By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County Superior Court has approved a stipulated judgment against Born to Be Free, Inc., an animal sanctuary in Frazier Park, for possessing multiple restricted species without the required permits. The judgment includes a permanent injunction, civil penalties and reimbursement of investigative costs to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“This judgment reinforces the importance of California’s restricted species requirements and the responsibility that comes with caring for exotic animals,” Nasarenko said. “Our office is grateful for the partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and for the thorough work that led to this resolution.”
In early 2025, wildlife officials learned that Born to Be Free had taken possession of several restricted species, including lions, leopards, a bear and other carnivores. Before incorporating the company on March 3, 2025, owner Rhea Gardner had already accepted the transfer of exotic animals from another organization. Gardner told investigators she believed she could keep the animals under a permit previously held by the property’s former restricted species permit holder, despite not having secured a permit of her own. Restricted Species Permits cannot be transferred.
On March 3, 2025, officials received multiple complaints alleging that restricted species were being housed at the sanctuary without authorization. A consent inspection on March 18 confirmed that the site held 15 restricted species, including African lions, leopards, a leopard–tiger hybrid, a lion–tiger hybrid, warthogs, a serval, a fishing cat, a European brown bear and a wolf–dog hybrid. Born to Be Free lacked valid permits for all of them. CDFW Lieutenant Trevor Pell, a Restricted Species Investigative Specialist with the agency’s Special Operations Unit, completed the investigation and forwarded the findings to the District Attorney’s Office.
“California’s restricted species laws exist for a reason — these animals require specialized care, secure facilities and experienced handlers,” said Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW deputy director and chief of law enforcement. “Meeting permit requirements is essential to protect the public, safeguard native wildlife and ensure these animals receive proper care.”
State law requires a Restricted Species Permit before anyone can import, possess or care for restricted species. Eligibility standards ensure that caretakers have the proper experience, that facilities meet safety requirements and that exotic animals do not pose risks to the public, native ecosystems or agriculture.
Under the final judgment, Born to Be Free, Inc. must comply with a permanent injunction barring possession of restricted species without a valid permit. The sanctuary must also pay a $10,000 civil penalty, reimburse $40,000 in investigative costs and animal relocation expenses to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and cover a $435 court filing fee. The total financial obligation amounts to $50,435.
All restricted species were removed from the facility on May 21 and 22, 2025, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The animals were relocated to licensed sanctuaries across the country, including several accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, ensuring long-term care in facilities that meet all state and federal standards.
