News spread quickly among animal sanctuary communities of the abrupt closure of West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, Oregon. For years, advocates had raised concerns about the treatment of animals at the facility, but the sudden shutdown in May 2025 confirmed the worst fears. A multi-agency investigation led by Oregon State Police resulted in the seizure of more than 300 animals, and the euthanization of a camel, a chicken, and a kinkajou due to irreparable health conditions.
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This development is part of a broader trend. In recent years, there has been a significant decline in establishments that prioritize entertainment over animal welfare. Public awareness, investigative journalism, and grassroots advocacy have begun to challenge the long-standing culture of using animals as props for human amusement. The closure of the Bandon facility is not just the end of one park. It is a reflection of a deeper shift in societal values.
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The Bandon Breakdown
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Over the course of a four-day operation, authorities documented animals suffering from malnutrition, poor hygiene, and severe neglect. The park, once marketed as a family-friendly attraction where visitors could interact with exotic species, had a long history of USDA violations. It was not accredited by any recognized zoological or sanctuary organizations. What looked like an educational experience from the outside was, in fact, an environment that ignored the physical and emotional needs of the animals in its care.
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One of the more distressing discoveries was a chimpanzee named George, who had been kept in solitary confinement. For a highly social species, isolation can be deeply traumatic and lead to severe behavioral deterioration. George’s story became emblematic of the systemic problems found throughout the park.
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Where the Animals Are Now
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Following the seizure, placement efforts began immediately. Animals were transported to reputable sanctuaries across the United States. The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota
received several of the park’s big cats, including tigers and lynx. Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon, took in hoofstock and birds. Additional animals, such as smaller mammals and reptiles, were sent to facilities specializing in species-specific rehabilitation.
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Each of these sanctuaries was selected for its proven record of compassionate, high-standard care. The transition is never easy. Many of these animals arrive traumatized, sick, or exhibiting signs of chronic stress. Sanctuary staff begin the long process of recovery by offering proper nutrition, veterinary care, enriched environments, and, most importantly, time.
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Why Entertainment Exploits Animal Lives
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Facilities that use animals for amusement often promote themselves as educational, but their primary goal is profit. Wild animals are routinely denied appropriate medical care, environmental enrichment, and the ability to express natural behaviors. Direct contact attractions, like cub petting or selfie sessions, may seem harmless but usually involve removing infants from their mothers and subjecting them to repeated handling that causes long-term harm.
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The result is a cycle of suffering. Animals who live in these conditions can develop abnormal behaviors, chronic illnesses, and deep psychological scars. Some will never fully recover, even in sanctuary settings.
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The Realities of Running a Sanctuary
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Contrary to popular belief, running a sanctuary is not idyllic or easy. It is demanding, physical, and emotionally exhausting work. Caregivers rise before dawn to prepare special diets, clean and repair enclosures, monitor behaviors, and administer medications. The cost of care is high, and most sanctuaries operate on limited budgets fueled by donations and small grants.
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Animals that have experienced trauma require much more than a place to live. They need individualized care plans, behavioral support, and consistent, gentle treatment. Sanctuary staff often become the first people to ever offer these animals safety and respect.
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A Path Forward
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The closure of West Coast Game Park Safari is a turning point. It reflects the growing demand for transparency, accountability, and compassion in how animals are treated in captivity. But the work is not done. Thousands of animals are still confined in similar facilities throughout the country.
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If you want to help:
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- Donate to accredited animal sanctuaries
- Advocate for stronger animal welfare legislation
- Educate others about the risks of supporting entertainment-based animal attractions–
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At Better Life for Animals, we are committed to shining the spotlight on the often thankless jobs that those involved in accredited sanctuaries do. To learn more about the men and women we have invited on the BLFA podcast and highlighted in our newsletter, visit www.betterlifeforanimals.com. Have a look around to see what we are up to and be sure to click the Podcast and Newsletter buttons.
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Animals are not entertainment. They are sentient beings who deserve care, dignity, and freedom. Recognizing this truth brings us one step closer to a better world for all living beings.
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About the Author
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Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
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Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books—Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig—which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
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When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, show jumping, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/
https://www.instagram.com/betterlife4animals/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmossabetterlifeforanimals/
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