It has been closed after the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service suspended the license of Jeff Lowe, who now operates the zoo. “Jeff … closing the GW Zoo to the public unfortunately does nothing to relieve the animals of the serious mistreatment documented in recent USDA inspections,” Baskin said in a statement e-mailed to Page Six.

“Now that USDA will no longer inspect the facility, the animals are at even greater risk.”

Lowe’s zoo was formerly owned by Exotic. Baskin was granted ownership of the land by a judge in June, and Lowe was given time to wind down operations. The inspection found the cats were lacking in adequate veterinary care. Lowe stated on Facebook: “The animals are now in private hands and will remain in private hands.”

Meanwhile, Baskin is attempting to push forward a bill that would “ban cub handling and phase out private ownership.”