Safari park owner arrested on drug charges during investigation into health of animals at facility
COOS COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - An investigation into the welfare of animals at an Oregon safari park led to the discovery of drugs and much more, according to authorities.
During the initial search on May 15, detectives found about 80 grams of methamphetamine at the West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said.
Authorities also found 44 guns, including a modified machine gun, 8 grams of cocaine and approximately $1.6 million in cash, bonds and cashier’s checks.
Brian Tenney was arrested Tuesday in connection with the investigation by the Bandon Police Department.
The 52-year-old owner of the safari park is facing charges for methamphetamine possession, manufacturing and attempted distribution.
The raid that took place earlier this month was the result of a criminal investigation that started last fall into the safari park’s operations, including animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing and business practices.
The USDA cited the park 78 times in a year.
“Over the last 11 years, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. The amount of agencies, the amount of people,” Coos County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio described.
Oregon State Police said the welfare and care of the animals was a top priority. Veterinarians that specialized in caring for each animal were brought in.
The safari park housed more than 300 animals, including deer, big cats, primates, bison, elks, ducks, chickens and more.
Authorities say they were forced to euthanize a camel and kinkajou, a small mammal found in South America, due to poor health.
The rest of the animals have been rehomed at other accredited facilities, such as the Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota. They took in four large cats, including a jaguar, leopard, lion and lynx.
Additional charges could be coming for Tenney. Oregon State Police say they would be related to conditions for animals at the park.
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