Southeast Alaska Wildlife Center Owner Faces Animal Cruelty charges
The owner of a Southeast Alaska wildlife facility has been charged with animal cruelty following a raid on his property in June. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game initially brought concerns regarding the welfare of animals at the facility to wildlife troopers in December 2024.
The department denied a permit for the facility to operate during the upcoming tourist season in May, citing 15 deficiencies identified during inspections. Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang detailed these issues in a letter to the owner, including insufficient recordkeeping, potentially toxic water sanitization practices, and safety concerns regarding public viewing areas near carnivore and omnivore enclosures. Vincent-Lang urged the owner to realistically assess his ability to meet the required standards, stating, ”Time is a concern for the department, and I imagine for you.”
The owner had previously lost his USDA license to open to the public in 2024 but successfully appealed the decision and regained it in March.However, he did not appear to address the deficiencies outlined by Vincent-Lang by a June 15th deadline.
Approximately a week and a half later, Alaska State Troopers and Fish and Game staff, accompanied by the state’s director of wildlife conservation, Ryan Scott, executed a search warrant at the property.
As of mid-July, 36 animals seized from the facility had been transferred to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Alaska Zoo, or the Bird Treatment and learning Center. The current location and condition of all seized animals remain unclear.
The situation has sparked upset within the community. One community member, who wished to remain unnamed, stated that she believes the state could have explored option strategies, such as providing more resources or increased collaboration with the owner.The owner has indicated that remaining in Russia is an option and has shared media coverage from the country, including an article featuring him and his animals in a Russian magazine, as well as photos from events in Russia. He also reported being contacted by filmmakers interested in documenting his experience.
