An Oregon game park is under scrutiny after a dead tiger was discovered in a freezer and animals were left without proper medical care. The park, known as West Coast Game Park Safari, has been the subject of disturbing reports regarding the mistreatment of its wildlife. USDA inspection reports and police investigations have revealed a dire situation, including starving lions and leopards and a single caregiver responsible for over 300 animals.
State authorities executed multiple search warrants on the park’s property in Oregon as part of a prolonged criminal investigation. Despite being a popular attraction with hundreds of animals across various species and operating since 1969, frequent USDA infractions have become a persistent issue.
An 18 March Animal and Plant Health Inspection report from the USDA highlighted nine specific violations, seven of which were recurring problems. These included concerns over animal handling, the absence of staff in areas where visitors interacted freely with animals, and veterinary care, including observations of malnourished big cats like a lioness, a lion, and a black African leopard.
A subsequent USDA report on 1 April documented repeat violations, including inadequate enclosure fencing for dangerous animals, contaminated animal feed, and the continued lack of veterinary examination for the animals previously mentioned in the March report.
Past infringements involved allowing the public to pet dangerous animals such as a jaguar and a bear, as well as incidents of maiming and killing a bear during an attempt to euthanize another bear.
The ongoing investigation involves multiple state agencies, and while no criminal charges have been filed yet, further information is expected to be released soon. Police are advising the public to avoid visiting the facility until further notice.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/15/oregon-safari-park-police-raid
