Lions, chimps to relocate when California sanctuary closes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nearly 500 animals including lions, tigers, alligators and wolves will get new homes after officials announced a long-struggling Southern California sanctuary is shutting down.

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the board of directors of the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest voted this week to close after 43 years.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife says it’s collaborating with the facility and animal welfare organizations across the country to relocate 470 exotic animals, including 42 chimpanzees.

Officials with the 160-acre Wildlife Waystation were unavailable for comment. But a Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman said the sanctuary suffered extensive damage in a 2017 wildfire and during severe flooding earlier this year.

The Times says for two decades, authorities have been scrutinizing the waystation for alleged environmental and animal-safety violations.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/