EDITORIAL: Clark County Commission rightly reverses course on Roos-N-More

The Clark County Commission on Wednesday did something seldom seen from government bodies. Not only did it reverse a previous action from just a couple of months ago, but its members showed a great deal of compassion and political courage in doing so.

The commission approved a special-use permit for Roos-N-More, the small Moapa zoo that has struggled mightily to reopen to the public since being shut down by the county almost two years ago. With the action, the public finally might be able to return to the only zoo in the region.

Jay and Valerie Holt, the Southern Nevada veterinarians who own and run the 9-acre attraction 55 miles north of Las Vegas, have raised and spent more than $300,000 trying to meet county demands and codes since inspectors closed Roos-N-More in January 2014. It appeared to be a wasted effort when, on Aug. 5, commissioners went against a staff recommendation and rejected the zoo's permit, effectively shutting the nonprofit down.

But the zoo's supporters hounded commissioners, asking for a reversal. Commissioner Mary Beth Scow requested a reconsideration, and after a few months of talks and work, county staff, commissioners and the Holts were able to come to an agreement on a permit that imposes many conditions and restrictions on the zoo but should allow it resume operations.

As reported by the Review-Journal's Henry Brean, Roos-N-More will be allowed to open only on weekends and holidays, with no more than 200 visitors and 150 animals allowed on the property at any one time, and it can't breed its animals. Other physical improvements will be necessary, and the zoo will have to regain the accreditation that was lost when the county closed it down. The commission will review the zoo's progress in six months.

Even those conditions won't satisfy animal welfare activists who believe Roos-N-More is a shabby operation. If Roos-N-More had facilities to rival the San Diego Zoo's, it wouldn't be enough for agitators who believe no animals should be held in captivity and that everyone should do what they say. They mobilize quickly and carry outsized political clout as a result.

"Remember, I said no second chances," Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick warned the zoo's attorney, Chris Kaempfer. "They have to get this right."

It was absurd that the dispute went this far and carried on so long. The Holts have spent $20,000 per month just to keep their kangaroos, llamas, camels and other creatures fed and cared for.

It would have been senseless and cruel to deny the Holts a reasonable opportunity to reopen to supporters. And commissioners recognized as much. Good for them.