Charity Footprints Partner - Wildlife Waystation Inc.

Wildlife Waystation

Founded by Martine Colette in 1965 and incorporated in 1976, Wildlife Waystation is located on 160 acres in the Angeles National Forest in Southern California. Wildlife Waystation is both nationally and internationally recognized. We are the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the Western United States. We provide exceptional care for nearly 500 animals from almost 130 different species all of which were rescued including Siberian and Bengal tigers, African lions, black & spotted leopards, bobcats, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, primates (baboons, lemurs, spider monkeys), coati, hyenas, bears, foxes, alligators, tortoises, large snakes small reptiles, exotic birds, birds of prey, small mammals (groundhog, kinkajou, ferrets, chinchilla, hedgehog) bison, llama, alpaca and domestic hoof stock (horses, pigs, goats, sheep). We are also home to over 40 chimpanzees many of which came from biomedical research labs. Educate the public about the global plight of wildlife and the importance of wildlife diversity, and its protection and preservation through media, social media, our website and public presentations with animal ambassadors at schools, clubs, scouts, community organizations and community gatherings.

Our Mission

Wildlife Waystation was founded in 1976 to rescue and provide permanent sanctuary for abandoned, abused or injured wild and exotic animals. Mission and Goals: Internationally known, the Wildlife Waystation has accepted tigers from Ireland, lions from New Zealand and Canada, and a variety of animals from across the United States, as well as Southern California native wildlife. Every rescue was important and, often life-saving. Over the years, thousands of native wildlife have been rehabilitated and successfully released back into their natural habitat. Thousands more, mostly exotics, have remained at our sanctuary. Here, they are well cared for by animal care staff, veterinarians and dedicated volunteers for the rest of their natural lives. Wildlife Waystation is also the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the Western United States. Most of the chimpanzees have come from biomedical research facilities. Throughout the Waystation's history, educating the public has been a priority with a goal to preserve wildlife through understanding how to co-exist with native wildlife and why exotic animals do not make good pets. Through community programs, volunteers are available to speak to civic groups, scouts and schools. Wildlife Waystation continues this educational efforts by participating in community events throughout southern California.