SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Zoo has loaned at least four animals to the Las Vegas Zoo, but one woman said the Las Vegas counterpart is not treating the animals well, the 10News I-Team learned.

The Las Vegas Zoo does not have accredidation and is being called 'a terrible place for animals' by United States Humane Sociey investigator Jane Garrison.

"This zoo should be closed immediately," Garrison said. "People who care about animals should never give them their money and go to the zoo."

San Diego Zoo staff said they are trying to help the Las Vegas Zoo by providing animals to attract the public and their money. They also said having unique animals gives the Las Vegas Zoo staff experience caring for animals.

In reference to a three-year-old Siberian lynx on loan from the San Diego Zoo, Garrison said, "(His pacing) It means their needs are not being met either physically, socially, or mentally. This cat is very stressed out, very stressed out."

"We were just there two weeks ago," San Diego zoo spokeswoman Christina Simmons said. "Our top animal care people were comfortable with the situation the animals are in."

The San Diego Zoo does not get paid for sending animals away, 10News learned.

The Las Vegas Zoo started as a pet shop and grew when it started taking in animals left behind when Vegas shows left town.