Stanley the giraffe, star of The Hangover III, is being "seized" as part of criminal case

Los Angeles, California – Stanley, the giraffe that starred in The Hangover part III, has been seized by California's Department of Fish and Wildlife as evidence in a case against the Malibu Wine Safari’s Saddlerock Ranch where the giraffe resided.

Lisa Semler poses with Stanley the Giraffe at Saddlerock Ranch.
Lisa Semler poses with Stanley the Giraffe at Saddlerock Ranch.  © Screenshot / Instagram / lisasemler / hudachay

Saddlerock Ranch allegedly owned the giraffe without proper licensing to run as a business.

The owner and CEO Dakota Semler has been charged with running an animal facility without a license, according to KABC. Her father, Ron, was also looped into the illegal activities, allegedly falsifying information for Stanley's restricted species permit.

Since it's near-impossible to remove the 18-foot giraffe from the ranch, Stanley is currently being "seized in place" by authorities.

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Over the past six years, the giraffe has been living amongst zebras, camels, and other animals at the ranch, which failed to obtain proper permits to run as a business.

The owner denies claims of unlawful possession

According to KABC, County Animal Care and Control requested that the ranch apply for a license with them in 2015. However, the state conducted yearly inspections of Saddlerock Ranch, and never raised a red flag until 2018, when the Woolsey Fire ran rampant through the property.

The giraffe's future is uncertain, but authorities are putting full faith in the legal system to do what's best for Stanley and his wildlife friends at the ranch.

Although he admits the case is unusual, Captain Patrick Foy of the Department of Fish and Wildlife told KABC he believes "what ultimately will force the decision on finding a new home for the giraffe is to let the criminal court cases play out".

Both Ron and Dakota Semler have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Cover photo: Screenshot / Instagram / lisasemler / hudachay

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