The petting zoo at Anello’s Torch Lite won a temporary reprieve from the Shawano Plan Commission on Wednesday, but it will be at least another month before there’s any guarantee it can continue operating as is.
Owner Rita Mondus will have to apply for a new special exception to the zoning code to allow for a greater number and variety of animals than were originally approved under the special exception granted 10 years ago.
A new public hearing will also have to be held before the Plan Commission next month before the request goes to the Common Council.
The restaurant at 1276 E. Green Bay St. was ordered last month to downsize its petting zoo to within the limits set by the Plan Commission in April 2003. According to minutes of that meeting, commissioners limited the number of animals that could be displayed to eight.
A recent inventory counted 54 animals.
It’s not clear how the commission arrived at eight, but Mondus noted there were already at least 23 animals at the petting zoo when the original special exception was granted. She said the commission was aware of the current operations and plans for expansion.
“I truly did what I thought I could do,” Mondus said.
Commissioners toured the petting zoo Wednesday before reconvening at City Hall for discussion.
Mondus showed off a number of animals, handling and even feeding some to emphasize how docile they are.
The flap over the zoo’s number of animals arose from an incident in July when a 15-year-old Milwaukee girl reported being bitten by a fox at the petting zoo.
Mondus said the the girl ignored signs stating the animals were not to be fed and put a piece of food into a pen where the fox was being kept.
Police took an inventory of the petting zoo’s animals after the incident.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also visited the site after the incident and has insisted on several improvements, including a 6-foot perimeter fence that is being installed.
The USDA’s involvement, as well as its policing authority, appeared to reassure several commissioners who expressed concerns about animals escaping from the zoo.
According to police records, there have been more than a dozen instances over the years when animals had wandered away from the petting zoo, requiring police to retrieve them.
Mondus’ husband, John, described a number of steps he has taken to fortify the zoo’s security to ensure the animals can’t escape and said some of the animals that were problems before — such as peacocks, which have a tendency to roam — are no longer on site.
Mondus delivered a lengthy plea to commissioners, asking them to allow the continued operation of the petting zoo.
“This is something I have a passion for that I can share,” she said.
Mondus detailed the many community and educational activities her animals have been part of and told stories about the effects the animals have had, especially on the disabled and autistic visitors.
She said the commission would not be depriving her so much as depriving them if the zoo were closed down.
“I’ve lived here all my life. That’s not what we’re about,” she said.
Several supporters also addressed the commission on Mondus’ behalf, including Clintonville veterinarian Al Prudom.
“They’re well-cared for, healthy animals,” he said. “I think the zoo needs to stay in business.”
Alderperson Sandy Steinke said the zoo is an attraction for the area and has provided educational opportunities for area schools.
“I hope we can continue to keep it there,” she said.
Legend Lake resident Karen Lynch noted Mondus’ contribution to the community, made at Mondus’ own expense.
“The things she does for this community should be taken into consideration,” Lynch said.
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