Following last week's llama escape at Cedar Point, PETA has announced that it sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging federal authorities to investigate Honey Hill Farm, the operator of the park's petting zoo.
According to Six Flags Cedar Point spokesperson Tony Clark, the animal pen at The Barnyard petting zoo was unlocked by a third-party operator during cleaning.
Cedar Point released the following statement about the incident:
"Cedar Point is committed to the safety and welfare of the animals at The Barnyard and we are disappointed this occurred. The park has informed the third-party operator that these incidents are unacceptable and any similar events in the future will result in the evaluation of their presence at Cedar Point."
After leaving the pen, the llamas were spotted bouncing along the path next to the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad tracks. Clark said they were quickly returned to their pens.
A park visitor captured video:
RELATED: 3 Cedar Point alpacas go frolicking after pen unlocked
PETA alleges that there wasn't a staff member present when the animals escaped and that Cedar Point violated federal animal welfare laws.
“As if it weren’t already obvious that animals shouldn’t be confined next to roaring rollercoasters, the pattern of incompetence on display at Cedar Point makes it clear this ramshackle ‘petting zoo’ needs to go,” PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler said. “PETA is calling on federal authorities to investigate and hold this exploitative operation accountable before another jailbreak leads to injured animals or visitors.”
Last week's escape wasn't the first time animals at the petting zoo made their way out.
In June 2024, camels were spotted running around the park.
RELATED: Camels escape petting zoo at Cedar Point
And just days later, several goats decided it was their turn and escaped.
Megan Powell-Larkin, director of operations for Honey Hill Farm, provided News 5 with the following statement about the animals getting out:
"The incidents that occurred last year were the result of intentional interference by an unknown party. Additional security measures have been added to prevent it from happening again. Domesticated pets and farm animals sometimes get away from their caretakers. Just like dogs and cats, our animals are always looking for greener pastures and novel experiences, and occasionally they succeed in their efforts. Sky, Dante and Gandalf took advantage of a rare set of circumstances to wander into the area directly behind The Barnyard. The area is closed to the public, except for passengers of the slow-moving park train. They were quickly returned to their enclosures without incident, and neither the guests nor the animals were ever in danger. Unauthorized “walkabouts" in the park make great viral content, but anyone who directly interacts with our animals knows that they are loved and well-cared for by our extremely experienced team. USDA inspections are just part of working with animals, and we always welcome them."
RELATED: Herd havoc — video shows goats escaping petting zoo at Cedar Point
EDITOR'S NOTE: News 5 initially reported the animals were alpacas but they were determined to be llamas.
