SoCal's wonderful weather makes an ideal location for some of the largest animal sanctuaries in the nation. Many opportunites to get up close to both wild and companion animals are within Santa Clarita. Others listed as "Outside Santa Clarita" are within about an hour's drive. (Use our MAP IT! feature for driving time and directions.)
Please note that while many of these rescues and sanctuaries do not charge an admission, most are run by volunteers with very little funding--if any. They all appreciate your donations, and many seek volunteers to love and work with the animals. Also, many are located at personal residences, so please call ahead as requested.
Please visit our
Calendar of Events
for specific tour and 'up close' opportunities.
IN THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY
Gibbons
Gibbon Conservation Center
661-943-4915 or 661-296-2737
19100 Esguerra, Saugus
Technically an ape, these animals are smaller than a chimpanzee and do not have tails. The forty gibbons at the Gibbon Conservation Center live as families in outdoor enclosures on the 2.5-acre site located across the street from Lombardi Ranch on Bouquet Canyon. The gibbons will entertain you with their beautifully pitched voices and acrobatic antics. Call ahead and join a scheduled tour, or reserve a private tour. The center is always looking for volunteers, age 18 and over. Because the center is not open to the public except by appointment, please call ahead. Admission is tax deductible. Also check their website Tourspage for upcoming tours.
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Farm Animal Rescue
The Gentle Barn
661-252-2440
15825 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country
This animal rescue shelter opens its doors to the public Sundays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Teaching kindness and compassion to animals, you'll have an opportunity to not only interact with the pigs, but to brush the horses, hug the cows, hold the chickens, hang out with a turkey, and pet the goats and sheep.
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Petting Zoos
To our knowledge, there are not any specific petting zoos open daily in the Santa Clarita Valley. However, petting zoos are often included during special events such as Lombardi Ranch's Harvest Fest in October and the Italian Feast in May. Check our
Calendar of Events
for upcoming events.
Bison
William S. Hart Park
See Baby Bison "Merry" and "Happy" on
YouTube
Museum Information: 661-254-4584
Park Information: 661-259-0855
24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall
See the twin babies born December 11, 2006 to the Wm. S. Hart Park herd!
Animal Keeper Debbie Pepe tells us, "the birth of twin bison is extremely rare and the fact that both babies survived is phenomenal.
Additionally, several bison roam the hillside near the William S. Hart Museum, donated by Disney in 1962. Park the car in the lot and walk up the drive toward the mansion. They can be difficult to spot; look for the chain link fence 'feeding area' to your right just before you reach the mansion. They may be resting in the shade at the bottom of the hill. Or they could be roaming anywhere on the hillside around the mansion. Free. The bison can be viewed anytime, and tours of the mansion are offered Wednesday--Sunday, hours vary. Free. Tip: On hot summer days, the bison tend to rest in the shade of the oak trees. You can read more about the twin bison's birth in our local newspaper,
The Signal:
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Barnyard Zoo
William S. Hart Park
661-259-0855
24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall
Chickens, horses and other barnyard animals await your visit at the small zoo in William S. Hart Park, just to the right of the Big Hall. Admission is free. Open daily sunrise to 6:00 pm (summer), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (winter).
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Snakes & Tarantulas
Placerita Nature Center
661-259-7721
19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall
Get up close and personal with some of the scariest insects and reptiles from our area. Saturdays at 1:00 PM the Placerita Nature Center staff bring out these creatures to give you an opportunity to touch them. The Junior Ranger program for kids 6-12 takes place the last Sunday of the month from 2-4 in the afternoon all year long. The Nature Center is open every day, 9-5. Free.
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Birds of Prey Presentation
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
661-268-0840
10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce
On the first Sunday of every
winter
month, the rangers at Vasquez Rocks bring folks closer to the magnificent birds in our area. Check the link above at our
Calendar of Events
for exact times, but do note that programs are cancelled due to inclement weather. (It can be beautiful here in the Santa Clarita Valley and quite nasty at Vasquez Rocks, and vice versa, so call the park to confirm the presentation.)
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Macaws
Green Landscape Nursery
These brightly colored parrots can sometimes be heard throughout Green Landscape Nursery. It's located at the corner of San Fernando Road & Cinema Drive. Head past the main building into the shaded area on your right, toward the giant steel cages. But watch your fingers! Note: At any given time, there are about a dozen Morning Dove nests and 30 or more hummingbirds scattered throughout the nursery--including the very beautiful Costa. The cheerful staff is more than happy to point you in the direction of the living creatures on the property. This is also one of the very best sources for quality plants and expert info on what will grow in your yard here in the SCV.
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Horse Sanctuaries
Animal Safe Haven Foundation
661-268-1879, Agua Dulce
Horses, livestock, cats and dogs reside in this sanctuary for senior animals who's owners can no longer care for them. Visitors are welcome Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Location will be provided upon calling.
Rivendale Animal Sanctuary
661-268-1133, Agua Dulce
The passion of this sanctuary is to save ponies, horses and donkeys. They also have rescued other abused animals. All of the animals here are not suitable for adoption. The public is welcome to visit by appointment. Location will be provided when you call.
Exotic Animal Encounters
Hollywood Animals Exotic Animal Training School
323-665-9500
Located in Santa Clarita
Get up close to animal actors during a one day seminar, or ride an elephant during a private animal encounter. Location will be disclosed after making reservation.
GREAT ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS BEYOND THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY
America's Teaching Zoo
Moorpark College
805-378-1441, Moorpark
Open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Wildlife education shows and carnivore feeding demonstration at regularly scheduled times, free with admission.
