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Sustainability May 6, 2020
Adoptable or exotic, all these animals have our hearts
California is home to many animal sanctuaries, and rightfully so because the need is constant. Almost every species, from cats and dogs to exotic animals need a safe space to live. Just like the animals that live within them, each sanctuary is unique in its mission. Here are 13 sanctuaries to visit or adopt from in California.
Living Free Animal Sanctuary was envisioned and founded by Emily Jo Beard. The mission is straightforward: taking in healthy cats and dogs scheduled for death. Doing so gives them a new chance at life. There seems to be no better place to restart life than on a plot in the San Jacinto Mountains that was once home to the Cahuilla Indians. Animals here live without boundaries, unlike the shelters they came from.
The Gentle Barn is the first of two animal sanctuaries with a unique two-part mission: they take part in helping rehabilitate animals and children. First, they rescue animals from severe cases of abuse and cannot be adopted. Second, they educate children that are from the inner-city and are at risk or have special needs. The barn provides a place for them to feel safe, heal, and feel loved. Six days a week, the barn is for tours and it is open to the public on Sunday.
The Marine Mammal Center is a teaching hospital and research center that rescues and rehabilitates distressed marine mammals. Their site, located north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is open year-round and admission is free. Visitors are welcome to join a tour or explore on their own.
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is home to captive-bred exotic animals. Through a method of rescue, rehabilitation, and education, they hope to never have to turn away an animal at risk to be euthanized. The sanctuary is open daily but it is best to check social media for weather-related and early closings.
Five acres may not sound like much for a sanctuary, but somehow this rescue manages to house 300 animals in that space. The rescue has 12 ponds, each made to mimic the ideal wild habitat for a specific species. Turtles and tortoises are joined by birds, fish, reptiles, and a small assortment of mammals. Currently, tours are done on Saturdays by appointment only.
The Cat House on the Kings story has been told on YouTube time and time again. It started with one woman, six acres, and 15 abandoned kittens. It’s now 12 acres of land dedicated to at least 700 domestic cats at any time. The best part? All of the cats on the location are adoptable. Additionally, they provide animal education and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. The sanctuary is open by appointment only.
Wild Horse Sanctuary rests on 5,000 acres of land in northern California. Within it, 300 wild mustangs and burros roam freely. In order to support the herd, the sanctuary offers two types of guided trail rides: a three-hour picnic ride, and a two or three-day-long trail ride. Additionally, horse viewings are available Wednesdays and Saturdays at no cost.
Goatlandia is an eco-minded organization that rescues and adopts farm animals. In addition, they advocate and educate about a plant-based lifestyle. Goatlandia hosts a variety of events on-site and in the community. It’s best to follow their Facebook to keep up to date.
This rescue is all things guinea pigs, and then some. The welfare organization rescues and has 200 guinea pigs ready for adoption at any time. The rescue offers free wellness checks on all guinea pigs, only suggesting a donation in return. They run a blog and YouTube page on guinea pig care. All adoptions and events are on an appointment-only basis.
Rabbit Rescue INC rescues hundreds of rabbits annually, often from euthanasia. These rabbits are rehabilitated and subsequently adopted. According to their website, the rescue will answer every phone call and email they get from the public regarding rabbits. A key point of their mission is education on rabbit care and how to avoid overpopulation. They do board rabbits but make it clear that not every rabbit can be taken in.
The Angeles National Forest is home to WolfHeart Ranch, the second animal sanctuary that takes in animals and serves at-risk humans. The ranch currently has a pack of 30 wolves, who now live a life of service. Through a trademarked program called Wolf Therapy, the wolves help humans process their life experiences. The public is also welcome to the sanctuary during community or semi-private hikes.
This San Diego rescue takes in homeless dogs from shelters and surrendered dogs. Instead of having a shelter facility, the rescue relies on a network of volunteers to foster dogs. Dogs are adoptable in southern California and northern Mexico. Adoptable dogs are viewable on the rescue’s website and at adoption events.
Free Flight is a sanctuary specifically for exotic birds. This avian paradise is a permanent sanctuary for some birds and a rehabilitation center for others. Additionally, Free Flight offers boarding services, grooming services, and behavioral consultation.
In short, animal sanctuaries are a crucial part of rescue efforts in California. Without them, thousands of animals would be dead with little to no cause every year. As this list makes clear, many species need human help to live good lives.
