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Broken Arrow's Safari Sanctuary welcomes volunteers

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — When the president of Safari Sanctuary isn’t taking care of the sheltered animals, she tries to take care of herself.

Lori Ensign was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about three decades ago.

“That is what actually started the whole zoo. When I was 25, I got diagnosed. And my doctor said get a hobby. And I kinda went overboard and started rescuing.”

She runs a haven for exotic animals that have either escaped or been abandoned. Tigers, bears, monkeys, birds, snakes, and a porcupine are among the animals Ensign cares for.

The non-profit relies on volunteers. Larry Conners just began to help on the property. He spoke fondly of Ensign.

“From the moment I met her, she’s just cheerful and upbeat and out here trying to get things done.”

The volunteers and Ensign say that there is much more to gain there than just community service hours.

“The fun of volunteering is that you get to meet these guys that you only see on nature channel.”

For more information about volunteering, visit safarisanctuary.org

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Our Charity - Safari's Sanctuary

Safari’s Sanctuary   has been in operation  in Broken Arrow, OK  since 1995.  They provide a safe home to  over 200 animals from a wide range of species such as  big cats, wolves, foxes, bears, farm animals, reptiles, birds, and more .  T he sanctuary is managed by volunteers of various ages and backgrounds.  In order to prioritize focus on the happiness of the animals, the park is not currently open to the public. However, they do offer their signature “Zoo 2 You” program, which involves Safari’s  bringing animals on-site to educate people about their organization .  Safari’s  relies on the generosity of people like you to continue their operations . All donations to the organization are 100% tax-deductible.

More information about Safari’s Sanctuary can be found on their website.

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Animal sanctuary worker dies after attack by ‘liger’

An animal handler with thousands of hours of experience has died after being mauled by a 1,000-pound lion-tiger hybrid he was feeding at an Oklahoma animal sanctuary.

Peter Getz, 32, had entered the big cat’s enclosure on Wednesday while it was feeding, a violation of standard procedures. The hybrid cat, called a liger, bit Getz on the neck and back before other handlers rescued him and called 911. He was taken to a Tulsa hospital, where he died Thursday night.

A powerful creature On Friday, Animal Planet host Jeff Corwin told TODAY’s Matt Lauer that Getz broke the cardinal rule of dealing with large carnivores.

“You’re talking about an animal that is 20 times more powerful than the human being that was feeding it,” Corwin explained. “One of the most important protocols with these powerful cats in captivity is to never enter their enclosure with the animal present, especially when it involves food.”

Getz had been a volunteer for more than a year at Safari’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Broken Arrow, Okla., and reportedly had thousands of hours of experience dealing with animals at the Tulsa Zoo.

“We try to have all the procedures in place, but for some reason, they weren't followed this time,” Lori Ensign, the sanctuary’s owner, told NBC affiliate KJRH in Oklahoma. “In all my years, we've stressed that whatever you do, you don't open that gate.”

Food is put on a pole that is inserted through the fence to feed the animals. It’s deer season in Oklahoma, and Ensign said that the liger may have been more excited than normal because he was being fed raw venison.

Lion-tiger crossbreed The liger, a cross between a male lion and female tiger, is named Rocky. Ensign said the animal was donated to the sanctuary, which houses 200 animals, most of them either rescued or donated. She told KJRH that when Rocky was growing up, she used to ride him like a horse and that he has a gentle nature.

But Corwin told Lauer that it doesn’t matter how gentle a predator may be.

It remains unknown why Getz entered the enclosure. An investigation by local authorities will attempt to determine that, and will decide whether Rocky should be allowed to live or be put down.

“In many situations, the animal is destroyed because it has connected in a negative way and a dangerous way to human beings, and the truth is there’s an increased opportunity for this animal to become even more dangerous,” Corwin told Lauer.

Texas tigers There are other questions behind the story, Corwin went on. “What it really echoes to is a bigger situation, which is keeping these exotics in captivity for nonlegitimate purposes in the first place,” he said. “This is a rescue center, but what is the individual history of that liger? How did it get there?”

“If you went to India today, you would find that there are less tigers living there than there are in the state of Texas, where the laws and regulations are incredibly loose,” Corwin said. He added that every year, “There are probably 10 people or more that are critically injured, in some cases killed, by tigers, and it’s happening in our own country.”

Ensign, the park owner, said that her sanctuary has closed since the accident. She did not say when it might reopen.

The sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife refuge. All staff members are volunteers. It is licensed and regulated through the Oklahoma Wildlife Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is subject to the same rules as public zoos.

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Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary Lori Ensign

Lori ensign safari’s interactive animal sanctuary.

In 2016 Safari’s Interactive Animals c/o Lori Ensign, is giving mis information to the press about the Big Cat Public Safety Act.  The piece had such ridiculous claims as to state that the law would require captive bred big cats to be turned loose or to be kept in concrete floored horse stalls.   http://www.fox23.com/news/local-wildlife-sanctuary-fights-big-cat-bill/108652964

As of 2016 we can find no records for USDA 73-C-0137 or any combination of her current or previous names, so it isn’t clear if she even has a USDA license any longer.

Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary is home to 27 big cats. Former keepers have warned for years that the practices there would lead to injuries, escapes and death. SIAS’ website is covered in the typically ignorant photos of the President, Lori Ensign bottle feeding tigers and walking them on leashes. That kind of irresponsible behavior can only lead to tragedy for humans as well as the animals when they pay the ultimate price.

USDA inspections show a continuing pattern of inadequate care and safety violations.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/foia/enforcement_actions/2012/May/Animal%20Welfare%20Act%20%28AWA%29/Decision%20and%20Orders/AWA%2012-0340%20Safaris%20Inc.pdf

https://911animalabuse.com/images/USDAViolations/2009SafarisIncLoriEnsignScrogginsApr9.pdf

https://911animalabuse.com/images/USDAViolations/2009SafarisIncLoriEnsignScrogginsAug11.pdf

https://911animalabuse.com/images/USDAViolations/2009SafarisIncLoriEnsignScrogginsDec17.pdf

https://911animalabuse.com/images/USDAViolations/2010SafarisIncLoriEnsignScrogginsApr9.pdf

https://911animalabuse.com/images/USDAViolations/2010SafarisIncLoriEnsignScrogginsAug6.pdf

Broken Arrow Exotic Animal Sanctuary May Close This Summer

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma – Safari’s Exotic Animal Sanctuary in could be closing to the public.

A court document says the United States Department of Agriculture will revoke the sanctuary’s license August 1, after finding a number of violations concerning animal welfare and care.

But Safari’s says it is voluntarily turning in its license, because the founder is retiring.

Safari’s, in Broken Arrow, is home to more than 250 animals.

The non-profit is run by volunteers, but founder, Lori Ensign, oversees the care of the animals.

But the USDA said the zoo has too many violations and they must revoke its operating license, meaning the park could close to the public by August.

A court document lists violations from 2003 to 2011. Violations include: shelters and fences in disrepair failure to control pests, food stored improperly, and fecal matter accumulation in some enclosures.

However, Safari’s says these are not the reasons for the license revocation. The operators of the sanctuary said they are voluntarily giving up the license because Ensign is retiring.

Safari’s volunteer, Frank Gaddy, said, “Lori Ensign, who founded the place, has MS. She was diagnosed in ‘95. She was supposed to be in a wheelchair by the end of that decade.”

Gaddy said it’s come to the point where one person can’t do it all.

He said Ensign is trying to put together the proper board of people to continue running the facility.

Gaddy admits the USDA’s demands became too much.

“It just built up over the years,” Gaddy said. “She realized she didn’t have the funding herself to keep it going and do the improvements that they want.”

Safari’s said they are constantly working on improvements and upgrades. For example, right now they said they are working on replacing older wooden cages with stronger steel beams and heavier-gauge chain link fences.

“Another is the monkey cages. They show up right after they eat and say there is food around. Animals do it, there is food around,” Gaddy said.

Gaddy also said what really matters is that, no matter who is in charge, both Ensign and the animals she loves be taken care of.

The USDA placed Safari’s on probation for two years.

The sanctuary hopes to have a board in place before the August deadline.

http://www.newson6.com/story/18937127/broken-arrow-exotic?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7461084#.T_LwMCjED8Y.facebook

Even the most vocal of those who use big cats for cub petting displays, sad circus acts and back yard breeders agree that Lori Ensign’s Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary should be shut down or run by someone competent.

If Barbara Hoffmann , Joe A Schreibvogel , Felicia Frisco and Deborah Justice Cutrell think this place should be stopped by USDA that tells you how bad it is.

