The Kroschel Films Wildlife Center in Mosquito Lake, Alaska, which has attracted tens of thousands of visitors over the years, is currently at the center of a significant investigation.
On a recent Friday morning, the facility, known for offering close-up views of various animals including wolves, moose, and a brown bear named Kitty, appeared quiet with most animal enclosures empty.
The serene scene contrasted sharply with the events of the previous day when Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game executed a search warrant at the center, resulting in the seizure of 39 animals.
While no charges have been filed as of yet, the search warrant indicates Kroschel is under investigation for potential animal cruelty offenses.
Dennis Seifert, a local resident who sometimes assists at the center, visited on Friday at the request of the staff, finding only a lone mink left in its enclosure.
“I’m just feeding the weasel that the cops missed,” Seifert mentioned, providing care for the mink that remained after the raid.
This raid represents a culmination of ongoing tensions between Kroschel and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, which has raised concerns about the facility over the years.
Kroschel, who claims to have run the facility safely for 24 years, insists he has complied with state requests for improvements.
However, the Department of Fish and Game has pointed to various issues, including feeding practices and inadequate animal enclosures, as reasons for their ongoing scrutiny.
While Kroschel admits to past incidents, such as a moose escaping in 2023 and a bear killing two moose in 2021, he defends the overall safety and well-being of the animals in his care.
In April 2023, Kroschel reapplied for a state permit after his federal license had lapsed, but the Fish and Game identified several concerns with his application, including the use of pool treatment chemicals to clean drinking water for animals.
The agency expressed doubt about Kroschel’s ability to meet necessary requirements for animal care and set a deadline for improvements.
In late May, Kroschel and his attorney attempted to address these concerns, including presenting a veterinarian’s positive assessment of the facility.
Nevertheless, Fish and Game conducted the search warrant and animal seizure operation on June 26, citing evidence of animal abuse.
The animals taken included Kitty the bear, three wolves, and three lynx, while noting that some animals were left behind.
Kroschel questioned the accuracy of the inventory reported in the search warrant, pointing out discrepancies regarding the number of certain species captured.
Following the raid, Kroschel expressed deep concern about the fate of the animals under investigation.
“How would you feel if your family was torn away from you and you didn’t even know where they went, how they are almost a week later?” he lamented.
In an effort to adapt during this turbulent time, Kroschel is working on launching a new tourist attraction involving reindeer, which are classified as livestock and thus not under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Game.
The Skagway Borough Manager confirmed that Kroschel has submitted a conditional use permit application for the reindeer attraction, which will be reviewed by the planning and zoning commission.
As Kroschel navigates the ongoing investigation and the recent removal of animals, he remains committed to protecting the remaining wildlife at the center.
image source from：kyuk
