"I have to admit, I was looking forward to going there sometime in the near future.  Looks like I'm not going to have that opportunity at the moment," said Scott Fleetwood.

Nor will anyone else. On Friday, the Stone County Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, and the Missouri Humane Society raided "Predator World," known for housing exotic animals.

"We felt it was time to come in, and see what animals were here, and make a catalog of them.  So, if a natural disaster, be it a tornado, a fire, or something was to set some of these animals free, we'd know what we were up against," said Sheriff Richard Hill.

In the raid, the Stone County Sheriff says the animals' health seemed okay, but something else did catch the attention of officials.

"It looks like some of the fences have been bent down, as if these animals have pulled the fence down, or gone over the fence at one time or another.  So, there's concern, and we will address those, and see what can be done to rectify that," said Hill.

A hand-written sign on the front door says closed for remodeling until December, but according to the Stone County Fire Department, Predator World will remain closed indefinitely due to a number of violations.

Included are several safety and electric code violations which led to the shut down.

However, people living in the area hope this isn't the end for the popular attraction.

"The pendulum swings from one side to the other.  We never seem to land on the middle on anything.  Let's see what we can do to make it better, versus going all the way and shutting it down," said Fleetwood.

"It brings tourists here.  It brings money over here, and being a small town, we need that," said Angela Myers.

In the last three years two incidents drew concern to "Predator World."

The first was in February of 2007 when two wolves escaped from the theme park.

Then, in August of 2008 a 16-year-old employee was attacked by a tiger.

The Stone County Sheriff says due to Missouri statutes, all of the exotic animals in Predator World must be registered with the state.

Each unregistered animal is a misdemeanor.

As of now, no charges have been filed against the attraction's owner.
 

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarte@kspr.com