News Summary
PETA has formally urged the USDA to investigate Myrtle Beach Safari, claiming illegal operations by Bhagavan Antle. The animal rights organization alleges violations of the Animal Welfare Act involving direct public interaction with dangerous animals. Antle, recently sentenced for wildlife trafficking and money laundering, had his AWA license denied. PETA accuses his partner of using a new LLC to sidestep restrictions. The case highlights serious safety concerns and the need for scrutiny in animal exhibitions amid ongoing legal issues.
Myrtle Beach, SC – PETA has formally requested an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) into the operations of Myrtle Beach Safari, managed by Bhagavan “Doc” Antle. The animal rights organization alleges that Antle is conducting his business illegally by violating various regulations set forth by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
The AWA, which regulates the treatment and exhibition of animals, has come under scrutiny concerning the practices at Myrtle Beach Safari. PETA’s concerns are outlined in a letter dated July 23, 2025, urging the USDA to revoke the facility’s AWA license due to the dangerous handling of animals. Specifically, the organization cites incidents involving public interactions with Bubbles the Elephant and Tara the Chimpanzee as particularly hazardous.
On July 8, 2025, Antle was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for conspiracy to illegally sell wildlife and money laundering. His legal troubles were compounded by a fine of $55,000 and three years of supervised release following his prison term. Notably, the USDA denied him an AWA Class C Exhibitor license in 2024, which would have allowed him to handle animals publicly.
PETA contends that following his license denial, Antle’s romantic partner, China York, obtained a license under the name Surgiva Co. LLC to circumvent the restrictions placed on him. The organization claims this move is a deliberate attempt to continue Antle’s involvement with the safari, asserting that he still manages its operations based on social media evidence showing his interactions with the animals.
The allegations against Antle emphasize serious safety concerns. PETA reports that the safari has allowed guests to sit on Bubbles and engage directly with Tara, activities they argue could lead to severe injuries for both the animals and the public. These dangerous interactions may misrepresent the proper care and needs for elephants and chimpanzees, according to PETA.
Moreover, the organization mentioned that Antle has been seen conducting public animal interaction activities that could not only place the animals at risk but also misinform the public about the complexities involved in caring for wild animals. PETA believes the combination of the alleged illegal operations, past animal welfare violations, and general disregard for the animals’ needs warrants the USDA’s immediate attention.
Thus far, Myrtle Beach Safari has not responded to the specific allegations put forth by PETA. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has indicated that they take issues of animal welfare compliance seriously and conduct inspections regularly. However, PETA has expressed concerns regarding perceived preferential treatment shown to Antle and his business.
Brittany Peet, PETA’s general counsel, called for accountability from the USDA, stressing the importance of upholding animal welfare laws to protect the animals involved. With the organization alleging that Antle has relied on the newly formed Surgiva Co. LLC to bypass previous regulations, the future of Myrtle Beach Safari remains uncertain as PETA pushes for a thorough investigation.
The outcome of this situation may hinge on the USDA’s actions in the coming weeks as it examines the claims made by PETA and the practices at Myrtle Beach Safari. Meanwhile, animal welfare advocates are closely monitoring the developments, emphasizing the ongoing need for stricter regulations in animal exhibitions.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Animal Welfare Act
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Bhagavan Doc Antle
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: Tiger King Bhagavan Doc Antle
- WNCT News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife Management
- WBTW News
- Google News: Bhagavan Doc Antle PETA
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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