Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park

Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park
File:Gw animal park logo.jpg GW Exotic Animal Park
Date opened	1997
Location	Wynnewood, Oklahoma
No. of animals	1400
No. of species	128
Memberships	ZAA USZA USASAA
Major exhibits	Exotic Species, Big Cats, Bears
Website	www.gwpark.org

G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation History

The G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in the United States to both advocate for the care of endangered and exotic species of animals, as well as to establish a shelter for these animals. It was founded in 1997 by the Schreibvogel Family of Springer, Oklahoma in memory of their late son who passed away in an automobile accident.

The foundation continues to exist via sponsorships from local business owners as well as by the income generated by the exotic animal park that it owns and operates. The foundation maintains its commitment to the rescue, care, and advocacy of endangered and exotic species of animals, and is currently looking to expand its reach.

Establishment of G.W. Exotic Animal Park

The G.W. Exotic Animal Park started life as a shelter for endangered and exotic species of animals that would otherwise suffer from a lack of proper care. The park has since grown into one of the largest exotic species parks in the entire country. It currently houses and cares for over 128 species of animals as well as playing host to over 182 "big cats". In total, the park has approximately 1400 animals under its care and shelter during the year.

The park has opened its doors to the public and continues to receive thousands of visitors each year. The park itself offers tours and educational programs for visitors, all in keeping with the G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation's main cause of advocacy for the animals it hosts. The park has been visited by people from all fifty states, along with international visitors from over two hundred countries.

Animal Park Accreditations

The park own and operated by the foundation has earned a variety of accreditations from organizations both in the United States as well as around the world. Within the USA, its list of both associations and memberships include Associate Member of the Zoological Association of America, Member of the United States Zoological Association, Accredited by United States Animal Sanctuary of America Association, Accredited zoo, by the United States Zoological Association, and Accredited full species zoo by UAPPEAL.

Internationally, the animal park has earned the membership of The African Association Of Zoos and Aquaria. Within the state level, the animal park has also earned the accreditation of The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry Dept., Member of Oklahoma Wildlife Breeders Association, Member of the Oklahoma Animal Control Association, Licensed Commercial Breeder by the State of Oklahoma, Licensed Exhibitor by the State Of Oklahoma, Licensed Non-Commercial Breeder by the State of Oklahoma.

Breeding Program

The G.W. Exotic Animal Park has one of the top exotic species breeding programs in the United States. Based on a need basis following input from staff and other zoos, a select few animals are bred each year. The resulting baby animals are then nurtured and cared for until they are ready for their big move. After consulting with other zoos, both local and international, they are transferred to where they are needed most.

The animal park has stayed true to its original mission of educating the public on exotic species, and therefore does not sell the animals to other zoos. Instead, the expenses are paid for via donors, government grants, and other sponsorships. Likewise, recipient zoos are carefully examined and must meet specific standards of care and have a well-vested interest in the educational aspect of exotic and endangered species advocacy.

Since 1997, the animal park has had a number of successful breeding programs and the resulting offspring now populate zoos across the United States, as well as Bulgaria, Thailand, Korea, and many other international animal parks and sanctuaries.

Efforts In Rescuing Of Exotic Animals

The G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation has been rescuing animals from neglect and suffering since it began operating in 1997. The foundation has saved hundreds of animals, and its efforts in doing so have placed in in the limelight various times with both local and national news agencies.

Most notably, the foundation and park have rescued, cared for, and provided a home for three Siberian brown bears, Bixby prairie dogs, and a black leopard.

Association With Local Agencies

The G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation has assisted with exotic animal situations that have arisen in the local community as well as surrounding areas nearby. Along with taking into its care animals that have suffered neglect, it has also teamed up with community agencies to find animals that have wandered into the community, such as leopards and others. These animals have since been taken and treated by local veterinarians and given a home within the animal park sponsored by the foundation.

Location and Map

Map to GW Exotic animal park.

GW Exotic Animal Park is easy to find via this map or the road signs.

G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park is conveniently located between Oklahoma City and Dallas, just off I-35 at Exit #64. Take Exit 64 and go east 1/2 a block, then take your first left. There are also various road signs that will begin appearing that will guide you to the park itself.

References

G.W. Animal Park Official Website
G.W. Animal Park Blog
Philadelphia Business Journal-G.W. Exotic Animal Park's Man with No Legs
G.W. nDepth - Living With Lions
News Blaze - G.W. Exotic Animal Park Devastated by Ice Storm
G.W. Exotic Animal Park gives birth to first Liger Twins in Oklahoma
G.W. Exotic Animal Park Rescues 800 Pound Alligator From Back Yard Of Deceased Mans House