COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The co-founder of a big-cat sanctuary with a history of legal problems faces up to six years in prison after he admitted stealing from a volunteer who was mauled by a 400-pound Bengal tiger.
Nick Sculac, 60, of the Serenity Springs Wildlife Center in Calhan pleaded guilty in July to bilking a volunteer for $40,500 after the volunteer followed an employee into an off-limits area and was bitten on the arm.
Sculac told the volunteer he owed the $40,500 for “his share” of a federal fine over the mauling. After the volunteer paid Sculac the money, the volunteer discovered that a fine was under investigation but hadn’t been imposed.
The sanctuary later was fined $7,000, though the sanctuary is contesting the fine.
The Gazette newspaper reports that Sculac faces two to six years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. His sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday.
He also faces an unrelated misdemeanor citation from the Colorado Division of Wildlife for illegally keeping bear and tiger cubs at the Serenity Springs property.
Sculac has a long history of legal troubles, the newspaper reported.
In 2002, Sculac was arrested on four counts of theft, accused of taking money for projects in his contracting business and not carrying out the work and also taking payment for medical supplies in another business and not delivering. The charges were eventually dropped, and Sculac paid restitution.
Sculac also faced tax problems and lawsuits for unpaid medical bills.
Sculac no longer owns the sanctuary. The most recent tax return available, from 2007, lists Sculac as president, with three other family members on a six-person board of directors. Sculac continues to write in the sanctuary’s newsletter, and a former employee said Sculac is heavily involved in fundraising for the center.
The sanctuary has a valid permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a current license from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. However, the sanctuary is not listed as an accredited facility by the American Sanctuary Association.
The sanctuary is home to some 120 big cats. It offers tours for $10 a person, photos with cubs for $25 and receives food donations regularly.
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Information from: The Gazette,
