Here the press release Lori wrote yesterday answering all questions.

Hello to all,
During this difficult time. I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and concerns, they mean so much to us all.

I apologize for not answering all your calls and emails. But I'd like to address some of the many issues we've been asked.

Will Rocky, the Liger, be euthanized? We DO NOT want Rocky euthanized. It was not his fault. We have been told that it is not the USDA's decision on this. It is at a state/county level, and we have not heard any such requests from them. If we hear of anything, we will alert everyone immediately to begin the fight for him.

Will Safari's Sanctuary close to the public? At this point it looks like YES.
Reasoning; Our primary goal is to keep the animals alive, happy and healthy. The continual fight with the USDA to stay open to the public is such a great expense, it will COST MUCH MORE to stay open, than to CLOSE and just work to meet basic expenses. We will still keep to the USDA zoo standards in the best interests of the animals, of course, but our focus is on the animals, not paying for political recognition.

Will Safari's continue to rescue exotic animals? Yes. To the extent we can afford the premium care and upkeep with our high standards.

Are we planning on relocating any of our animals? No. We promised the animals a life long home of love, and we WILL continue with our promise.

Does Safari's breed our animals to sell ? NO! Unregulated breeding and selling is the problem that makes our sanctuaries exist! Many sanctuaries breed in the name of "re-establishing endangered populations" this is a terrible untruth designed to keep and use exotic babies (tiger cubs, etc.) on their park property to increase visitors, and thus, increase facility funds. There is no captive program for releasing endangered big cats. There are more poachers and less land for them to live on. THAT is part of our educational mission.

Will Safari's continue in its efforts to educate? YES! This will not stop our mission to EDUCATE the dangers and lifelong requirements of owning of exotic dangerous animals. We strive to STOP the need for these rescues at the breeder, and eliminating the unsuspecting buyer.

Safaris will not end as a statistic, but continue our mission. For the love of the animals.

Forever for the animals,

Lori Ensign
President, Safaris Inc.