Overview

• Adjacent residents sued the Washington County sanctuary, alleging violations of a conditional-use permit tied to expansion and a new event and wedding venue on residential property.
• Court filings raise safety concerns, citing “relatively flimsy wire mesh fencing” and “inadequate enclosures” for dangerous animals.
• Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary and its attorney deny permit violations, assert full compliance, and say the operation is under attack.
• Plaintiffs say they are not seeking to shut the zoo down and describe the case as focused on safety, privacy, and fair application of local rules.
• Community reaction is split, with visitors defending the longtime attraction and nearby neighbors objecting to noise and questioning trust in management.