WINSTON, Ore. -- The Wildlife Safari received attention on a global scale after media brought to light the success the drive through park experienced from their elephant car wash, even being featured on the news in India.

But, it has People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claiming these practices shouldn't be tolerated.

Now, members of the PETA organization are urging the Safari to cease the elephant car washing and to eliminate forced public interaction and control by "chains and bullhooks."

According to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), accredited institutions must follow the 14 pages of standards for elephant management and care.

The guidelines follow stringent practices regarding the tools and techniques that trainers can use relating to the elephants.

General Curator at the park, Dan Brands said, "PETA has suggested as well that we've been torturing the animals. Well, that's a pretty canned statement for them to make about anything. We've been going through the video footage, and even just knowing our own practices here, is that's not tolerated and you wont find that here."

In an email sent to the Safari's executive director, PETA claims guests are left with an inaccurate impression of how elephants really behave.

Executive Director Dan Van Slyke disagreed, saying that the AZA accredited institutions are often targeted as a whole by organizations like PETA, claiming high profile animals such as elephants receive mis-care or mis-treatment.

Van Slyke says the elephants are intelligent and love stimulation. Playing in water is among one of their favorite activities. "It's unfortunate when you have these extremist organizations that will target organizations because they're providing not only a good time for the animals, but a good time for people," said Van Slyke.

Wildlife Safari officials explain that they strive to give their elephants enrichment and stimulation; and that the "guides" which PETA refers to as "bullhooks" are not sharp, and are only available as a temporary tool for safety, such as veterinary procedures.