Exemption Will Allow Leopards, Cougars at Park Near La Grange

La Grange’s school mascot has long been the Leopard.

Now the area’s going to get some real ones.

At Thursday’s meeting, Fayette County commissioners unanimously voted to grant Sanctuary Serengeti an exception to the county’s ordinance pertaining to the prohibition of keeping wild animals.

Specifically, the drivethrough park seven miles west of La Grange on Highway 71, was seeking to add cougars, leopards and servals to their park.

“We selected these three because cougars now roam most of Texas counties and the other two are smaller than cougars,” stated owner Chuck Schomburg in information presented to the commissioners. That information also included detailed drawings of the proposed enclosures, which call for three different layers of security fencing.

“I think you’ve done a great job of laying this out,” County Judge Joe Weber told Schomburg, who attended Thursday’s meeting with his daughter Caitlyn, who is also involved in the park. “You’ve been in this community a long time and have done due diligence.”

“This is a win-win,” said commissioner Drew Brossman. “It brings people to this area. It educates kids. I think this is a real good deal.”

After the commissioners voted to allow the animals, the Schomburgs prepared to leave the meeting.

“Are you going to wait until it cools off to start this work?” Commissioner Jason McBroom asked.

“I’m going to start the dirt work today,” Chuck answered.

Here’s some more information about the project Chuck Schomburg provided the county:

“We will construct a separate enclosure for each of these species. In addition to closure specifications set fourth by the USDA we will add a closed in top. We will add two feet deep concrete beam under the enclosures to prevent dig out. We will add a tornado proof house to put the animals in during severe weather. We will also add an electrified wire atop the secondary fence.

“We are licensed by the USDA APHIS division. They set fourth strict guidelines for the care and well being of all our animals. The USDA does routine inspections to make sure we comply with their guidelines. They require us to keep documentation on every animal bought, sold, traded, born, and died. Every animal is always accounted for. We also welcome any county leader or official to show up for inspections at any time.

“The safety of our guests, volunteers, and neighbors is not something we take lightly and will always remain top priority at Sanctuary Serengeti, LLC.”