Safari’s Reopens After Deadly Liger Attack

Posted: Nov 29, 2008 5:33 PM EST

Safari’s Sanctuary opened on Saturday for the first time since a deadly liger attack.

Safari’s will be open again on Sunday at noon, but plans for beyond that are still up in the air.

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

WAGONER COUNTY — Safari’s Animal Sanctuary is back open to the public. It comes one month after a worker was killed by one of the exotic animals. Pete Getz was attacked and killed by Rocky the liger, that’s a cross between and lion and tiger. The owner of the Safari’s Animal Sanctuary said the decision to open was tough, but she says her mission is too important.

Dozens were there as soon as the gates opened. They came to see the lions and tigers, even Rocky the liger.

“So far, we love Safari’s and we love what they do to help rescue animals and give them a good home,” said Brianne Hill of Houston, Texas.

Rocky has been at Safari’s for 12 years. One month ago, he attacked volunteer worker, Pete Getz. The man was feeding Rocky, which is normally done by throwing food over the fence, but Safari’s owner Lori Ensign says Getz didn’t follow safety guidelines and went inside Rocky’s cage. She doesn’t know why.

“So, that day they cut corners or … I don’t know,” said Lori Ensign with Safari’s Sanctuary.

Ensign says the decision to re-open was not easy, but decided to do it believing it’s what Getz would have wanted.

“He would be rolling over if he thought that everything stopped,” said Lori Ensign with Safari’s Sanctuary.

Another motivation, she says, came when two different people called asking her opinion of getting a tiger as a pet for their children.

“I was like that proves that we have to keep pushing our mission. People should know, instinctively, that tigers aren’t good pets,” said Lori Ensign with Safari’s Sanctuary.

The News On 6 witnessed that mission first hand. The most dramatic came as workers were feeding another tiger. As one of the volunteers worked to distract the tiger, the other volunteer tended to her enclosure. And soon, the tiger had enough.

“She’s getting anxious. That’s why you don’t want one for a pet,” said Lori Ensign with Safari’s Sanctuary.

The tiger eventually goes to the back of her cage and nothing comes of it. Ensign hopes visitors learn from her animals about the dangers they present. She says the tragedy of a month ago hasn’t changed her focus, but has made her more determined to stress the importance of safety.

“We’ve just sat everybody down and said, ‘This is absolutely against protocol and it will never happen again,'” said Lori Ensign with Safari’s Sanctuary.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture told The News On 6 that Rocky’s fate is in the hands of state authorities. Ensign says she’s been told that Rocky will not be put down and be able to live out his life at Safari’s.

10/31/2008 Man Attacked By Big Cat Dies

http://www.newson6.com/story/9430813/safaris-reopens-after-deadly-liger-attack

Man Attacked By Big Cat Dies

Posted: Oct 31, 2008 7:44 AM EDT

The reported attack happened just before noon on Wednesday.

By Jeffrey Smith, News On 6

WAGONER COUNTY, OK — An animal handler who was attacked by a liger at a Broken Arrow animal sanctuary has died. Officials at Saint John hospital say Peter Getz passed away Thursday night.

Peter Getz died after getting mauled by a lion-tiger mix named Rocky that had been in his care for a year and a half. Even though Getz was an experienced big cat handler, zookeepers say interacting with the animals in any way has inherent risks.

The attack happened Wednesday afternoon during the daily feeding at Safari Sanctuary. But during Rocky’s daily feeding, Getz opened the gate to the enclosure.

The sanctuary’s owner says he entered the cage and that’s when Rocky grabbed hold of him and bit him on the neck and back.

Getz’s co-workers at the sanctuary say he was a careful, passionate animal handler who knew his stuff. The head vet knew Getz very well and he says Rocky never game him any trouble at all.

“Not at all. Rocky’s a 12-year-old, easy going, laid back, and Peter knew what he was doing. A really quality professional individual, who’s been in the business for quite a while,” said Dr. Dan Danner.

Danner says Rocky is a thousand pound animal and all it would take is a little overexcitement during feeding time to cause life-threatening injuries.

Getz interned at the Tulsa Zoo for nine months last year, zookeepers there say he was trained to never touch a wild cat.

The USDA is investigating the attack and the fate of Rocky is still unclear. The Safari Sanctuary remains voluntarily closed.

