalo]

It would be so sad to leave this animals on your release date. I'd cry😥

[@fanawb]

Waiter: how is the food? Me: 0:22

[@themasterkey3]

More prisons need programs like these with animals. Its too hard for most inmates to let their guard down to show some affection and have an emotional release, but with animals its easy. There's also no stigma for being cuddly with an animal either, so they don't have to worry about looking weak to other inmates. Definitely therapeutic and what these people need to become functioning members of society again.

[@Qyizx]

1:44 Does she bust down tho??

[@OddersOtters]

Now this is something that a lot of jails should have for rehabilitation for prisoners.

[@HHSlinger]

you know if every jail or prison would have one of these it would probably help them keep their mind on something and help em relax which would mean less outbursts less fights all that and it would be amazing for the volunteers

[@freshlove7926]

Send me with Patrick wink wink

[@MustangEnjoy]

That’s great helps keeps There mind off doing other bad stuff

[@windragon12343]

On long island we had a farm similar to this. It was my favorite place to go as a kid. Pretty sure it got shut down though, or perhaps just the jail portion was removed. I haven't been to long island in years so idk

[@Screwsandrods]

windragon12343 What was the name of it?

[@ernstthalmann4306]

I just moved to LI, I'll look it up

[@klarakent2965]

Awwww 💚 giving second chance to people and animals.

[@marial.rapaglia4041]

this is like a petting zoo/animal farm where there is animals/humans interaction! 😍

[@Stalkergames916]

These guys would be perfect zookeepers or animal caretakers

[@876r876rf]

"...at first I was a little intimidated, but I have a radio, and security cameras watching me at all times" - Shows security camera covered in poop. 2:15

[@aGumball]

That pig is me when I wake up in the morning and see Mom just about to head out to work

[@liyfower5321]

Awww this is adorable I love how this can change a person who is in jails life this is very inspirational

[@thecitizenjoan]

“Two year sentence for battery and bodily harm” but doesn’t abuse animals. Makes sense

[@sunnilightfoot7156]

Animal videos are extremely therapeutic for me...I could only imagine being in jail and getting to take care of them.

[@anabhousen7159]

All prisons should implement similar programs with animals.

[@aceofspades58]

He used to be locked up in a cage. Now the tables have turned. Pretty ironic ain't it.

[@Junior-fl6wd]

Who wants to rob a bank with me?? Rather do this than work a 40 hour shift lol

[@beatrixrl]

we need more inmates like this i wish the best for these inmates much respect and love

[@tek512]

And this is how you know these people are actually decent human beings despite their past mistakes. It takes a real monster to be mean to animals, and these guys are doing the *exact opposite* of that.

[@legends.untold]

This is amazing! Our county jail does something similar. Inmates with a good record work at the nearby animal shelter, helping out and loving on the animals. It’s a lovely program.

[@grtsurfer]

Wow, what an amazing video. I never knew how unique the zoo at the prison was and I live 2 minutes away from it! What a great way to have inmates establish a connection with one another and to help those animals, all while serving their time. Great idea, awesome concept and all in all, a wonderful, brief and detailed video. I hope for the very best with that program.

[@rpatel6461]

She seems very satisfied..!!

[@Sweethippiexo]

This is what prison systems need. Natural therapeutic remedies. Give them books, let them raise plants, help the animals, make a nice nature trail, teach meditation and yoga. This builds love, peace, and character. These guys look so happy helping these animals. They are still human too and deserve a second chance of feeling human again.

[@nocturnalwolf7559]

I hope working there gave them some sort of transferable skills and get them a job at the zoo or animal shelter or something

[@lisarobb2300]

o my stars she was holding an loving a skunk how sweet!💙

[@c0ntra605]

I don’t care how you try to spin it, you cannot argue that the experience of caring for an animal will not turn these men into more productive and responsible members of society.

[@nikothecutepuppy5304]

OMG HE HAS A FERRIT IN HIS HAND I LOVE FERRITS I HAVE 5 OF THEM 🤣❤❤❤

[@mrspumpkin6756]

The guy at the beginning seems so relaxed petting the skunk. I think it would be wrong to give this work to people who do violent crimes. But minor offences this is a great idea.

[@rayam.8088]

this made me so happy. more prisons should do this!

[@miche.5146]

all jails shouldve this😣

[@wilburslow]

someone get me in the jail.

[@Dubstequtie]

It's really good that they're doing something like this for the inmates AND the animals! I can't help to find the similarity of an enclosed human helping enclosed animals a little.. interesting. Not saying they're animals cause animals are inevitably free, like humans, but when they get enclosed is when they need to be aided to have a better safer life, and its kinda like a "I help you, you help me" deal. It's interesting.

[@melrose8213]

Its great for the animals that they get the love they deserve. Its also great for inmates to get a peaceful sense of mind that may have been absent from them, which probably led them there. But they are there for a reason. So the quote, “it helps me forget I’m in jail,” bothered me. They aren’t supposed to forget.

[@24get24give]

oh please, try to expand your small mind enough to consider what all the other posters have said, this cannot help but be good for the inmates and animals alike, so it's a really wonderful thing, I wonder what a program like this does to the rcidivism rate? Iwould betanything it brings it way down

[@ma3mc3mu-X]

Are there prisons out there that ONLY hold animals? (Not counting zoos)

[@optimusgamer123]

what happens if you drop the soap in front of an animal or even what if the animal drops the soap

[@haleighvictoria1701]

oh that makes it actually makes him happy and it takes your mind off of it being arrested that’s so cute awwwwwwwwwwwwwww