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→Breeding program: This is extremely malicious and inaccurate. PETA is trying to slander GW's reputation with false information.
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==Accreditations==
==Accreditations==
The park claims accreditation from the Zoological Association of America.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.zaoa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=31| title= ZAA Acredited Facilities| accessdate= 23 February 2010}}</ref> The park also claims accreditation from the United States Animal Sanctuary of America Association and the United States Zoological Association, which indicates its purpose is to "move and place more animals in more professional homes and zoos."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.usza.us/animalnetwork.html | title = United States Zoological Association | accessdate= 23 February 2010}}</ref>
The park claims accreditation from the Zoological Association of America.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.zaoa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=31| title= ZAA Acredited Facilities| accessdate= 23 February 2010}}</ref> The park also claims accreditation from the United States Animal Sanctuary of America Association and the United States Zoological Association, which indicates its purpose is to "move and place more animals in more professional homes and zoos."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.usza.us/animalnetwork.html | title = United States Zoological Association | accessdate= 23 February 2010}}</ref>

==Breeding program==
The G.W. Exotic Animal Park breeds [[exotic species]]. The animal park states that it does not sell surplus animals. However, Joseph Schreibvogel has been accused by [[animal rights]] group [[PETA]]<ref name="PETA">{{cite web| url=http://www.peta.org/feat-gw_main.asp| title=Oklahoma Pseudo-Sanctuary: Shelter From Danger or Dangerous Shelter?| accessdate= 23 February 2010}}</ref> of offering free exotic animals through Animal Finders Guide, a trade publication that advertises exotic animals to breeders, dealers, and the pet trade.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.animalfindersguide.com/about.html | title=About Animal Finders Guide| accessdate = 23 February 2010}}</ref>

Since 1997, the animal park has successfully bred exotic animals.

Between February and June 2006 [[PETA]]<ref name="PETA"/> had an investigator go into G.W. Exotic Animals and recorded what they saw as transgressions endangering the animals and prematurely removing newborns from their mothers.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mark commented: |url=http://www.peta.org/features/gw-investigator-log-breeding.aspx |title=G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park Investigator's Log—Breeding |publisher=PETA.org |date=2011-06-19 |accessdate=2011-06-23}}</ref>


==Animal rescues==
==Animal rescues==

Revision as of 19:18, 28 July 2011

Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park
Map
Date opened1997
LocationWynnewood, Oklahoma
No. of animals1400
No. of species128
MembershipsAssociate Member of the Zoological Association of America
Major exhibitsExotic Species, Big Cats, Bears
Websitegwpark.org

The G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation, also known as G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Foundation[1] and the G.W. Exotic Animal Park,[2] is a non-profit organization founded in the United States. The organization's stated purpose is to provide care and shelter for exotic animals. It was founded in 1997 by the Schreibvogel Family of Springer, Oklahoma in memory of their late son who died in an automobile accident.[2] The current president is Joe Schreibvogel, who is also known as Joe Exotic,[3] and Aarron Alex.[4]

The foundation states that it is supported by sponsorships from local business owners and income generated by the exotic animal park.[2] Income is also generated for the park by personal appearances with wild animals by Joseph Schreibvogel at local malls and fairs.[5] In 2008, the foundation reported that it had one employee during that year who was paid $2600.[6]

Establishment

The G.W. Exotic Animal Park began as a shelter for endangered and exotic species of animals that might otherwise suffer from a lack of proper care. It 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 and over 182 big cats. In total, the park has approximately 1400 animals under its care and shelter during the year.[2]

The park is open to the public and receives thousands of visitors each year. The park offers tours and educational programs for visitors.

Accreditations

The park claims accreditation from the Zoological Association of America.[7] The park also claims accreditation from the United States Animal Sanctuary of America Association and the United States Zoological Association, which indicates its purpose is to "move and place more animals in more professional homes and zoos."[8]

Animal rescues

The G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation has been rescuing animals since it began operating in 1997, including three Siberian brown bears, Bixby prairie dogs, and a black leopard.[2]

Accusations of animal abuse

In 2004, the animal park was accused by animal rights groups of harboring dead, dying, and injured animals in crowded inadequate conditions with a lack of food, water, veterinary care and insufficient and untrained staff.[9] These complaints were partially based on a Consent Decision and Order from the United States Department of Agriculture for willful violations of the Animal Welfare Act. In its decision, the USDA claimed that the park repeatedly failed to provide adequate veterinary care, safe enclosures, clean food, clean shelter, and trained employees. The park also failed to maintain records and to keep animals safely constrained to avoid injuries to the public. The park was fined $25,000 and their USDA display permit was suspended. The park's USDA license was reinstated when it complied with USDA regulations.[1]

Between February and June 2006 PETA had an investigator go into CW Exotic Animal Foundation who supposedly witnessed many occasions of animal cruelty and neglect.[9][10][11]

Other activities

G.W. Exotic is licensed by the State of Oklahoma as a rendering facility.[12] President Joe Schreibvogel, uses the stage name Joe Exotic at offsite appearances in a show entitled “Mystical Magic of the Endangered” at which he displays baby wild animals.[13]

Location

G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park is located between Oklahoma City and Dallas, just off I-35.

References

  1. ^ a b "Department of Agriculture Docket # 05-0014" (PDF). Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e "G.W. Exotic Home Page". Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  3. ^ "Biography of Joe Exotic". Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  4. ^ "Magician: I should get to defend myself". April 1, 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  5. ^ "Animal activists upset over mall event featuring lions and tigers". September 12, 2009. Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  6. ^ "IRS Form 990" (PDF). Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  7. ^ "ZAA Acredited Facilities". Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  8. ^ "United States Zoological Association". Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  9. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference PETA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park Investigator's Log—Cruelty". PETA.org. Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  11. ^ "G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park Investigator's Log—Neglect". PETA.org. Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  12. ^ "Rendering Licenses" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Text "accessdate 23 February 2010" ignored (help)
  13. ^ "PETA objects to exotic animal exhibit at mall". June 29, 2007. {{cite web}}: Text "accessdate 23 February 2010" ignored (help)
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