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?s=9271468

October 29, 2008 Broken Arrow, OK: Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary is home to 27 big cats. Former keepers have warned for years that the practices there of allowing contact with adult tigers would lead to injuries, escapes and death. SIAS’ website is covered in the typically ignorant photos of the President, Lori Ensign bottle feeding tigers and walking them on leashes. That kind of irresponsible behavior can only lead to tragedy for humans as well as the animals when they pay the ultimate price. Now the liger named Rocky may be killed for mauling to death a volunteer named Peter Getz who walked in the cage while feeding the cat a deer carcass. The mauling happened in the presence of more than 40 pre schoolers who were ushered away from the scene.

Safari’s Animal Sanctuary may close permanently

By: BOB BETHELL, Metro Editor 11/03/2008 Updated 11/04/2008 09:23:24 AM CST email this storyEmail to a friendpost a commentPost a Commentprinter friendlyPrinter-friendly

BROKEN ARROW – Owner cites federal investigations, PETA intervention and “… lost spirit in dealing with the public” after volunteer was mauled to death Oct. 29 by a resident liger.

Safari’s Animal Sanctuary could permanently close its gates because a volunteer was mauled to death by a “big cat” last week.

Advertisement Peter Getz, 32, a two-year volunteer, died at an area hospital two days after a liger (lion/tiger hybrid) named “Rocky” bit him on the upper torso and throat Oct. 29.

The victim and a safety assistant were feeding Rocky when the attack occurred.

Getz and the helper apparently did not follow established enclosure gate opening procedures, said Safari’s owner Lori Ensign.

A fundraiser for Getz’s family is set for Saturday at Emerald Falls Golf Club, 6500 S. 305th E. Ave.

Ensign said she and her entire staff were “saddened beyond words” by Getz’s death.

The sanctuary, 26881 E. 58th St., is being investigated by the Department of Agriculture, although Ensign said her operation mets all applicable federal standards at the time of the incident.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said the death indicated Safari’s may have violated the national Federal Wildlife Act.

“Due to the federal investigations, PETA and my lost spirit in dealing with the public,” Ensign told the Ledger, “Safari’s will probably not reopen.

“My family and I will just try to keep the animals alive privately and give up on the public portion. I hate saying this, hate giving in to politics … but politics will always win.”

2754&PAG=461&dept_id=574063&rfi=6

Liger Attacks and Kills Handler

Animal Handler Dies After Attack

Safari’s Animal Sanctuary

BROKEN ARROW, OK — A volunteer who was attacked by a large cat at an animal sanctuary east of Broken Arrow has died.

St. John Medical Center in Tulsa confirmed Friday morning, Peter Getz passed away from his injuries overnight.

Getz suffered wounds to his neck and upper torso after he was reportedly attacked by a liger during feeding time at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary at 26881 East 58th Street in Wagoner County.

Safari’s says it is still trying to piece together what caused a large cat to turn on Getz.

Sanctuary officials say it appears Getz opened the animal’s pen during feeding which is a violation of the sanctuaries rules.

Federal wildlife officials are investigating.

Getz had worked for the Tulsa Zoo and had volunteered at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary for the past year and half.

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=9271468

Posted: Oct 29, 2008 01:46 PM

Updated: Oct 30, 2008 07:39 AM FEATURED VIDEO

The incident happened as the children were walking by the cage. The incident happened as the children were walking by the cage. The attack occurred at Safaris Animal Sanctuary at 26881 East 58th Street in Wagoner County. The attack occurred at Safaris Animal Sanctuary at 26881 East 58th Street in Wagoner County. NewsOn6.com

BROKEN ARROW, OK — A handler at a wild animal sanctuary east of Broken Arrow has been attacked by a large cat.

The attack occurred before noon Wednesday at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary at 26881 East 58th Street in Wagoner County.

A sheriff’s deputy at the sanctuary tells The News On 6, the handler was bitten in the upper torso and neck area.

The handler, identified as Peter Getz, was flown by medical helicopter to a Tulsa hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

The sheriff’s deputy says a group of 40 Pre-K elementary Haskell school children were at the sanctuary at the time of the incident , but did not witness the attack. An adult sponsor saw the incident and pushed the children away from the scene.

The incident happened as the children were walking by the cage.

http://www.newson6.com/global/category.asp?C=112039

Liger injures worker animal sanctuary Broken Arrow

BY MICHAEL KIMBALL Published: October 29, 2008

BROKEN ARROW — A liger at a Wagoner County animal sanctuary attacked a volunteer late this morning, officials said.

