About US

Joel and Chemaine Almquist are the heart and soul behind Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary. They founded the sanctuary in 1995, driven by a deep-seated passion for rescuing and caring for exotic and native animals. Their journey began modestly, caring for rescued animals in their mobile home, and through relentless dedication, they achieved nonprofit status in 2000. In 2009, their commitment was recognized nationally when Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition helped rebuild the sanctuary, amplifying their ability to provide refuge and care.

The Almquists’ vision extends beyond animal rescue. They are committed to educating the public about wildlife conservation and the responsible treatment of exotic animals. Their sanctuary is not just a home for animals in need but also a community hub for learning and awareness. Joel and Chemaine continue to lead Forever Wild with compassion and unwavering dedication, ensuring each animal receives the highest quality of life and care. Their work has inspired many and solidified Forever Wild as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance in wildlife conservation.

Since joining Forever Wild six years ago as a full time worker, Kiah Almquist has been an integral part of the sanctuary’s operations. Currently serving as the General Manager, Kiah also spearheads our social media outreach, bringing the sanctuary’s stories to a wider audience.

Kiah’s favorite animals at the sanctuary are Poke, the spider monkey, and Catori, the coyote, each of whom has a unique story and character that she loves to share. Her memorable experiences include participating in the OC Pet Expo, where she had the opportunity to educate the public about exotic animals and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Inspired by her family’s dedication to animal welfare, Kiah continues this legacy through her work. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness of the plight of tigers, noting the troubling fact that there are more tigers in captivity than in the wild.

In addition to her managerial duties, Kiah enjoys creating engaging and educational content for the sanctuary’s social media platforms. She believes in the power of humor and education to connect people with the sanctuary’s mission.

Her message to visitors is simple yet powerful: “Have fun, ask questions, be kind!” She emphasizes the importance of understanding why exotic animals should not be kept as pets and encourages everyone to support the sanctuary through volunteering or donations.

Looking to the future, Kiah has ambitious goals for Forever Wild. She hopes to expand the habitats for the sanctuary’s animals, relying on the community’s support in terms of donations, supplies, and volunteer time. Her commitment to the sanctuary and its residents is a testament to her passion for animal care and conservation.

Since joining Forever Wild in September 2013, Shannon Sharyer has dedicated herself to the well-being and enrichment of our animals, serving as a Senior Keeper and Vice President on the Board of Directors. With a rich background in marine mammal care, Shannon's transition to caring for a diverse range of species at Forever Wild has been a journey of continuous learning and growth.

Among the many animals she cherishes, Yarah, Ayesha, Mosi, Zuni, Georgie, Catori, and Millie hold special places in her heart. Shannon recalls walking Rajalla as a cub fondly, a memory made even more memorable by her pregnancy at the time.

Shannon finds solace and therapy in the routine care of the animals, from cleaning enclosures to feeding, highlighting the therapeutic nature of being around these majestic beings. Her advice for anyone in the field is poignant: working with animals is a labor of love, often challenging, but immeasurably rewarding. The bonds formed are deep, and while the inevitable loss of these beloved creatures is hard, it underscores the passion and commitment required in this field.

Her commitment to Forever Wild is unwavering, and she envisions being a part of this sanctuary as long as she resides in California, drawn by the unbreakable bonds with both the animals and people here.

Sharon Spradley, a key member of Forever Wild since May 2018, serves not only as a Lead Keeper but also sits on the Board of Directors. Her journey at the sanctuary is driven by a deep love for animals and a strong belief in the importance of keeping wild animals in their natural habitats. Among her favorite animals are Diesel, admired for his intelligence and beauty, Abu, cherished for his unique personality, Poke, with whom she shares a special bond, and Crash, whom she has raised since infancy. One of Sharon’s most memorable experiences includes giving Poke a bath, a testament to the unique and personal connections she forms with the animals. Despite her aversion to toads and frogs, Sharon’s commitment to animal welfare remains unwavering. She views Forever Wild as more than just a sanctuary; it’s a family where every member is dedicated to providing the best care for the animals. As she looks to the future, Sharon is committed to helping Forever Wild continue its vital mission of rescuing and caring for animals, ensuring that this sanctuary remains a haven of hope and love.