A judge ordered an animal sanctuary in a remote area of Ventura County to pay several fines and penalties for illegally housing wildlife, including lions and a bear.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials discovered that the Born to Be Free sanctuary near Frazier Park was housing animals without proper licensing. A March inspection showed the facility has 15 restricted species, including African lions and leopards.
Prosecutors say the owner told them she believed the animals were allowed because the property’s former owner had a permit for restricted species. The permits aren’t transferable. The animals were removed and taken to licensed facilities around the country.
Under the final judgement, the sanctuary will need to get a valid permit before housing restricted species. It will also have to pay more than $50,000 in penalties, investigative costs, and reimbursement for relocating the animals.