Peter Getz, whose hometown and age were not immediately available, was airlifted to St. John Medical Center in Tulsa in critical condition, a Broken Arrow Fire Department spokesman said.

A hospital spokeswoman said Getz was admitted to the emergency room, but an updated status was not available this afternoon.

The attack occurred just before noon at Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary, 26881 E 58, east of Broken Arrow, Wagoner County sheriff’s deputy Eugene Smith said.

Getz was trying to feed the liger when it attacked him, leaving wounds on his chest and neck, Smith said.

A liger is a cross between a lion and a tiger. According to the sanctuary’s Web site, the liger is named Rocky.

Calls to the animal sanctuary went to voicemail without ringing. The voicemail message says “a volunteer had an injury. Due to the emotional strain of the situation, Safari’s will be closed until further notice.”

http://newsok.com/worker-attacked-by-tiger-at-animal-sanctuary-in-broken-arrow/article/3316910?custom_click=headlines_widget

Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary is not a sanctuary, but rather, a part of the problem. Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary at 26881 E 58, east of Broken Arrow, Wagoner County, OK is home to 27 big cats. Former keepers have warned for years that the practices there would lead to injuries, escapes and death. SIAS’ website is covered in the typically ignorant photos of the President, Lori Ensign bottle feeding tigers and walking them on leashes. That kind of irresponsible behavior can only lead to tragedy for humans as well as the animals when they pay the ultimate price. See SanctuaryStandards.com to see that this is no sanctuary.

Mauling puzzles BA wildlife refuge owner

By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer 10/30/2008 10:25 AM

BROKEN ARROW — Officials with a Broken Arrow wildlife refuge are at a loss to understand why an experienced animal handler who was mauled Wednesday by a big cat violated rules by opening a cage during feeding time.

Peter Getz, 32, a volunteer at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary, 26881 E. 58th St., was attacked shortly before noon Wednesday while attempting to feed a liger.

Getz, who suffered wounds to his neck, remained hospitalized Thursday morning at Saint John Medical Center in Tulsa in critical condition.

Lori Ensign, sanctuary owner and operator, said she’s trying to piece together what happened, but she knows the sanctuary’s strict policy against opening the animal pens during feedings was not followed.

“We try to have all the procedures in place, but for some reason, they weren’t followed this time. In all my years we’ve stressed that whatever you do you don’t open that gate,” said Ensign, who was away buying feed when the attack occurred.

Ensign said Getz, who is experienced and loves working with animals, has volunteered at the sanctuary for about a year and a half and worked previously at the Tulsa Zoo.

“This is just horrid,” Ensign said. “Peter is like a brother. He loves doing this, loves the carnivores — the bears, big cats

and snakes. We were thinking about turning the place over to him some day.”

She said she and others are working to set up a fund to help with Getz’s medical expenses, with more information to follow.

Other volunteers were with Getz during the feeding, per sanctuary rules.

“We always have three people for feedings as back-up,” Ensign said. “They were there and were able to help get him out. But they are still in shock right now and we don’t want to push them to find out why procedures were broken. We want to give them time.”

The liger, named Rocky, is a hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tiger.

Rocky’s fate will ultimately be determined by state wildlife officials, who will investigate the incident and decide whether the cat will be euthanized, Ensign said.

Ensign said the facility has a good safety record.

In 2000, two handlers at the sanctuary were bitten by a black bear, according to reports. The bear was later euthanized.

The sanctuary, a nonprofit wildlife refuge, houses about 200 animals, most of which were donated by private owners, according to the facility’s Web site. All staff members are volunteers.

The facility is licensed and regulated through the Oklahoma Wildlife Department and United States Department of Agriculture and is subject to the same rules as public zoos.

Handler attacked while feeding large cat

BROKEN ARROW – Peter Getz, 32, an employee of Safari’s Animal Sanctuary in Broken Arrow, remains in critical condition at a Tulsa hospital after being mauled by a liger, a hybrid of a lion and a tigress.

Authorities say Getz was feeding the big cat Wednesday when he was attacked and bitten on the neck.

After escaping the cage, Getz collapsed. Paramedics performed CPR on him and he was flown by helicopter to St. John Medical Center for treatment.

The refuge was immediately evacuated and locked down.

A group of students from Haskell was inside the sanctuary at the time of the attack but apparently did not see or hear anything that was going on.

