A beloved Oregon wildlife attraction is now at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty scandal that’s rocked the community and drawn national attention.
Authorities raided the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, Oregon, following horrifying reports of animal neglect, starvation, and unsafe public conditions. The facility, which houses over 450 animals across 75 species and has operated since 1969, is under a sweeping criminal investigation led by state police and multiple agencies.
According to damning USDA inspection reports and law enforcement sources, the safari park is accused of serious violations, including:
- A dead tiger left rotting in a freezer for months
- Emaciated lions and leopards displaying visible bone structures
- Animals dying without receiving any veterinary care
- One full-time employee tasked with feeding more than 300 animals
In a USDA report dated March 18, inspectors flagged nine violations… seven of which were repeated issues from past visits. The infractions included poor animal care, improper handling, and public safety concerns. One especially alarming detail noted that zoo visitors could freely interact with up to 100 roaming animals… without a single staff member present for supervision.
A follow-up inspection on April 1 found continued neglect, including rodents contaminating food supplies and unsafe fencing around dangerous animals. Most troublingly, big cats noted in the March report as needing urgent medical evaluation had still not seen a veterinarian weeks later.
This isn’t the first time the safari park has faced scrutiny. Previous USDA investigations revealed instances where guests were allowed to pet a jaguar and a full-grown bear, both capable of seriously harming the public. One tragic incident even involved a failed attempt to kill a bear that accidentally led to the death of another.
While no criminal charges have yet been filed, the park is currently under intense scrutiny from eight separate state agencies, and further updates are expected soon. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to steer clear of the facility as the investigation continues.
