A Ventura County animal sanctuary will pay more than $50,000 after it was found to possess 15 restricted species, including lions, leopards and a bear.
The Born to Be Free animal sanctuary in Frazier Park, “was in possession of 15 restricted species, including African lions, leopards, a leopard–tiger hybrid, a lion–tiger hybrid, warthogs, a serval, a fishing cat, a European brown bear, and a wolf–dog hybrid” when officials inspected in March, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
“Born to Be Free did not possess a valid permit for any of these animals,” the VCDA added.
As a result, the animals were seized and taken to “multiple fully licensed and accredited sanctuaries across the country, including several facilities accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.”
Photos shared by the Ventura Count District Attorney’s Office show restricted animals seized from the Born to Be Wild sanctuary in May 2025.
Photos shared by the Ventura Count District Attorney’s Office show restricted animals seized from the Born to Be Wild sanctuary in May 2025.
Photos shared by the Ventura Count District Attorney’s Office show restricted animals seized from the Born to Be Wild sanctuary in May 2025.
In addition, Born to Be Wild will be required to pay a $10,000 penalty, $40,000 in investigation and relocation costs, and a $435 administrative fee. They are also prohibited from possessing restricted species without proper permits.
“This judgment reinforces the importance of California’s restricted species requirements and the responsibility that comes with caring for exotic animals,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Our office is grateful for the partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and for the thorough work that led to this resolution.”
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