About Us
Since 1995, Safari's Sanctuary of Broken Arrow has been a nonprofit (501c3), volunteer operated, wildlife sanctuary for over 200 animals such as big cats, bears, wolves, primates, reptiles, birds, barnyard animals, and more!
Our hundreds of stories go on and on about ordinary people purchasing a tiger, monkey, or alligator for a pet; and it's no wonder, since movies and celebrities make us think that having exotic animals is easy and fun! For instance, we had a discarded tiger from Mike Tyson. Movies such as "Night at the Museum" and "We Bought a Zoo" creates the image that wild animals are soft and cuddly, which makes everyone want one.
Unfortunately, the internet provides unlimited access to these animals. Despite there being laws that prevent ordinary folks from keeping exotic pets, there are few laws that prevent a breeder from selling his or her tigers, monkeys, or bears. For example, most cities have an ordinance against having exotic animals, even little ones. Yet, breeders do not tell you this, since they just want your money.
The reality of having exotics is far more costly, life changing, and work intensive. For a select few, it works great. But the majority, do not know what they are getting in to. For example, cockatoos can live 90 years! That's a life-long commitment with socially dependent birds that have a tendency to scream when not receiving the attention they want. That is why Safari's Sanctuary exists. Big zoo's DO NOT rescue. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) rules require breeding line info, non-humanized animals, and especially non-altered (No declaw, no spay/neuter). So, only sanctuaries can take certain animals in, despite the fact that we receive little funding—we receive no compensation from the state or federal government, we just receive private donations.
Our hundreds of stories go on and on about ordinary people purchasing a tiger, monkey, or alligator for a pet; and it's no wonder, since movies and celebrities make us think that having exotic animals is easy and fun! For instance, we had a discarded tiger from Mike Tyson. Movies such as "Night at the Museum" and "We Bought a Zoo" creates the image that wild animals are soft and cuddly, which makes everyone want one.
Unfortunately, the internet provides unlimited access to these animals. Despite there being laws that prevent ordinary folks from keeping exotic pets, there are few laws that prevent a breeder from selling his or her tigers, monkeys, or bears. For example, most cities have an ordinance against having exotic animals, even little ones. Yet, breeders do not tell you this, since they just want your money.
The reality of having exotics is far more costly, life changing, and work intensive. For a select few, it works great. But the majority, do not know what they are getting in to. For example, cockatoos can live 90 years! That's a life-long commitment with socially dependent birds that have a tendency to scream when not receiving the attention they want. That is why Safari's Sanctuary exists. Big zoo's DO NOT rescue. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) rules require breeding line info, non-humanized animals, and especially non-altered (No declaw, no spay/neuter). So, only sanctuaries can take certain animals in, despite the fact that we receive little funding—we receive no compensation from the state or federal government, we just receive private donations.