Two elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are moving forward with a lawsuit against a bear zoo on the tribe's reservation in North Carolina.

Amy Walker and Peggy Hill say the Cherokee Bear Park is violating the Endangered Species Act. They want the animals released and placed in a sanctuary.

"It's shameful that the Cherokee Bear Zoo is still displaying intelligent, sensitive bears in tiny concrete pits," Walker told the Associated Press. "It's obvious to anyone who sees them that these bears are suffering, and they will continue to suffer every day until they are sent to a sanctuary where they'll finally receive the care they need."

Another bear zoo on the reservation closed earlier this year after being fined by the Department of Agriculture. A third facility remains in operation.

Get the Story:
Tribal elders suing Cherokee bear zoo (AP 12/3)

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