Action Alert

West Coast Game Park
September 18, 2007

Primate Patrol needs your help to promote the rescue of two adult chimpanzees living in desolate conditions at the West Coast Game Park and Safari in Bandon, Oregon. West Coast Game Park and Safari is the largest of the American “petting parks,” exhibiting approximately 500 non-domesticated animals, including big cats, bears, monkeys, and apes.

The two chimpanzees, Sam and Daphne, are in their mid-to-late thirties and have spent most of their lives on display at the park. They live together in a small, dreary cage (approximately 10’x10’x7’) without access to adequate enrichment, which is so vital to the psychological well being of captive chimpanzees. Sadly, the park is complying with USDA regulations because the minimum enclosure size for one chimpanzee is 5’x5’x7’, and the regulations regarding enrichment are so vague and brief that even a small rope and log suffice for these highly intelligent beings.

Chimps Inc., a sanctuary in Bend, Oregon, has offered to provide lifetime care and refuge to Sam and Daphne. The sanctuary is eager and well-suited to give these chimpanzees the safe and enriching home they deserve. Unfortunately, the owner of the park, Bob Tenney, has declined their offer. Without pressure from the public, it is unlikely that Mr. Tenney will change his mind. You can help Sam and Daphne by doing the following:

Contact Bob Tenney, the owner of West Coast Game Park and Safari, and ask him to “retire” Sam and Daphne to Chimps Inc., where they will be able to live out the remainder of their lives in safety and peace.

          West Coast Game Park and Safari
          46914 Hwy. 101
          So. Bandon, Oregon 97411
          (541) 347-3106

Contact the USDA and ask them how it’s possible that Sam and Daphne’s needs are being met at West Coast Game Park and Safari. Let them know that the USDA regulations governing the housing and care of captive great apes are alarmingly inadequate.

          USDA, APHIS, AC
          2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 3W11
          Fort Collins, CO 80526
          Telephone: (970) 494–7480
          Fax: (970) 494–7460

Contact AAA and ask them to remove West Coast Game Park and Safari from their tour books. The park is being reviewed by AAA this year, so now is the perfect time to provide feedback. Please click here to voice your concern.
- If you’re a member of AAA, you can log in to the web site and leave a review for the West Coast Game Park and Safari.