Meet The Founder

Lori Ensign-Scroggins
Hello! My name is Lori Ensign-Scroggins. For over 20 years, I have turned my life over to the care of our worlds most exotic species. Thanks to the many volunteers that have helped out since we first opened, our animals have received the treatment they deserve, despite the harsh lives that most of them have endured before being placed in our sanctuary.  Our hope is that we will be able to maintain the integrity of our facilities for many more years. And to do so, we must find more helping hands and generous hearts, who will look after these animals as if they were their own. Despite my battle with multiple sclerosis, and the usual 12 hours that I work every day, I will continue to dedicate my time to what truly matters: giving a voice to the voiceless and a home to the homeless.

About Us

Since 1995, Safari's Sanctuary of Broken Arrow has been a nonprofit (501c3) volunteer operated wildlife sanctuary for over 200 animals such as big cats, bears, wolves, primates, reptiles, birds, kangaroos, to name a few.

Our hundreds of stories go on and on about ordinary people purchasing a tiger, monkey, or alligator for a pet; and it's no wonder, since movies and celebrities make us think that having exotic animals is easy and fun! For instance, we have a discarded tiger from Mike Tyson. Movies such as "Night at the Museum" and "We bought a Zoo" creates the image that wild animals are soft and cuddly, which makes everyone want one.

Unfortunately, the internet provides unlimited access to these animals. Despite there being laws that prevent ordinary folks from keeping exotic pets, there are few laws that prevent a breeder from selling his or her tigers, monkeys, or bears. For example, most cities have an ordinance against having exotic animals, even little ones. Yet, breeders do not tell you this, since they just want your money.

The reality of having exotics is far more costly, life changing, and work intensive. For a select few, it works great. But the majority, do not know what they are getting in to. That is why Safari's Sanctuary exists. Big zoo's DO NOT rescue. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) rules require breeding line info, non-humanized animals, and especially non-altered (No declaw, no spay/neuter). So, only sanctuaries can take certain animals in, despite the fact that we receive little funding—we receive no compensation from the state or federal government, we just receive private donations.

Frequently Asked Q's

Are you open to the Public?
At the moment, we are not, since we don't have the necessary amount of volunteers available. However, we can schedule a ZOO 2 YOU, and bring some of the animals to your location! For a nominal fee, we do birthday parties, school programs, daycare centers, festivals, corporate picnics, and other events.

What kind of animals do you rescue?
Exotic animals: lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bears, wolves, primates, foxes, coati, captive bred raccoons, skunks, bobcats, barn animals, alligators, tortoises, snakes, lizards, exotic birds... just to name a few!

How can I help?
  • Monetary donations are always needed. And we like to remind future donors that their contribution is tax deductible! However, there are many ways to help.
  • Does your company offer Charity Donation Matching?  Many companies will match donations in support of our community.  Which means if you donate $50, they also donate $50.  So you are helping DOUBLE.
  • Gift Cards! Such as those from Wal-Mart, Lowes, Staples, Atwoods, etc.
  • Be a volunteer;  Some help out one day a week from 8 AM until noon, while others help out everyday. The more you volunteer, the more you'll learn!
  • Donate items you no longer need, such as towels, blankets, heaters, heating pads, buckets, large trash bags, yard tools (rakes, shovels, clippers, mowers, weed-eaters), work tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, drills, saws), paper towels, liquid soap, bleach, spray cleaners, potty pads, etc.
  • Are you an electrician or plumber? Perhaps you know of someone who is, and can donate their time for a project?

I have an animal to donate—what do I do?
Call us (918) 357-5683. We will do what we can by either taking it in we'll find a perfect home elsewhere.

What if I find a rabbit, raccoon, skunk, hawk, or other native species that needs help? 
We rescue exotic, captive bred wildlife only.  If it is a wild, native species, you must contact an Oklahoma Wildlife Rehabilitator, such as:
Wild Heart Ranch in Foyil, OK—(918) 342-9453
Wing It in Tulsa, OK—(918) 508-9607 

What can I do if I need community service hours?
If you just need hours, whether for school or court appointed, we can take care of you! Call us (918) 357-5683, and you can come any day from 8 AM until 2 PM.  You DO NOT need to attend an orientation if you just need hours. We have community service paperwork with our letterhead, so we can document your hours until you are done, then we sign off and give you a copy. General "doo-ties" are raking poo in barn pens, weed-eating, mowing, changing waters, rotating produce, cleaning, etc.  So, wear clothes you can get dirty!