St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

A Florida wolf sanctuary faces permanent closure after a judge ruled against the wildlife preserve in an eviction dispute with its landlord.

On February 23, 2026, a court ruled in favor of the property owner, ordering Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Washington County to vacate the land within 20 days — by March 15. The preserve, which has operated on the property for 25 years, was also ordered to immediately cease all public tours and animal interactions.

The legal dispute stems from an insurance disagreement with Leon DeCook, who purchased the 400-acre property for $2 million two years ago. DeCook argued the preserve failed to meet lease requirements for $1 million in liability insurance and $500,000 in business interruption insurance. The preserve carried far less — $100,000 in liability coverage and $250,000 in business interruption insurance — and argued that adequate coverage was difficult to obtain given the nature of operating a facility where the public interacts with wolves.

The preserve is currently home to 24 wolves, along with raccoons, foxes, possums, skunks, and a coyote. Staff have warned that many animals may not survive the closure, and that euthanasia could be necessary for those that cannot be placed elsewhere.

In a statement posted to social media, the preserve said: “From today until March 15, our only focus is securing placement for any animal we can save,” adding that without intervention, “Seacrest Wolf Preserve will no longer exist, and our mission will die.”

The organization said it was unable to raise sufficient funds to relocate within the available time. Staff is now appealing to other sanctuaries and supporters for help rehoming the animals before the deadline.

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