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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Emergency services, March 29 Ashland woman takes cancer threat head-on (No heading) Urban pot grows could be trimmed Conservancy hopes to turn 352-acre ranch along Rogue River into a preserve Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services, March 29 Cottage Grove man dies in Rogue River boating accident Emergency services, March 28 State police: Grants Pass shooter tried to run victim off the road Poodle killed with pellet gun in west Medford Politics and Elections Jackson County Commissioners plan no tax on marijuana for one year Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Arthur I. Cyr: South Korea represents long-term triumph – for them and for US Special election: Jackson County voters OK marijuana tax Ex-Merkley aide chosen as Oregon secretary of state Education Which comes first: The rocket or the egg? Medford School District one of most accident-prone in state Dianne Williamson: College admissions mania ill-advised Oregon legislators may end fifth-year high school programs Phoenix High officer looks back on varied career Environment Rogue Valley lions on their way to California Corps hopes to clear Lost Creek Lake of debris Beetles taking toll on Ashland pines Mt. Ashland Ski Area to host party March 28 Controversial asphalt plant in Talent wins county planning approval State News 5 things to know about Oregon's gun-control bill Feds celebrate sage grouse deal with Oregon ranchers Timber payments extension passes U.S. House $15 minimum wage bill dead in Oregon Senate Dave Frohnmayer remembered at Eugene memorial Nation - World Obituaries Claudine Barbara Pollard Alexander Edwards Ray E. Kniffen, Sr. Lois Emmerette (Wright) Huntley James "Jim" Peter Duman Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Sports Latest Stories Blazers beat Nuggets, move closer to division title Raiders roll EOU in 4-0, 6-1 triumphs Kentucky holds off Irish South secures another road sweep Tornado on top Varsity 541 College Sports Raiders roll EOU in 4-0, 6-1 triumphs Kentucky holds off Irish Stewart, UConn crush Texas Wisconsin downs Arizona, heads to Final Four Frosh-led Duke ousts Utah to make Elite Eight Pro Sports Blazers beat Nuggets, move closer to division title Walker gains lead over Spieth in Texas Aldridge propels Blazers past Suns Warriors match record with 60th victory Birdie run gives Walker lead in Texas Open Community Sports Business Latest Stories Mandatory paid sick leave gets mixed reviews Blog: How to Practice Patience Ride & Drive: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Medford shoppers wonder about impacts of Costco on Trader Joe's parking lot Blog: State senate president says there will be no minimum wage increase during 2015 session Real Estate News East McAndrews Road sees a resurgence in commercial projects Business briefs: March 7 New construction prices jump 18.2 percent in Jackson County People In Business People in Business, March 26, 2015 People in Business: Feb. 28 Transportation Rogue Disposal plans natural gas fueling site Alaska, United Express boost Medford airport to record February CEO Rieder leaving Erickson March 31 Agriculture Broth maker leaves San Diego for Medford Harry & David announces new president Opinion Latest Our View: Phoenix lion sanctuary was a missed opportunity Letters to the Editor, March 29 George Will: Remembrance of Clintons past Dana Milbank: The end of the White House's insularity? Guest Opinion: How to end the influence of money in elections Editorials Our View: Phoenix lion sanctuary was a missed opportunity Other Views: Gun background check bill won't make us safer Our View: Some police videos should be released Our View: Public records rules should apply to lawmakers, too Our View: Oregon schools will have to make do with a little more money Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, March 29 Letters to the Editor, March 28 Letters to the Editor, March 27 Letters to the Editor, March 26 Letters to the Editor, March 25 Columns George Will: Remembrance of Clintons past Dana Milbank: The end of the White House's insularity? Guest Opinion: How to end the influence of money in elections Charles Krauthammer: The GOP racing form, first edition Philip Maddocks: GOP plan offers hope for poor once they become rich Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: How to end the influence of money in elections Guest Opinion: How schools teach U.S. history raises hackles Guest Opinion: Guest Opinion: Raise your voice against child abuse Guest Opinion: Central Point Cemetery needs work and city action Lifestyle Latest stories Prepare the beds for summer vegetables Pet of the Week: Spot Aging is less pleasant if you succumb to the number Bemoaning the lack of local