A judge called conditions at a Manchester roadside zoo “deplorable” on the opening day of a trial that will determine whether it can continue to operate. Iowa District Court Judge Monica Wittig made the assessment Wednesday during the opening day of the nonjury trial regarding Cricket Hollow Animal Park. Four plaintiffs, with assistance from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, have sued the facility formerly known as Cricket Hollow Zoo, which is owned by Pam and Tom Sellner. The suit seeks to remove the Sellners’ animals and shut down the operation.
