Lions and tigers and bears
On a spring day, after much needed rain, the hills of Little Tujunga Canyon radiate a bright green from the freshly sprouted grass, and the chaparral looks surprisingly plump. Five miles up the canyon road, just past a tight hairpin turn, live 40 chimpanzees saved from biomedical research labs. Together they make up the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the western United States.
The chimpanzees are part of a group of 400 rescued animals living at the Wildlife Waystation. Tucked into a valley surrounded by three rolling hills in the western Angeles National Forest, the Wildlife Waystation was incorporated in 1976, when founder Martine Colette bought the 162-acre property. Injured wild animals come to the Wildlife Waystation to heal and, when possible, return their natural habitats. But a fair share of exotics, like Drifter the tiger, are at the sanctuary because they were improperly acquired as pets. Unfortunately, vulnerability due to domestication means that many of the exotic animals can no longer be expected to survive in the wild. At the Wildlife Waystation, a staff of 34 and a volunteer team of 400 lovingly work to give these animals the best lives possible through high-quality care and compassion.
Info
Address 14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Road, Sylmar, CA 91342, +1 818.899.5201, www.wildlifewaystation.org, info@wildlifewaystation.org | Getting there Free on-site lot | Hours Gift shop: 9am–5pm. Lunch and dinner safari parties by reservation only, costs are from $100–$250 per person, depending on event. Visitors to the Wildlife Waystation must be at least 18 years of age.| Tip Ranch Side Cafe (11355 Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar, CA 91342), at the base of Little Tujunga Canyon, offers non-chain breakfast options, burgers, and, surprisingly, Ethiopian food.
You can visit the refuge as a guest of its founder, wildlife expert Martine Colette, who offers bimonthly private luncheons and dinners in the beautifully appointed garden courtyard of her home next to the grounds. The safari party comes with a tour of the property and an introduction to some of the animals. As patrons dine under the giant canopy, glassware glistening in the candlelight, they can hear the critters bray, roar, and call. Funds raised through these events help support the caretaking costs of the animals.
Another way to experience the Wildlife Waystation is by volunteering. Volunteer orientations are held the second Saturday of each month from 9am to noon. Reserve a spot in advance.
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