Oregon Safari Park Raided Over Shocking Abuse

It wasn't just the lions and tigers that shocked investigators. What began as an animal welfare case in a sleepy Oregon coastal town escalated into one of the most startling multi-agency raids in recent state history. Behind the chain-link fences of the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, authorities uncovered not only signs of widespread animal neglect but also drugs, guns, and a stockpile of cash that hinted at deeper troubles.

Years of Complaints, Then a Raid

Founded in 1972, the West Coast Game Park Safari was a roadside attraction known for offering up-close encounters with exotic animals. Its marketing boasted 75 species, including chimps, big cats, and camels.

But over time, it also racked up a growing list of critics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reportedly cited the park 78 times in the past year alone, including reports of underfed animals, missing wildlife, and lack of veterinary care.

The last four-day search, which began May 15, 2025, involved the Oregon State Police, the IRS, the Oregon Humane Society, and multiple state and federal partners. Officers seized 310 animals, according to police, and relocated them to rescue facilities across the country.

Three animals — a camel, a chicken, and a kinkajou — were euthanized because their health was too poor for safe transport.

Inside the Park: A Disturbing Scene

Inspectors discovered malnourished lions and leopards with protruding bones, unsanitary enclosures, and rodent infestations. A dead tiger was found in a freezer, stored on top of food meant for other animals, according to The Independent.

A lioness was reportedly confined in a dark den with no ventilation or light, while George, a chimpanzee, was left alone for months after his mate died — a violation of federal animal welfare standards for primates.

George has since been relocated to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Washington.

According to Oregon Public Radio, there were often only one or two staffers available to care for hundreds of animals — a ratio that state officials deemed unsafe and inadequate for animal health.

Cash, Cocaine, and a Machine Gun

During the raid, police seized 80 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of cocaine, 44 firearms — including one modified into a machine gun — and $1.6 million in cash, cashier's checks, bonds, and certificates.

According to the Coos County Sheriff's Office, the zoo's owner, Brian Tenney, 52, was arrested May 27 on suspicion of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution. He was released while prosecutors await further evidence.

Financial Questions and a Previous Robbery

This wasn't the first time investigators looked into large sums of money connected to the park. A 2023 federal indictment alleged that a robbery occurred on the zoo property, where suspects stole $1 million in cash, precious metals, and 40 firearms from a vault housed in a partially constructed mansion behind the park.

Whether this robbery is linked to the current investigation remains unclear.

Authorities said the IRS joined the recent raid to investigate "business practices," though details have not been released publicly, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

A Sanctuary for the Survivors

Not all the headlines from the raid were grim. The Wildcat Sanctuary, based in Minnesota, traveled 2,000 miles to rehome 15 big cats — including four lions, two leopards, a tiger, a jaguar, and a lynx — all rescued from the Oregon zoo.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Humane Society played a key role in the raid, providing both law enforcement officers and a forensic veterinarian to document and examine conditions. Oregon is one of only two states in the nation with such forensic resources for animal abuse cases.

What's Next?

At the time of writing, no formal charges related to animal abuse or neglect have been filed. Oregon State Police confirmed that the criminal investigation remains active and may result in additional charges. Tenney has not commented publicly since the raid.

Until then, the future of the park remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — the days of the West Coast Game Park Safari are over.

References: State and local law enforcement seize hundreds of animals during search of Southern Oregon safari park | Oregon safari park owner arrested after raid finds drugs, guns and $1.6m | Safari owner is arrested after cop raid took more than 300 animals from 'hellhole' zoo over their care | Lions, tigers among 300 animals rescued from roadside Oregon zoo where cop raid uncovered drugs, guns and nearly $2M in cash