Feds: Indiana tiger refuge again in violation

The latest inspection of a wildlife refuge in Charlestown, Ind., alleged four repeat violations of federal law, a verbally abusive owner and missing animal autopsy reports, inspectors said.

Wildlife in Need responded to the report in the same fashion as previous inspections that cited similar violations -- condemning the U.S. Department of Agriculture's findings and claiming unfair treatment.

"The USDA report was and continues to be an inaccurate depiction of the love, care, and safety that we provide to our animals," the organization said in an electronic message. "It is meant to support an agenda aimed at private ownership."

The Jan. 20 inspection

The latest routine inspection of Wildlife in Need's facilities is the first of 2016. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducted the inspection Jan. 20 and released the official report last week.

It depicts a combative exchange between the inspector and the nonprofit's owner, Tim Stark.

"During the exit interview of this inspection, the licensee was continually verbally hostile and confrontational," the report reads. It escalated "to the point where the situation could possibly become unsafe," the report says.

Tanya Espinosa, a USDA spokeswoman, said Tuesday that the facilities will still be inspected, but the agency will "look at what our options are to ensure the safety of our personnel."

Inspectors found licensee Stark once again in violation of federal law regarding the size of tiger enclosures -- something he's been cited for during every inspection of the facilities since September 2014. The report once again noted that fencing should be at least 12 feet high to make sure the big cats can't escape.

Here are some other complaints the USDA described in its report:

• A brown bear, "Chloe," had an unknown injury to her left elbow, where "there was a significant amount of bright-red blood in the fur." The animal hadn't yet been seen by the veterinarian. 
• A kangaroo had died of unknown causes and a veterinarian hadn't been contacted for the care of the animal. When it first became ill, the inspector said Stark did not call a veterinarian, but instead "a person in Australia." The animal died within 24 hours, and a necropsy -- or the autopsy of an animal -- was never performed.
• Two baby otters died due to a potential formula issue, the report says. A veterinarian was not contacted and no necropsy was performed. 
• An adult otter "appeared sick and died within the hour," the inspector wrote. Stark did not contact a veterinarian and a necropsy wasn't performed. 
• A dog, sheltered with a lion, had no straw or bedding available. Only snow-covered ground and dirt floor was available to the dog. The USDA requires clean, dry bedding for animals when the temperature is 35 degrees or lower. 

The report continues, citing inadequate shelter for hyenas, wolves, tigers and lions, especially during the winter when the inspector noted that temperatures dropped to 7 degrees and two to three inches of snow was present.

During the Jan. 20 inspection, 129 animals were counted -- four more than were recorded during the last inspection in October. The notable changes to the animal roster include three fewer tigers, 15 in total; two additional lions; two additional medium-sized wild "fishing cats," native to Asia and four fewer adult dogs.

Previous troubles at Indiana refuge

The latest inspection -- which the USDA has said are scheduled at random and with no warning to the licensee -- came days after an administrative law judge ruled that the USDA did not have grounds to revoke Stark's Animal Welfare Act exhibitor's license. The USDA has since appealed that decision, asking that the judge to reverse the decision or order a new one. That case is still ongoing.

The inspection also came shortly after a fire at the facility killed more than 40 animals -- mainly native reptiles and birds that are not regulated by the USDA, officials said. Stark also holds a rehabilitation permit in Indiana that covers native mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

The Charlestown Fire Department dealt with the incident, and a state fire marshal did not investigate the fire at Wildlife in Need.

Espinosa, the USDA spokeswoman, said Tuesday the agency opened an investigation into the refuge for repeat violations of the Animal Welfare Act in 2013. The investigation is still ongoing.

Interactions with tiger cubs

The refuge's popular Tiger Baby Playtime event -- where people pay to interact with Tiger cubs -- has received criticism in the past from animal rights groups and has been cited by the USDA for improper handling of the animals and other violations of Stark's exhibitors license.

"By meeting cubs up close and personal, many people will begin to understand the awe and therefore the need to protect what is wild in our world," the organization's Eventbrite page says.

Wildlife in Need temporarily suspended the program after the January fire to focus on facilities damaged and destroyed by the fire.

According to the nonprofit's Eventbrite page, sessions previously cost about $25. When the refuge began hosting the fundraising events again, it increased prices to $35 and $50 for increased interaction time and reduced group sizes.

Tiger Baby Playtime fundraisers are scheduled through June 14 and most sessions are sold out through June 6.

According to the nonprofit's 2014 990 tax form, obtained from GuideStar, Wildlife in Need saw almost $570,000 in contributions during that year alone. The form shows Wildlife in Need had about $333,000 in expenses that year and secretary and treasurer Melisa Stark said 18,108 people were educated by its programs in 2014. Most of the expenses were listed as "animal care."

Since 2010, according to the 2014 form, Wildlife in Need has received $965,025 in contributions. Contributions more than tripled between 2013 and 2014. Tim Stark did not receive any reportable compensation in 2014, according to the tax documents.

The nonprofit's 2015 990 tax form has not been released online yet.

According to Wildlife in Need's Eventbrite page, the Tiger Baby Playtime funds "will help us provide better habitats for our Ambassadors’ enclosures, as well as provide for their nutritional and medical needs."

Reporter Lexy Gross can be reached at (502) 582-4087, or via email at lgross@courier-journal.com.