discount days Beyond the Beach Food Community blog: Try slightly smoky baked beans instead of refried App Finder: Best barbecue apps Health Watch: It’s OK to have a cheat day Frugal foodie Joanna McQuillan Weeks: Almond cookies pass the test Home and Garden Prepare the beds for summer vegetables Hot tub: The perfect centerpiece for outdoor living Garden Cameos: Welcome spring to the garden Paul Rogers: Ground unworkable, despite spring’s arrival Home Help: How green is your house? Health Community blog: How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache St. Mary's student helps others with diabetes Community blog: Sleep Tight: Making Your Bed, Body and Mind Ready for Rest Health Watch: 5 tips for seasonal allergy relief A better bedtime Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs: Friday, March 27 Religion briefs Religion News: Presbyterian Church gives approval on same-sex marriage Religion briefs: Friday, March 13 More religion events in the Rogue Valley Milestones and Achievements Haga-Parks Exercise helps special-needs kids adjust to airport procedures Engagement: Workman-Wright Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Here's Tempo's top five picks for live entertainment this week The 2015 Rising Stars music competition ends with its final round on the Britt stage in Jacksonville Live Music in Local Clubs Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park Next Stage Repertory presents 'Educating Rita' at the Craterian Theater Theater ‘A Dream of Red Pavilions’ at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Review: Education and its discontents Next Stage Repertory presents 'Educating Rita' at the Craterian Theater Eugene O'Neill's 'Long Day's Journey into Night' opens at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Camelot's 'Sunset Boulevard' ambitious, not as dark Music Futurebirds play the Brickroom in Ashland The 2015 Rising Stars music competition ends with its final round on the Britt stage in Jacksonville Live Music in Local Clubs Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park The Farr Side: Lines are blurred with theft of Marvin Gaye’s classic groove Community Events Rogue Valley artist Linda Evans' pastel paintings capture landscapes of Southern Oregon Ashland Independent Film Festival announces this year's lineup OSF Hip-Hop Poetry Open Mic Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jesse Lawson and Joe Moxley host 'Barkeeper' Dining (No heading) Basque-inspired cuisine at Eleven in Ashland Parsing the meaning behind wine medals and scores Restaurant Inspections: Sunday, March 22 Jasmine Thai Cuisine Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines/Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Our View: Phoenix lion sanctuary was a missed opportunity ... Guest Opinion: How to end the influence of money in elections ... Conservancy hopes to turn 352-acre ranch along Rogue River into a preserve ... Our View: Phoenix lion sanctuary was a missed opportunity ... Guest Opinion: How to end the influence of money in elections ... Conservancy hopes to turn 352-acre ranch along Rogue River into a preserve ... PHOENIX Rogue Valley lions on their way to California Animal sanctuary closing down after land-use ruling A Phoenix animal sanctuary is shipping its lions to California after being denied permission to use the big cats for commercial purposes in Jackson County. By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 26, 2015 @ 6:13 pm Walking with Lions animal sanctuary is shipping its lions to California after being denied permission to use the big cats for commercial purposes in Jackson County. By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 26, 2015 @ 6:13 pm » RELATED CONTENT • Jackson County hearing officer's order on Walking with Lions sanctuary... • Lions are moving out » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Lufuno, a 550-pound lion, dozed in the spring sunshine at the Walking With Lions sanctuary in the Phoenix, unaware he would soon be coaxed into a cage, loaded into a barred trailer and trucked to Southern California. "Hi, Louie," said Vikki McMillan, using one of the big cat's many nicknames to get him to lift his maned head and look at her. "This is what lions do. Lions sleep, eat — and then sleep some more." Lufuno and six lionesses were loaded into the trailer Thursday afternoon to start their journey. Vikki McMillan and her husband, animal trainer Brian McMillan, are closing down their lion sanctuary after a Jackson County hearings officer ruled this week Oregon law does not allow them to use lions for commercial purposes on their exclusive farm use-zoned land on the outskirts of Phoenix. The McMillans said they would not appeal the decision. Any appeal would likely be fruitless without a change to state law, Vikki McMillan said. "I just