Controversy, Changes Stirring At Popular State Animal Park

Many families have gone to Arbuckle Wilderness to see and feed the animals in the drive thru park. But all that may be changing this summer, after the former owner of the park sent News 9 a letter outlining the recent takeover. The new owners, however, say it's packed full of lies.

One thing both parties agree on, the park as we know it may change come June 7 and all the animals there may have to go elsewhere.

You see the signs for Arbuckle Wilderness as you drive down I-35 toward Davis. For many it's a popular pit stop to see exotic wildlife up close and personal. But word that the animals may have to leave the park comes as a shock to park visitors.

According to a letter from the park's previous owner, the current owners, Arbuckle Adventures, are operating without an exotic animal exhibitor license. The new park owners wouldn't let News 9 into the park Friday, but did send a response.

It says they do have a license and states former owner Vic Garrett and his family defaulted on their loans and are in the middle of a foreclosure.

The new owners say they came in and bought part of the park and most of the animals to try to save the park. The FDIC is now involved and has given Arbuckle Wilderness until June 7 to remove the animals.

Arbuckle Adventures says they are trying to get an extension on moving all those animals. They have been in contact with other zoos in Texas and elsewhere to find them a temporary homes.

The new owner says he also owns land around the park and could house some of the animals, temporarily, or could move the park permanently with some development.