OROVILLE, Calif. – The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary has closed its doors after the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) revoked its permits. This development comes after a lengthy investigation into potential animal welfare violations.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey explained to Action News Now the process leading to the sanctuary’s closure.

“We worked with F&W when they started their investigation back around January of 2024 and it needed a lot more investigation to be a criminal case to prove abuse beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Ramsey. “We and they continued that criminal investigation which did not produce sufficient evidence to go forth criminally. We encouraged F&W to use their civil regulatory powers to pull the permits for Kirshner, which finally happened and the animals were seized and it was closed.”

In February of 2025, CDFW officers assessed multiple animals at the sanctuary, including bears, deer, a bobcat, a red fox, a ringtail, and a mountain lion.

The investigation was aimed at uncovering potential animal welfare violations.

The sanctuary responded to the closure with the following statement that was provided to Action News Now.

“We are officially closed. Our license was not renewed with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. We no longer own or possess any permitted animals,” said the sanctuary. “On behalf of Roberta Kirshner and the Barry Kirshner Wildlife Foundation we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our community for their 30 years of love and support. We look forward to being able to tell our side of the story at a future date!”

Further allegations arose when People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit on July 1, 2025. PETA accused the sanctuary of violating the Endangered Species Act by not providing adequate veterinary care, leading to deaths of animals.

PETA claimed the sanctuary was trying to regain animals removed during the CDFW investigation, despite having its license revoked. The animals removed included three black bears, one mountain lion, and two mule deer.

While CDFW has not detailed the specific violations under investigation, PETA alleges issues such as inadequate housing, lack of proper veterinary care, malnutrition, and diet-related injuries and deaths, especially among tigers.