Shocking Animal Rescue: Minnesota Sanctuary Saves 15 Big Cats

A roadside attraction on the West Coast was recently raided by law enforcement after years of animal welfare violations, and a Minnesota-based nonprofit was there to help the 15 rescued big cats.

West Coast Game Park Safari, located in Bandon, Oregon, had been cited 78 times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the last year for violations including poor sanitation, missing exotic animals, and underfed lions.

Disturbing Conditions at West Coast Game Park Safari

Law enforcement finally stepped in, and what they found was alarming. Animals were severely malnourished, a dead tiger was discovered in a freezer reportedly used to feed other animals, and in one report, only one person was responsible for feeding hundreds of animals.

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Tammy Thies, founder of The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, led the effort to find homes for 15 exotic big cats. The rescued animals included four lions, one tiger, two leopards, one jaguar, three lynx, two bobcats, and two servals. Each cat was placed in a new home at an accredited sanctuary or zoo.

In total, 310 animals were seized and relocated. Sadly, some had to be euthanized due to severe health issues.

READ MORE: ROAR! Minnesota’s Wildcat Sanctuary Expands Footprint

Minnesota's Wildcat Sanctuary Steps In

“With over 25 years of experience, our staff are professionals in relocating and transporting large predators safely and humanely,” said Thies. “It took eight hours to assess, crate and load the cats into customized transports.”

Because of the ongoing legal case surrounding the rescue, the Wildcat Sanctuary says the big cats are now part of a “witness protection program.” While they are being cared for, the sanctuary cannot share photos or updates publicly, something that normally helps their fundraising efforts.

How to Support These Rescued Animals

The Wildcat Sanctuary notes that 95% of the time, they receive no financial support from authorities or courts during rescues. That means public donations are vital to caring for these animals.