A dead tiger kept in a freezer for months, animals found dead, sick, starving and never examined by a veterinarian, rotting food and rat droppings were among the numerous violations West Coast Game Park Safari has racked up since 2016.
Oregon State Police raided the Bandon facility May 15 along with local, state and federal agencies, executing multiple search warrants.
A news release said the search warrants were the result of a “lengthy” criminal investigation into the facility.
Investigators were searching the property for additional evidence including animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing and business practices.
Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture were on scene and continued assessing animals May 16.
Animals were evaluated for physical condition, food quality, water supply, sanitation, enclosure conditions and quality of care, according to the release.
One camel was euthanized after veterinary staff determined its condition was too severe and treatment or transportation were likely to result in death.
Police from several agencies were executing search warrants at West Coast Game Park Safari after a long criminal investigation into the facility in Bandon.
The release said seized animals would be taken to appropriate, reputable facilities for specialized care.
Police said animal care has been a “primary consideration” of the operation.
“Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species,” the release said.
The Oregon Humane Society purchased the food and staff from all agencies were assisting in feeding, the release said.
West Coast Game Park Safari’s website says it houses more than 450 animals and 75 species. Many, it says, free-roam the park for a “hands on” experience.
An OSP spokesperson said the investigation began in the fall and the park is believed to have about 300 animals. No arrests have been made at this time, the spokesperson said.
A Clackamas County Animal Control officer feeds a camel at West Coast Game Park Safari.
West Coast Game Park Safari has been violating federal standards for years, reports show
United States Department of Agriculture inspection reports detail years of violations at West Coast Game Park Safari.
A USDA report from April 1 said two older lions and a black African leopard were observed with “prominently” visible hips, ribs and spine. The report said the veterinarian had not been consulted or requested to examine or treat the animals.
Food storage containers were found contaminated by rodent feces and live rats were also seen on site, the report said.
“There is no readily identifiable facility attendant present throughout the zoo in areas where between 50 and 100 combined sheep, goats, llama, and deer roam free and have contact with and are hand fed by the public,” another USDA inspection report said.
Inspection reports noted piles of rotting hay and molding food; a South American mammal known as a coatimundi found dead in her enclosure; a capybara with a skin condition who had not been examined by a veterinarian; unsafe enclosures and a lioness confined to a cold, dark den with no light, ventilation or drainage.
One inspection report said a dead tiger was found in the freezer that had been there for months. Frozen turkeys, which were meals for other animals, were being stored on top of the dead tiger.
A 2016 inspection report said two bears named “Sugar” and “Spice” were shot after a car backfired in the parking lot, causing a flock of peacocks to disperse and land in their enclosure.
The peacocks agitated “Sugar,” and an employee shot the bear due to concerns she would escape and hurt someone. They fired a second shot to make sure she was dead, the report said, and it hit “Spice.” The employee shot him again to end his suffering.
Reports also detailed unsafe and excessive public exposure of animals.
A lion in its enclosure at West Coast Game Park Safari.
Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon’s West Coast Game Park Safari raided over animal care issues