ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A grizzly bear named Kitty is one of several animals transferred to the care of Alaska zoo staff, the nonprofit’s executive director confirmed, after a search warrant obtained by Alaska’s News Source showed dozens of animals were seized from Kroschel Films Wildlife Center last week.
“[Kitty] is being monitored very closely by our veterinary and animal care staff and I’m happy to report that she’s adjusting well,” Alaska Zoo Executive Director Tristan Thon said, adding the bear is currently separated from other animals as she adjusts to her new surroundings.
While Thon did not talk about the conditions or how many of Kroschel’s animals that zoo staff is caring for, she did say in addition to Kitty they received wolves, foxes and “a couple of other smaller species.”
Video obtained by Alaska’s News Source shows a grizzly bear named Kitty at the Alaska Zoo, after she was removed from the Kroschel Films Wildlife Center.
In addition to Kitty, a copy of a Wildlife Trooper search warrant, signed by a Juneau District Court judge, lists 36 other animals removed from Kroschel’s Haynes property:
- 1 moose
- 1 porcupine
- 3 wolves
- 1 wolverine
- 5 foxes
- 10 mink
- 6 marten
- 3 lynx
- 2 ermine
- 1 red tail hawk
- 3 snowy owls
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel told Alaska’s News Source the warrant was associated with an “active and ongoing” criminal investigation. As of Monday, no arrests had been made.
“Troopers completed their search on June 27th and released the property back to the owner,” McDaniels wrote. “Wildlife Troopers did not euthanize or relocate any animals at the property during their search.”
“I’m fighting for my life right now,” Kroschel told Alaska’s News Source Monday, saying he believes he may be charged with animal cruelty.
“It’s a horrible feeling… one you can’t shake. It’s not a dream. This is real life,” he added, saying he was forced to close his facility to the public last summer.
A letter sent to Kroschel by Division of Wildlife Conservation Director Ryan Scott in Dec. requested he work with the state to “relinquish” some animals and reiterated a USDA notification saying he would not be able to secure a new federal license, citing animal enclosure safety concerns and failed inspections.
A “highly concerned” Scott also wrote in the letter Kroschel’s “animal welfare practices do not comply with the Animal Welfare Act.”
The letter goes on to cite a May USDA inspection noting inadequate living conditions for animals in his care, including enclosures with damaged or inadequate fencing, exposed nails and wiring and disease risks.
“We have located facilities that are qualified and willing to accept nearly all animals currently in your possession,” Scott wrote to Kroschel on Dec. 27, 2024. “To minimize your financial burden, and to ensure their humane care, I think it’s best we work together to move animals at the earliest feasible date.”
Kroschel called the state and USDA’s claims to be “outrageously false”.
“The animals were cared for beautifully because they come first in my life, they always have,” he said.
A Fish and Game spokesperson had not returned multiple requests for comment at the time of publication.
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.