Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE

CHAPTER 4. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Part 8. Menageries, Sanctuaries, and Zoos

Definitions

87-4-801. Definitions. As used in this part unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Roadside menagerie" means any place where one or more wild animals, including birds, reptiles, and the like, are kept in captivity for the evident purpose of exhibition, attracting trade, or other commercial purposes on or off the facility premises. It does not include the exhibition of any animal by an educational institution or by a traveling theatrical exhibition or circus based outside of Montana.

(2) "Wild animal" means an animal that is wild by nature as distinguished from the common domestic animals, whether the animal was bred or reared in captivity, and includes birds and reptiles.

(3) "Wild animal menagerie" means any place where one or more bears or large cats, including cougars, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cheetahs, ocelots, and hybrids of those large cats are kept in captivity for use other than public exhibition.

(4) "Wildlife sanctuary" means a facility organized as a Montana nonprofit corporation pursuant to Title 35, chapter 2, or in good standing with and accredited by the American sanctuary association or the global federation of animal sanctuaries for the purpose of providing homes for nonreleasable wild animals. Accreditation and good standing must be proven with a copy of an accreditation report completed as required by the accrediting organization.

(5) "Zoo" means any zoological garden chartered as a nonprofit corporation by the state or in good standing with and accredited by the association of zoos and aquariums or the zoological association of America for the purpose of exhibiting wild animals for public viewing. Accreditation and good standing must be proven with a copy of an accreditation report completed as required by the accrediting organization.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 130, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 45, Ch. 511, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 26-1205; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 322, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 211, L. 2021.