A favorite family destination in East Tennessee is permanently closing its doors.
Circle G Ranch, located in Sevier County, was once home to more than 600 animals, including camels, zebras and water buffalo.
The remaining animals are now looking for a new place to live.
Circle G Ranch permanently closed its doors in the last few days. This week, its website says, "Our park is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE."
WATCH THE VIDEO: Circle G Ranch Closing
The number of animals has dwindled since the business' heyday. The remaining animals, about 75 of them, are now in the process of making their way to Triple W Livestock Auctions in Cookeville, where they'll live until an exotic animal auction next month. That's according to an auctioneer there.
Remaining animals include camels, zebras, emus, ostriches, peacocks, llamas, alpacas, exotic deer and potbellied pigs, along with some barnyard animals.
Friends of the family that owns Circle G Ranch say this is a sad situation, all-around.
Since opening for business in 2002, Circle G Ranch has brought the public face-to-face with animals of all kinds and brought smiles to the faces of its customers.
Christy Michel and her husband Matt, who went by "Gumby," built the business from the ground up and appeared on WBIR 10News over the years.
Earlier this month, however, Matt Michel took his own life.
Days ago, Circle G Ranch permanently closed its doors.
Scotty Wilson has known Matt Michel for the better part of three decades.
"You don't ever expect something like this to happen, and when it happens to your buddy," Wilson said, pausing. "So, yes, it's been tough."
In addition to being a family friend, Wilson is also an auctioneer with his own family business, Triple W Livestock Auction and Wilson Horse and Mule, in Cookeville.
That's where the remaining animals of Circle G Ranch will live until an exotic animal auction next month.
"Our sale date is September 7, 8, 9 and 10," Wilson said.
He was at Circle G Ranch Wednesday, loading up some of the last animals and equipment, all of which will be for sale. That includes the open-air safari vehicles, animal trailers, camel ride mount and an outbuilding.
He estimates the entire sale will net between $50,000 and $100,000. The profits, after the auction house takes its fees, will go to the Michel family.
"The 7th is antiques, the 8th is hoofstock, the 9th is caged animals and the equipment and the 10th is camels, zebras, miniature horses and donkeys," Wilson said. "Everyone's welcome to attend. Love to have you there."
So who can buy these animals? WBIR 10News checked with the state.
While simply owning any of the remaining Circle G Ranch animals requires no permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or Tennessee Department of Agriculture, many cities and counties have their own regulations on exotic animals. Interested buyers may also want to contact the USDA before making the purchase.
The TWRA has certain requirements for owning exotic animals, but none of the remaining Circle G Ranch animals fall into those categories.
Wilson said he is taking good care of the family's animals while they await auction.
"It's so sad because he brought so much happiness and joy to this whole community," neighbor Ruby Drinnen said.
She has lived across the street from Circle G for its entire existence and said the Michels were great neighbors.
"We're sad about its closing. Very sad," Drinnen said. "So far as I know, all the neighborhood - we just feel like it's been erased."
Trucks in recent days have taken away the animals she loved watching from her porch.
"They have large trailers to come in, and I would sit on the porch and watch them go down the street," Drinnen said. "Saying goodbye to my friends."
Detectives at the Sevier County Sheriff's Office said Circle G and its owners face no charges of animal abuse. They said they're aware the business is closing and the animals are being sold voluntarily.
"I felt they took very good care. They fed them twice a day. I could see them feeding them," Drinnen said. "I hope they'll find a good home."
Matt Michel leaves behind his wife and business partner Christy and their pre-teen son. He also has a daughter from a previous marriage.
"Matt was a really hard worker. Christy, too," Drinnen said. "And the little boy, 11 years old, he was learning everything. He could go do everything on that farm over there."