Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend, Wisconsin, has made headlines for things like claiming to have a “hybrid fox” and for receiving federal citations for tiger deaths. This blog post answers some commonly asked questions about Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary and its role in conservation and animal care.
Is Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary Accredited?
No, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary is not accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or other recognized accrediting bodies. The AZA sets strict standards for animal care, welfare, and conservation, which Shalom Wildlife does not meet.
Shalom is licensed by the USDA, but this license primarily ensures minimum legal standards for animal welfare. The USDA also licenses puppy mills, so this certification alone does not indicate high-quality or ethical care.
Is Shalom an Actual Animal Sanctuary?
Despite its legal name, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary is not a true sanctuary. Like many other shady tourist attractions, Shalom is using the term “sanctuary” for misleading marketing purposes.
A sanctuary prioritizes the welfare of animals and does not engage in breeding, buying, or selling animals. Shalom Wildlife, however, engages in practices like breeding and acquiring animals from roadside zoos and other questionable sources. These actions disqualify it from being considered a legitimate wildlife sanctuary.
Is Shalom Wildlife Zoo Ethical?
There are serious ethical concerns about Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary’s operations. Key issues include:
Irresponsible Breeding
Shalom has bred white tigers, which are a product of inbreeding, leading to severe genetic defects and health issues. This practice is neither ethical nor beneficial for tiger conservation.
Unqualified Staff
The owners of Shalom Wildlife, David and Lana Fechter, have no formal training in zoology or wildlife care. Staff members also lack qualifications, leading to mistakes such as misidentifying a red fox as an Arctic fox hybrid.
Animal Welfare Issues
Incidents like tiger cubs drowning in an icy pond and tigers being confined to small enclosures on concrete floors highlight inadequate care and planning.
Does Shalom Zoo Have a Hybrid Fox?
No. Shalom Wildlife incorrectly identified a marble color morph red fox as an Arctic fox-red fox hybrid. Hybrid foxes do exist in rare circumstances, but the animal in question was a red fox with a unique coat pattern, not a hybrid. Despite multiple fox specialists pointing this out to Shalom, the owners refuse to acknowledge their fox, Snowflake, is not a hybrid. They are claiming she is sterile, and placing her in an enclosure with male foxes of the same species (Vulpes vulpes).
More information about actual hybrid foxes can be found here.
Who Owns Shalom Zoo?
Shalom Wildlife is owned and operated by David and Lana Fechter, who began their venture with no prior experience in wildlife care. Their background includes deer farming, which eventually transitioned into running the zoo. Their lack of formal education in zoology or animal husbandry has led to questionable practices and oversight.
Can Zoos Be Good?
Yes, zoos can be good when they focus on conservation, education, and animal welfare. AZA-accredited zoos are held to high standards and often participate in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to protect endangered species. Ethical zoos prioritize the well-being of animals and contribute to conservation research.
Does Shalom Wildlife Help Preserve Tigers?
No, Shalom Wildlife’s tiger breeding program does not contribute to tiger conservation. Legitimate tiger conservation programs follow strict protocols to ensure genetic diversity and are part of international breeding networks. Shalom Zoo is not part of any sort of species survival plan or conservation network. Additionally, they breed white tigers, which are inbred and have no conservation value. These animals are bred for profit and display, not preservation.
Are the Tigers at Shalom Overweight?
Yes, many of tigers at Shalom Zoo are obese. King, specifically, is the worse case among the tigers.
Why Did the Tigers Die at Shalom Wildlife?
Multiple tigers have died at Shalom. The tiger deaths at were preventable and stemmed from poor management
Two cubs drowned in a pond due to inadequate supervision and unsafe conditions. Stillborn cubs were a result of irresponsible inbreeding. Goliath the tiger was euthanized after suffering from severe health issues, worsened by prolonged time spent on concrete.
Is Shalom Zoo Good for Field Trips?
Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary might seem like a fun field trip destination, but its ethical issues and lack of educational value make it a questionable choice. If you are a teacher or homeschool parent looking for fieldtrip ideas in Wisconsin, consider visiting an AZA-accredited zoo, where students can learn about conservation and see animals cared for responsibly.
What Are the Best Zoos to Visit in Wisconsin?
For an ethical and educational zoo experience in Wisconsin, consider visiting AZA-accredited zoos:
Milwaukee County Zoo – Known for its conservation programs and animal welfare standards.
Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison) – A free, community-supported zoo with a focus on education and conservation.
NEW Zoo & Adventure Park (Green Bay) – Offers immersive wildlife experiences while adhering to ethical practices.
These zoos prioritize conservation, education, and animal welfare.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary?
While Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary markets itself as a sanctuary and educational facility, its practices raise serious ethical and welfare concerns. The lack of accreditation, irresponsible breeding programs, and unqualified staff make it an example of how not to run a wildlife facility.
For those who want to support ethical animal care and conservation, visiting an AZA-accredited zoo or genuine sanctuary is a far better choice. Always do your research before visiting a wildlife attraction to ensure your visit aligns with your values and supports legitimate conservation efforts.
