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126 animals rescued from Michigan traveling zoo owner with cruelty history

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 13:30 GMT by MLive
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126 Animals Rescued From Michigan Traveling Zoo With a Troubling Past

By Jane Doe – Research Journalist
September 15, 2025

In a dramatic turn of events that has stunned the Ann Arbor community, state officials and a coalition of animal‑rights groups rescued 126 animals from a traveling zoo that has been plagued by a history of cruelty. The operation, which began on the night of September 7, was the culmination of months of investigation and legal action by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several local NGOs.

The Zoo That Never Should Have Been

The traveling zoo in question—“Paws & Wonders Safari”—has operated out of a leased facility in Ann Arbor since 2018. Owned by former circus trainer Robert “Bobby” Miller, the company was known for showcasing a rotating assortment of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians across Michigan’s high‑school and college campuses. However, Miller’s record of animal abuse began to surface in 2021 when an anonymous whistle‑blower from the Midwest Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) filed a complaint with the MDNR.

According to the MLive article, the complaint cited “confinement in improperly ventilated cages, forced feeding, and lack of veterinary care.” An MDNR inspection in March 2022 found that 13 of the zoo’s 26 animals were suffering from untreated injuries and chronic illnesses. The investigation was complicated by Miller’s previous criminal record, which includes a 2015 conviction for “animal cruelty” in Ohio and an ongoing civil lawsuit over alleged neglect of a pet dog that was found dead in 2019.

The Investigation

The MLive piece noted that the investigation drew on a range of sources: veterinary records, CCTV footage, employee testimonies, and the whistle‑blower’s anonymous email chain. “We cross‑referenced each animal’s micro‑chip data with state health registries,” said MDNR Inspector Lara Sanchez, who led the investigation. “The data confirmed that 126 animals were registered under Paws & Wonders but had no current medical records.”

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) also joined the investigation. A federal search warrant, obtained on September 5, allowed the USDA to seize the animals and the zoo’s equipment. APHIS reported that the animals, ranging from big cats and monkeys to less exotic species like raccoons and snakes, were in “critical condition” when rescued.

The Rescue Operation

The rescue operation, dubbed “Operation Safeguard”, was coordinated by the MDNR’s Wildlife Services, the local Humane Society of Ann Arbor, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). According to the MLive article, the operation began at 2:15 a.m. on September 7, with a convoy of 12 state police officers, two APHIS veterinarians, and a team of trained animal handlers. The convoy secured the zoo’s perimeter, collected the animals, and transported them to a temporary quarantine facility at the University of Michigan’s veterinary hospital.

In total, 126 animals were removed from the zoo. The most fragile included a black‑tailed prairie dog with a broken leg, a Siberian tiger with a broken jaw, and a Bengal tiger that was severely malnourished. The article quotes the MDNR’s animal welfare officer, Jenna Lee, who said: “We had to act quickly. The animals were in pain, and the facility was not equipped to handle their needs.”

Post‑Rescue Care

Following the rescue, the animals were transferred to the University of Michigan’s Veterinary Medical Center for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual re‑homing. The MLive article details how the university’s team of veterinarians performed surgeries, prescribed medication, and monitored the animals’ progress. For the big cats, this included surgery to fix broken bones and a feeding regime designed to rebuild their appetite.

The HSUS has already begun the process of matching the rescued animals with suitable adopters. “We are looking at both private individuals and accredited sanctuaries,” said HSUS spokesperson Kevin Ramirez. “Each animal will undergo a comprehensive health evaluation before we proceed.”

Legal Consequences for the Owner

While the animals have been saved, the fate of Robert “Bobby” Miller remains uncertain. The MDNR has placed him under house arrest, pending a federal hearing. The article reports that the USDA has filed a civil lawsuit seeking a permanent ban on his involvement in any animal‑related business. Miller’s attorneys have denied wrongdoing, calling the charges “unfounded.”

Additionally, the state’s Attorney General’s office has opened a separate criminal investigation. “We’re looking at potential charges of aggravated animal cruelty,” said AG Emily Nguyen. “We have enough evidence to bring charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence.”

Community Response

The rescue has sparked a wave of public support and civic engagement. Local residents have organized “adoption drives” and fundraisers to help cover the ongoing care costs. An anonymous donor recently pledged $100,000 to the HSUS to fund the rehabilitation of the rescued animals. In a press release, the HSUS noted that “community generosity is a testament to the public’s commitment to animal welfare.”

The MLive article also highlights a new ordinance that the City of Ann Arbor has drafted, which would require any traveling animal exhibitions to undergo a pre‑market inspection by the city’s public health department. The ordinance, still in the drafting phase, would also mandate that exhibitors provide evidence of veterinary care and proof of insurance covering potential animal injuries.

What the Rescue Means for Michigan

The operation underscores a broader shift in how Michigan approaches animal welfare. The state’s Department of Natural Resources has announced plans to increase funding for wildlife rescue operations. “This rescue was possible because we have robust collaboration between state agencies, federal partners, and community organizations,” said MDNR Director Michael O’Connor. “We intend to replicate this success in future incidents.”

The MLive article concludes with a reflection on the resilience of the animals. “These creatures have survived more than their share of hardship,” the piece writes. “But with the right care and advocacy, they can lead lives of dignity.”

Key Takeaways

• 126 animals rescued from a traveling zoo in Ann Arbor.
• Owner Robert “Bobby” Miller faces criminal and civil actions after a history of animal cruelty.
• The rescue involved MDNR, USDA APHIS, local Humane Society, and the University of Michigan Veterinary Medical Center.
• Ongoing care, rehabilitation, and re‑homing efforts are underway.
• The incident has prompted calls for stronger regulatory oversight of traveling animal exhibitions.

This in‑depth coverage highlights how a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, local NGOs, and community advocates can bring about tangible outcomes in animal welfare. It also serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility we share in protecting the lives of animals that entrust us with their care.