A Ledger call to Safari’s owner Lori Ensign was answered automatically: “Due to the emotional strain from this injury, Safari’s will be closed until further notice. We will only be able to answer emergency calls at this time, so please keep us in your prayers.”

Liger Critically Injures Oklahoma Zoo Worker

Broken Arrow, OK (AHN) – A worker at an Oklahoma zoo was seriously injured after a liger, a cross between a lion and a tiger, attacked him Wednesday while feeding the animal.

Peter Getz of Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary in Broken Arrow was taken to the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa and remains in critical condition for injuries in the neck and chest, according to authorities.

Zoo officials have no comment but a recorded message from its telephone answering machine said a worker was injured and the safari is closed until further notice.

Worker attacked by tiger at animal sanctuary

By Don Bishop @ October 30, 2008 3:29 AM

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) – Authorities say a handler at a Wagoner County wild animal sanctuary suffered a puncture wound to the neck after a big cat attacked him during a feeding.

Thirty-two-year-old Peter Getz was bitten in the upper torso and the neck area at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary yesterday around noon. Getz was flown by medical helicopter to Saint John Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition.

Sheriff’s Deputy James Suddath says Getz was able to escape the cage following the attack, then collapsed.

Initial reports said Getz was attacked by a tiger. KRMG reported that a lion-tiger mix (a “liger”) named Rocky attacked the handler.

Officials say a Haskell Public Schools class on a field trip at the sanctuary didn’t witness the attack and that the facility was evacuated and locked down after the incident.

Handler is mauled by big cat

Rocky the liger is shown at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary in Broken Arrow. Tulsa World file

By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer 10/30/2008 Last Modified: 10/30/2008 2:38 AM

The handler suffers a neck wound and is hospitalized in critical condition.

BROKEN ARROW — An animal handler at a wildlife refuge was mauled by a big cat during a feeding Wednesday.

The attack occurred shortly before noon at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary, 26881 E. 58th St., emergency responders said.

The handler, identified as Peter Getz, 32, was attacked by a liger, a hybrid of a lion and a tigress.

Getz, who suffered a puncture wound to his neck, was flown by helicopter to St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Fire Department officials said.

He was listed in critical condition Wednesday afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Deputy Fire Chief James Suddath said: “He was bitten on the neck during a feeding, but he was able to escape the cage. He collapsed after he got out.”

Paramedics performed CPR on Getz, Suddath said.

Wagoner County sheriff’s deputies also responded.

A deputy said a Haskell Public Schools class was on a field trip at the sanctuary but did not witness the attack.

The refuge was immediately evacuated and locked down, with the liger, named Rocky, and other animals remaining in their pens, officials said.

Sanctuary officials could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

The sanctuary, a nonprofit wildlife refuge, houses about 200 animals, most of which were donated by private owners, according to its Web site.

All of its staff members are volunteers.

The refuge is licensed and regulated through the Oklahoma Wildlife Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is subject to the same rules as public zoos.

Officials said regulatory officials had been notified about the incident.

In 2000, two handlers at the sanctuary were bitten by a black bear.

Liger Attacks Handler At Safari’s

Broken Arrow – A handler at Safari’s wildlife sanctuary in Broken Arrow is in critical condition after being attacked by a liger.

Owner Lori Ensign says they aren’t sure why the cat attacked handler Peter Getz. The liger which is half tiger and half lion has been at the park for over 10 years.

Ensign says Gets was feeding the liger when he opened the cage door, something ensign says they never do for safety. Getz is in ICU at St. John Medical Center.

Ensign says they plan to set up a fund for Getz at Arvest Bank to help with medical expenses.

Volunteer critically injured by large cat at Broken Arrow sanctuary

A large cat mauled a volunteer at the Safari’s Sanctuary in Broken Arrow Wednesday morning.

The attack occurred at approximately 11:45 at the sanctuary, located at 26881 East 58th Street in the Wagoner County portion of Broken Arrow.

Lori Ensign, operator of the sanctuary, told 2NEWS HD that the incident involved one of the sanctuary’s most well-known and popular animals, “Rocky.”

“Rocky” is a cross between a lion and a tiger, a hybrid referred to as a “liger.”

Ensign said that the accident occurred during a feeding.

