Endangered Przewalski’s Horse Breaks Neck, Just as National Zoo Releases Neglect Report (Op-Ed)

Marc Bekoff, emeritus professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, is one of the world's pioneering cognitive ethologists, a Guggenheim Fellow, and co-founder with Jane Goodall of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Bekoff's latest book is Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed (New World Library, 2013). He contributed this article to LiveScience's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

On December 11, CBS aired a special report on charges of animal neglect — death, injuries and escapes — at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. In the segment, investigative reporter Sharyl Atkisson asked why the zoo had not yet released its report in response to the numerous serious charges, some of which are months old, and the spokesperson for the zoo, Pamela Baker-Masson, responded that the zoo needs to release the information "in a thorough and process-oriented way that makes sense."

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Are there animal care problems at National Zoo?

WASHINGTON (CBS NEWS) - The National Zoo has a reputation as a leader in animal care, science and cute photo opportunities such as the naming of Bao Bao the baby panda earlier this month. 

But a CBS News investigation has learned that behind the scenes, there are insider allegations of mismanagement involving animal care. Five sources with more than 35 years' combined experience at the National Zoo have raised concerns to CBS News about recent animal injuries, deaths and escapes. 

The sources don't want to be identified for fear of retaliation. They say problems began last year when the zoo decided to double the population of the Cheetah Conservation Station, adding a half dozen new species but no extra space. Besides cheetahs, the CCS also houses zebras, gazelles and other species. 

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