Zoo Officials Explain Why 2013 Calendar Features Painted Dogs

Less than a month after 2-year-old Maddox Derkosh of Whitehall Borough was mauled to death at the Pittsburgh Zoo, news has surfaced that the zoo's 2013 calendar features African painted dogs, the same species that killed the boy in early November.

Zoo officials say that the calendars, featuring the dogs in its March spreads, had already been printed and made available to patrons before Derkosh's death, according to Huffington Post.

Maddox was visiting the zoo with his mother on Nov. 4 when he fell from the top of a platform railing to the ground inside of the pit area of the dogs' exhibit, according to a statement from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Pittsburgh police said that the child lost his balance after his mother lifted him in a standing position onto the 4-foot-high wooden railing that overlooks the enclosure.

Meantime, Truck for Maddox has received nearly 4,000 truck donations in memory of the boy.

Trucks for Maddox is an organization aimed at continuing to collect toy trucks for children in need throughout the holiday season.

“Maddox was an incredible little boy filled with life and fascinated by the sheer size of trucks.  By collecting toy trucks for children in need this holiday season we will ensure Maddox’s memory and spirit lives on," said Ryan Noone, who is assisting with efforts for Trucks for Maddox and is a cousin of Maddox’s mother Elizabeth.

Toy trucks can be dropped off for donation at Slater Family Service funeral home located at 1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 or at any Pittsburgh Fire Department station. A list of stations is available by visiting: http://pittsburghpa.gov/fire/districts.htm.

For more information about Trucks for Maddox, please visit the group’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/TrucksForMaddox.

Should the calendars be pulled from shelves? Tell us why or why not in the comments section below.