A LifeFlight helicopter transported the volunteer, a 32-year-old man, to St. John Medical Center.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apRpFg2F2NM Video of Rocky the liger being fed by guests http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIG2iAYtoxQ Video of Rocky the liger being fed by guests w/ owner’s narration

Liger injures worker at animal sanctuary in Broken Arrow

Comments Comment on this article5 BY MICHAEL KIMBALL Published: October 29, 2008

Rocky the liger, shown in this undated file photo, attacked a volunteer at a Wagoner County wildlife sanctuary Wednesday, officials said. Photo provided by The Tulsa World Advertisement

A liger is a cross between a lion and a tiger. According to the sanctuary’s Web site, the liger is named Rocky. Calls to the animal sanctuary went to voicemail without ringing. The voicemail message says “a volunteer had an injury. Due to the emotional strain of the situation, Safari’s will be closed until further notice.”

http://newsok.com/liger-injures-worker-at-animal-sanctuary-in-broken-arrow/article/3316910

Associated Press – October 29, 2008 9:05 PM ET

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) – Authorities say a handler at a Wagoner County wild animal sanctuary suffered a puncture wound to the neck after a big cat attacked him during a feeding today.

Thirty-2-year-old Peter Getz was bitten in the upper torso and the neck area at Safari’s Animal Sanctuary and flown by medical helicopter to St. John Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition.

Initial reports said Getz was attacked by a tiger. The Tulsa World reported that a lion-tiger mix named Rocky attacked the handler.

Information from: The Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com and KOTV-TV, http://www.newson6.com

Big cat injures Wagoner sanctuary volunteer

BY MICHAEL KIMBALL Published: October 30, 2008

BROKEN ARROW — A 1,000-pound cat attacked a volunteer Wednesday at a Wagoner County animal sanctuary, officials said. The cat was identified as a liger, which is a cross between a male lion and a female tiger. 1-Click search for concerts on wimgo.com – Click Here!

Peter Getz, 32, of Stillwater was airlifted to St. John Medical Center in Tulsa in critical condition with wounds to his chest and neck, a Broken Arrow Fire Department spokesman said. A hospital spokeswoman would not release his condition.

The attack occurred just before noon at Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary, 26881 E 58, east of Broken Arrow, Wagoner County sheriff’s Deputy Eugene Smith said. Getz was trying to feed the liger when it attacked.

Calls to the animal sanctuary went to voicemail Wednesday. The message says “a volunteer had an injury. Due to the emotional strain of the situation, Safari’s will be closed until further notice.” The sanctuary did not return a call seeking comment.

The liger, named Rocky, weighed an estimated 1,000 pounds, according to an undated video from Tulsa television station KOTV-6 posted on the sanctuary’s Web site.

In 2003, a bear cub attacked a handler’s arms and legs at Safari’s Interactive Animal Sanctuary. http://newsok.com/big-cat-injures-sanctuary-volunteer/article/3317094

Liger Attacks Handler

40 children were present at the facility when attack occurred

If this doesn’t come through with the photos and the link to the video, go to http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=9259748

and make sure you watch the news report about this attack. I’m upset that it ends saying that they’re not sure what will happen to the liger. Once again, human error may result in an innocent animal’s death.

Also, go to .org/   and click on the picture of Rocky the Liger to see a long story Newson6 filmed about him before the attack occurred.

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this horror of a place was shut down by the usda as of august 1st. she is not 501c3 even after telling everyone she is. i have personally seen her spend park funds on her lavish lifestyle, she is addicted to shopping. for fun, she would lock new volunteers into a tigers pen, with not one…but two tigers….and lock the cage and walk away laughing. she refused to have the vet care for the animals because that would be taking money out of her pocket, and her excuse was…”there is no money” or she would wait till its on the verge of death and she’d be afraid someone would turn her in, and then she would finally get the vet out there. her way of feeding is opening the cages and letting the animals eat right from your hands, thus how she trains as well, hence someone died out there. the cages are horrendous, and falling apart, the animals are in poor shape.the list goes on and on and on. her manager is incompetent. and there are rumors that the frank guy that she puts on tv a lot for her was kicked off her park many times for touching young girls. this place needs to be watched carefully.

the owner says they should be able to open back up in october……..lets hope that doesn’t happen. i heard that a tiger escaped his pen one day while open to the public…can you imagine what could have happened???

someone please keep track of this place! she has many minions who will stick up for her to the death, and she has ruined many people’s lives who try and go against her and tell the truth.

you are forewarned!

check out this facebook page to learn more about this place. and how awful the owner and the manager kurt is!

http://www.facebook.com/SafarisTruthDestination

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