
The Frankfort Parks Department is undergoing scrutiny as they investigate the troubling deaths of several animals at the TPA Park Zoo, a city-run zoo and petting farm that experienced a grim discovery this week. As reported by FOX59, during routine animal checks, zookeepers found one deer and two chickens dead in a barn, and another deer in a state of distress.
Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets expressed her distress over the incident, "We are deeply saddened by this event as these animals have been in the care of the Frankfort Parks Department for many years," in a statement obtained by WTHR; the mayor also recalled the deceased deer, known affectionately as Elliott, was known to playfully interact with park workers, underscoring the bond between the animals and their caretakers. The recent deaths are notably concerning as the TPA Park Zoo was previously cited for a significant loss of birds; over a five-month span, the zoo's avian population plummeted from 136 to 58, raising questions about the conditions and care at the facility.
In the aftermath of this troubling event, the city has taken immediate action to investigate, enlisting the help of external authorities to determine the cause of death for the animals, with necropsies being conducted at Purdue University, and the distressed deer is currently undergoing medical attention at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. According to WISH-TV, the Frankfort Police Department is also combing through footage from six security cameras for any evidence that might elucidate the circumstances leading to this incident.
The city of Frankfort has taken responsibility for the welfare of the zoo's inhabitants, "The City of Frankfort takes full responsibility for the well-being of the animals in our care. We are committed to ensure the highest standards of animal care at the TPA Park Aviary & Zoo," said in a statement posted on Facebook which was reported by both WTHR and WISH-TV.