After authorities allegedly found more than 300 animals in terrible condition, along with over 80 grams of methamphetamine, eight grams of cocaine, and $1.6 million in cash, an Oregon safari park owner was taken into custody.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office stated Tuesday that 52-year-old Brian Tenney is charged with possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine.
The West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon was raided on May 15 by law police, the Oregon Humane Society, and others, according to the Oregon State Police.
A “lenghty criminal investigation into the facility’s operations” led to the raid. 310 animals, some in bad condition, were found by officials during the four-day search of the site.
“Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species,” according to the state police. “The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.”
Police had to euthanize a kinkajou, a camel, and a chicken. The remaining animals were distributed to different animal shelters or rescue centers.
Police allegedly found 44 guns, including one that had been converted into a machine gun, in addition to the drugs and money.
The park is closed. According to its website, Tenney’s parents purchased the park four years after it started as “The Deer Park” in 1968 and changed its name to “The West Coast Game Park Safari” after introducing a variety of new animals.
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According to the website, once the parents retired in 2009, they “passed the reins to their son, who has since upheld the family legacy.”
However, the park has always struggled with regulatory bodies.
As recently as last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported rodent feces and animals in poor condition within food storage containers. A dead tiger that had spent months in a freezer was also discovered by authorities.
Tenney was brought to the Coos County Jail after being detained on Tuesday. Since then, he seems to have bonded out.
