PETA Statement: Magnolia Wilds Roadside Zoo to Transition to Sanctuary

For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Ethel, La. –

Following sustained pressure from PETA over forcing wild animals into stressful public interactions, Ethel-based roadside zoo Magnolia Wilds has announced that, under new management, it will end its exploitative animal encounters and rebrand as Sanctuary Hill. Below, please find a statement from PETA Foundation Managing Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler:

Roadside zoos run by scofflaw exhibitors pose serious dangers to animals and the public, and PETA welcomes Magnolia Wilds’ long‑overdue shift away from public encounters that subject animals to the stress of irregular sleep, loud noises, and mishandling by strangers. With new leadership now at the helm of this facility, PETA supports its plan to seek accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which will help ensure that the animals there finally get the care they deserve.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.