WHEN “SANCTUARY” IS ONLY A NAME
Two Primates Among More Than 20 Animals Found Dead as Exotic and Domestic Animals Are Seized From “We Care Wildlife Sanctuary”.
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The investigation in Bandera County, Texas, raises questions extending far beyond one property: Who was responsible for overseeing the exotic animals, where did they come from—and how did conditions reportedly deteriorate this far before authorities intervened?
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Two primates were among more than 20 dead animals discovered at We Care Wildlife Sanctuary in Bandera County, Texas. Authorities seized animals from the property and transported more than 100 survivors—including pythons, turtles, tortoises and various bird species—to secure temporary care after reportedly encountering critical welfare failures, severe neglect and hazardous conditions.
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The Bandera County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office executed the warrants at the Lakehills property on September 4, 2026. According to the official release, photographs of severely underweight horses provided the probable cause needed to investigate allegations that animals on the property were being abused, mistreated or neglected.
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What responders reportedly encountered extended well beyond the horses whose condition prompted the investigation. The animals represented a diverse collection of domestic, livestock and exotic species, including horses, goats, pigs, turtles, tortoises, pythons and various birds. Certified responders from American Humane Society, volunteer veterinarians and a specialized veterinary and animal-care team from San Antonio Zoo assisted with assessments, treatment and transport.
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Two Primates Among the Dead
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During the on-site investigation, responders discovered more than 20 deceased animals in varying stages of decomposition. The remains included approximately 15 horses and two primates, according to officials.
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The primates were transferred to a veterinary-forensics laboratory for necropsies intended to determine their causes of death. Authorities have not publicly identified their species, disclosed where they originated or explained how long they had been at the facility.
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Those omissions matter. Primates have complex physical, social and psychological needs, and their possession can involve multiple layers of regulatory responsibility. Until their identities, acquisition histories, veterinary records and causes of death are established, an important part of what happened at this facility remains unknown.
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Surviving Exotic Animals Removed
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American Humane Society responders coordinated the transport of more than 100 surviving animals to a secure temporary sheltering facility. There, the animals were to receive forensic examinations, urgent medical treatment and continuing care.
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Officials have not released a species-by-species inventory, the number of surviving exotic animals or their individual medical conditions. The reported presence of pythons, tortoises, turtles and multiple bird species nevertheless raises essential questions about specialized housing, temperature and humidity requirements, nutrition, veterinary expertise, permits and emergency planning.
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These animals cannot explain where they came from, how they were acquired or what care they received. Their histories must be reconstructed through permits, acquisition records, veterinary files, inspection reports and other evidence.
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“Critical Welfare Failures and Severe Neglect”
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Cesar Perea, associate vice president of Rescue at American Humane Society, said responders documented “critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property.” He said animals had been deprived of basic necessities—including food, clean water and standard husbandry—and that several, including horses, were dangerously emaciated and living in hazardous conditions.
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Approximately 15 horses were among the animals found dead. Their condition is not secondary to this story: images of severely underweight horses reportedly helped bring authorities to the property and exposed a crisis affecting a much broader collection of animals.
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No cause of death should be assumed before the veterinary examinations are completed. The warrants, reported conditions and removal of the animals are established facts; determinations of criminal responsibility remain part of an active investigation.
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A Name Is Not a Standard
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The word sanctuary carries enormous moral weight. It suggests refuge, protection and lifelong care—but the word alone does not establish accreditation, qualified staffing, financial stability, regulatory compliance or acceptable animal welfare.
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The San Antonio Express-News, citing Internal Revenue Service records, reported that We Care Wildlife Sanctuary received federal nonprofit status in 2016 but that the status was revoked in 2022 after the organization failed to file required forms for three consecutive years. Revocation of tax-exempt status does not itself establish animal neglect, but it adds another legitimate question about organizational transparency and oversight.
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Keeping Wildlife Wild has not found publicly released information establishing whether the facility was accredited or verified by a recognized sanctuary-accrediting organization. Nor have authorities yet publicly detailed which licenses or permits covered the exotic animals found on the property.
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The Questions That Remain
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The immediate priority is the medical care and secure placement of the surviving animals. Accountability, however, requires examining how the reported conditions developed and whether earlier intervention was possible.
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Which primate, python, tortoise, turtle and bird species were housed at the facility? Where did they originate, and under what permits were they acquired and possessed? Which government agencies had jurisdiction, when was the property last inspected and were earlier complaints or warnings documented?
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How long had animals reportedly been underweight or living in hazardous conditions? Who knew how many animals were being kept there? What veterinary and husbandry records exist—and what safeguards will determine where the survivors are ultimately placed?
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These questions are not answered by the word sanctuary. They require records, transparency and sustained investigation.
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Bandera County Constable Greg Spengler said the case remains an active investigation and that his office will continue working with partner organizations to ensure the animals receive ongoing care. Until that investigation, the necropsies and the forensic examinations are complete, the full scope of what occurred at We Care Wildlife Sanctuary remains unknown.
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What is already known is serious: more than 20 animals were found dead, more than 100 survivors required removal, and two deceased primates left behind questions they could never answer for themselves.
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"Animal sanctuary in Bandera County faces scrutiny over alleged neglect, 100 animals seized by officials"
Sources: Bandera County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office press release, September 4, 2026; KENS 5, September 5, 2026; News 4 San Antonio, September 5, 2026; MySA, September 5, 2026; San Antonio Express-News, September 5, 2026.
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Note: This is an active investigation. Allegations have not been adjudicated, and the causes of death remain subject to veterinary and forensic findings.
Related Reading:
The “Sanctuary Gap”: Reviewing the Research on Captive Wildlife Sanctuary Tourism
For a deeper look at how legitimate sanctuaries can be distinguished from wildlife attractions using the sanctuary label, explore our review of research examining the standards, ethics and tourism practices behind sanctuary claims.
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Evidence • Education • Accountability
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