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Big Cats
Feline Conservation Center
Open much more frequently than
Shambala,
the Feline Conservation Center, also known as "The Cat House," is just 40 minutes outside of Santa Clarita in Rosamond. Not only are kids always welcome and the admission nominal, but there are special events such as Twilight Tours and Kids Day! And they are always in need of volunteers.
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Shambala Preserve
661-268-0380
6867 Soledad Canyon Road, Acton
Shambala Preserve, an 80-acre wildlife habitat, is a haven for endangered and exotic big cats. African lions, Siberian and Bengal tigers, leopards, servals, mountain lions, bobcats, a lynx, a Florida panther, a snow leopard, and a cheetah all reside at this sanctuary--the only one like it in the United States. Open periodically for public tours to visitors 18 and over.
It's true; Michael Jackson's Bengal Tigers, Thriller and Sabu, are now at Shambala. Unfortunately, they didn't come with any funds to care for them over the next 13 years of their life expectancy. You can help by visiting Shambala on a regularly scheduled tour or adopting one of the animals.
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Bison Preserve
Ozena Valley Ranch Bison Preserve
27500 Lockwood Valley Road, Maricopa
Eighty (80) bison roam freely and may be viewed from Lockwood Valley Road. The animals belong to the Chumash Indian Tribe, California Bison Preserve, and Ozena Valley Ranch. Efforts are in place to provide a new home for these magnificent animals.
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Desert Tortoise
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
951-683-3872
Randsburg Mojave Rd At 140th St, California City
Admittedly, this preserve is almost two hours out of Santa Clarita, but it is such a neat experience we couldn't leave it out. Besides, it's still an easy day trip.
The spring months (mid-March to mid-June) are the best times to visit the Desert Tortoise Natural Area because of the milder temperatures. You are most likely to see tortoises March through May. In early spring, tortoises are out from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, during the warm part of the day, As air temperatures rise, tortoises emerge from burrows earlier and retreat earlier. By May, tortoises may be out by 6:00 a.m. and back in burrows by 9:00 a.m. In late spring, tortoises may also be active in late afternoon. In summer, the best time to see them is during or after a thunderstorm.
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Dogs & Cats
Daphneyland Basset Rescue and Boarding
661-269-2682
6221 Shannon Valley Rd., Acton
Come give the bassets belly rubs, or adopt one and provide a loving home. Committed to the rescue of bassets and community education, Daphneyland is open to the public on weekends from 11-4, and on weekdays by appointment.
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Donkeys & Wild Burros
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
866-366-5731
23500 Sand Canyon Road, Tehachapi
Displaced wild burros and rescued donkeys from all over the country are brought to this sanctuary to live out their lives in dignity. This is the largest donkey rescue in the nation, and they welcome visitors on Saturdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, weekdays by appointment. Donations are appreciated to help with the financial responsibility of caring for these animals. Sponsorship programs are also available.
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Exotic and Wild Animals
Wildlife Waystation
818-899-5201
14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd., Lakeview Terrace
Largest wild and exotic animal rescue in the nation, includes big cats, wolves, monkeys and bear. In 2008, the animal count at the rescue is 400.
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Farm Animals
Animal Acres
661-269-5404, Acton
Cuddle with a cow, give a pig a belly rub, talk to turkeys, and learn why it's so important to rescue and protect ALL animals.
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Fish
Fillmore Fish Hatchery
A park like setting where fish are raised for the state's numerous lakes, including Castaic Lake. Self-guided tours of the fish ponds are available. No fishing or picnic facilities. Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm daily
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Grunion Run
Grunion runs will occur on most southern California beaches, but may not occur every night on the same beaches and may be limited to small areas of any one beach. The ends of beaches are often the best spots. Some of the beaches in southern California that are known to have runs and are within about an hour from Santa Clarita are: Santa Barbara, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and Hermosa Beach. The spawning season extends from March through September. Follow the link for additional beaches and information, including fishing license requirements. Various locations.
Horse Sanctuaries
Dude's Ranch Equine Rescue Center
661-269-2473, Acton
Dude's is dedicated to rehabilitating and rescuing horses from ill-fated situations. Most of the horses taken in are neglected or from one of the many racetracks, PMU farms, or wild horse auctions around the country. Consider donating for the care, training, feeding, housing and placement of these wonderful animals. Call to make an appointment to visit or consider adopting one of your very own. (Location will be provided upon calling.)
Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue
661-727-0049, Lancaster
Come and visit, or volunteer, on this 56-acre ranch where 120 horses reside. Primarily wild mustangs, but some of these animals have been rescued from Premarin farms. Lifesavers encourages you to bring carrots to feed to the horses, hug, kiss and just love 'em up. Open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Donations accepted.
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United Pegasus Foundation
661-823-9672
20411 Pegasus Road, Tehachapi
Twenty (20) reserved for the rescue of PMU foals and mares. Many beautiful yearlings of all types/colors including Draft, Draft Crosses, Quarter horses, Paints, Pacherons, and others. Animals are available for adoption. You are welcome to visit between 10:00 am - 3:00 pm daily.
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Animali Farm
805-938-0174, Santa Maria
Approximately 35 horses reside on this 20-acre ranch in Santa Maria. Most of these mares and foals have been used on Premarin farms and are under four years old. Hundreds of horses are rescued through Animali every year, and relocated to adoptive, loving homes. Consider adopting a horse or making a donation. Visitors welcome by appointment.
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Shark Encounter
Aquarium of the Pacific
Always wanted to get up close to a 240-pound shark? Or a seal? Or a 600-pound sea lion? The Aquarium of the Pacific is only about an hour away. This two-hour educational experience allows you to participate in the training and feeding of the animals.
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Whales
Point Dume State Beach
805-488-1827, Malibu
Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December - March migration period.
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