The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily yanked the exhibitor license for the operator of Arbuckle Wilderness Park in Davis, Oklahoma, ordering a 21-day halt on activities involving regulated animals. Federal inspectors say the move follows repeated findings that the facility failed to meet minimum standards under the Animal Welfare Act.
Alleged problems across multiple inspections
According to News 9, a USDA notice alleges the park did not consistently conduct daily observation of animals, keep bird enclosures in good repair, maintain structurally sound housing, run an effective pest-control program, protect animals from extreme weather or provide diets appropriate for each species. Those alleged issues appear in inspection records dated Jan. 28, Apr. 27 and June 15.
Suspension halts sales and public exhibits
The standard 21-day suspension blocks the licensee from buying, selling, transporting, exhibiting or delivering any Animal Welfare Act-regulated animal during the period and warns that ignoring the order could trigger additional sanctions. The agency’s enforcement notices also allow the licensee to apply in writing to the Deputy Administrator for reinstatement before the suspension ends, as outlined by the USDA.
Facility’s long USDA record
Arbuckle Adventures, LLC operates the park under USDA exhibitor certificate 73-C-0190 and carries a lengthy inspection history that includes many repeat citations. Public data compiled by BreederCheck shows more than 180 violations on record and lists the facility’s most recent inspection as April 27, 2026. Federal enforcement filings on regulations.gov also document earlier complaints and remedial orders tied to structural and animal-care problems.
Park still advertises itself as open
Even as the federal suspension is in effect, Arbuckle Wilderness’s own website continues to advertise the drive-through safari as open, listing the Davis address and a phone number. The site does not appear to post a public response to the USDA action, which could leave would-be visitors guessing about how, or if, exhibit operations are affected during the 21-day pause. Arbuckle Wilderness Park lists its address and hours.
What comes next
The licensee may petition the Deputy Administrator for reinstatement, but federal rules give APHIS authority to extend suspensions, revoke licenses or pursue other remedies if problems persist. Federal regulations and past cases show the agency can escalate responses to include revocation, civil penalties or court action when facilities repeatedly fall short of Animal Welfare Act standards, as detailed in the Federal Register.
Legal implications
For now, the suspension means the licensee, its employees and its agents are barred from exhibiting or transporting animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act. Violating that order can open the door to tougher enforcement, including possible seizure or forfeiture of animals and civil penalties under federal law. USDA enforcement materials outline a range of potential actions when a facility does not correct serious issues, from compliance agreements to administrative complaints and formal orders, with more detail available from USDA.