don't have the funds, energy or resources to take it to LUBA (the state Land Use Board of Appeals.) LUBA's going to say the same thing. There's no reason to appeal unless the law changes," she said. The couple have been flooded with emails and phone calls from people who support the sanctuary and want the pair to fight the local ruling. Vikki McMillan said people should contact their state legislators and push for more flexible rules to allow people on farm land to make a living. Under county and state law, the lions could have stayed if the McMillans only had them as pets. But their plans to help raise money for the animals' upkeep by having paid guests feed them milk in giant baby bottles through their enclosure fencing and watch Brian McMillan interact with the big cats ran afoul of state law. The lions also couldn't be used in advertising for the sanctuary. Commercial ventures are allowed on farm land if they relate to the food and animals raised there, but lions are not classified as farm animals under Oregon law. A variety of other exotic species are allowed. Vikki McMillan said she blames state law, not Jackson County's planning department or the hearings officer. In his ruling against the couple's commercial venture, Hearings Officer Donald Rubenstein lauded the couple for their lifelong commitment to the lions, which are retired from work in movies and for television, and their professionalism. But he said the commercial use of the lions was not allowed on exclusive farm use land. "I kind of blame myself," Vikki McMillan said. "We thought if we had the community behind us, they would be more lenient." She added, "It's time for EFU laws to be broadened. We don't all fit in that box. It's too late for us, but maybe it could help someone else." Dozens of people attended a March 17 hearing to show their support for the sanctuary. A Change.org petition in support of the lions has garnered more than 1,800 signatures. The county's investigation into the sanctuary's legal status began after a Phoenix area resident filed a complaint voicing safety concerns. Volunteers who have worked at the sanctuary gathered Thursday afternoon to help the lions begin their journey to California. Southern Oregon University student Jaime Brown, who has an interest in animal psychology, said preparing the lions' food and cleaning up after them wasn't glamorous work, but she learned a great deal about how to care for the big cats. Brown said she was inspired by Brian McMillan's focus on safety and his concern for the animals. "We all felt lucky getting in on the beginning. He was always thinking of ways to make it better for them and more interesting, like he built wooden platforms so they could get higher and see around," she said. "Every day he was thinking of ways to improve. One of his ideas was for water features." Brown said people were surprised to hear about her volunteer work. "People don't believe you when you say you work with lions," she said. "I would say, 'Yes, I work with lions here in Phoenix, Oregon. I'm serious.' It will be sad saying goodbye, especially so soon." The McMillans opened the sanctuary in 2014 and began more actively welcoming guests early this year. They have a pending application in with the county to use a cottage on the land as a bed and breakfast inn, and will continue that process for the benefit of the next owner. The property with the cottage, house, 42 acres and the enclosures will soon be for sale. The McMillans had moved to the Rogue Valley from California after retiring. Vikki McMillan said she and her husband will start looking for outside jobs to help pay for the lions' upkeep. For now, the McMillans are making the journey back to California as comfortable for the lions as possible. The animals are traveling in a custom-made double-decker trailer so they can choose whether to stay on an upper or lower level. The bed of the trailer is air cushioned so they don't feel the bumps. A closet-sized refrigerated storage space holds meat for the trip. Together, the lions gobble 50 to 60 pounds each day. Volunteer and neighbor Marilyn Lutter said it was fascinating to see how the lions act like giant house cats. Before she began volunteering, she used to drive slowly past the McMillans property just hoping to hear them roar. "I've loved volunteering. It was the most wonderful experience of my life being so close to these animals," Lutter said. "They're so beautiful. It's so sad. The owners are so wonderful. I was honored to work with them. "For such a short experience, it was an experience of a lifetime." Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous .     By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 26, 2015 @ 6:13 pm » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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