BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A group of former employees recently started a petition to shut down Babby Farms because they say they witnessed several acts of animal abuse.

"When there's substandard conditions, they have to be fixed, and when we tried to fix them, there was no follow through from management who have the resources to actually complete those things that animals needed," said Allison Lizaso, former Babby Farms employee.

They also categorized every animal's death since 2018, and according to the former employee's these weren't natural deaths.

"This is disgusting. This is completely unacceptable. They spent our summers telling us to bond with these animals, and then you go back the next year as an employee, as a guest, and they're dead," said former employee Carly Beach.

We spoke to a representative from Babby Farms who showed us around the petting zoo to see the facility, but he asked to remain anonymous because he was concerned for his safety.

Anything the animals need we will always get it for them. I'll tell you this, Mickaela. I would not work for a place that abused animals. I just wouldn't do it, and anyone who has a heart and even a brain for that matter would not do that either," said the representative.

From kangaroos, ponies and camels, Babby farm has a little over 100 animals.

Most of Babby Farms' animals reside outside in their habitats, but the representative said that during the cold months, they bring in the animals that can't withstand the cold weather.

Animals who remain outside, are warmed by a heating lamp.

A common concern among former employees is that some of the animals have concrete floors in their habitats.

"Well with the concrete, it doesn't seem, they don't seem to mind. It doesn't hurt their feet or anything like that. We will throw straw out there for them. Especially in the wintertime," the representative said.

Another concern was the lack of food the petting zoo has.

"Every day we go do our food runs and make sure we have enough food for everybody, and if they don't supply enough we will just typically buy it. We always buy it if they need it," the representative said.

During our tour, Babby Farms showed us their recent inspection by the USDA.

We reached out to federal inspectors for comment, but we haven't heard back.

"We'll always be here. You know Idaho has been so great to us, and it's its citizens, the community. Everything that this place is is everything we are, and we will continue to strive for the citizens of Idaho, for the community of Idaho, for any disabled individuals, and for these animals. Absolutely," the representative said.

Babby farms told us that on Nov. 5, several government officials conducted a no-notice inspection. We were not told which agencies were involved, however, a report should publish within the following weeks.

You can find the petition here.

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