Over 300 Animals Removed From US Safari After Decade of Red Flags
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Authorities seized more than 300 animals from the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, Oregon, following a four-day investigation into animal care and welfare violations.
Oregon State Police announced on Tuesday that officials, supported by local, state and federal agencies, removed 310 animals and relocated them to accredited sanctuaries and rescue facilities. A camel, a kinkajou and a chicken were euthanized due to their physical condition, OSP said in a news release.
The park was closed pending further investigation.
The Context
PETA told Newsweek that it submitted multiple formal complaints to OSP about apparent animal neglect at West Coast Game Park Safari.
In April, an inspector with the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote that two older lions, male and female, and a black African leopard were seen with "decreased muscle mass with hips, ribs, and spine prominently displayed under the skin," Portland news station KATU reported.
An Oregon State Police SWAT vehicle at West Coast Game Park Safari.
An Oregon State Police SWAT vehicle at West Coast Game Park Safari.
Oregon State Police
What To Know
PETA said it is calling for the shutdown of West Coast Game Park Safari.
"After years of brazenly flouting bare minimum animal welfare laws, West Coast Game Park Safari must finally face up to the suffering it inflicted on scores of animals it kept confined in filthy, decrepit enclosures," PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler said in a statement to Newsweek.
Animal Legal Defense Fund managing attorney Daniel Waltz told Newsweek that the roadside facility has been the subject of visitor complaints and findings of Animal Welfare Act violations for years.
"It is very welcome to see the state police and other government officials investigating and working to rescue the animals from what appear to be horrific conditions," Waltz said.
Years of Official Warnings
USDA inspection reports dating back to 2015 cited the West Coast Game Park Safari for its animal care practices, including a lack of consistent daily health assessments, poor communication about animal health and facility conditions that did not meet federal standards. In March 2023, the park received a formal federal warning but continued to operate.
By December 2024, inspections revealed that only one staff member was caring for more than 300 animals.
The Seizure Operation
The four-day operation led by Oregon State Police concluded on May 18. Officials from the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies evaluated every animal's physical condition, provided fresh feed, and ensured access to clean water.
A diverse range of species were rescued, and the animals were sent to accredited animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities. No animals were released into the wild or left unattended.
The West Coast Game Park Safari was not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, setting it apart from Oregon's three accredited zoos.
What People Are Saying
PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler, in a statement to Newsweek: "PETA is calling for this hellhole to be permanently shut down, the survivors to get the care they desperately need, and everyone to avoid roadside zoos as if lives depended on it, because they do."
Oregon State Police trooper Kyle Kennedy told KATU: "For the Oregon State Police, it really started last fall. That took us some time to go through the investigation, really obtain the evidence needed to get to this operation."
What Happens Next
OSP said investigators are processing the evidence gathered during the property search. OSP told Newsweek that it does not have further information to release at this time.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
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