Frequently Asked Questions

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For current hours check our “Visit Us” page or call us at 760-868-2755

Hours are subject to change due to weather or events. Please check our home page calendar for most up-to-date information.

An animal sanctuary serves as a refuge for rescued animals, providing lifelong protection and care. Unlike animal shelters, sanctuaries do not aim to rehome animals; instead, they provide a permanent home until the end of their lives. Some establishments may combine sanctuary and rehabilitation aspects, temporarily housing animals until they can be released into the wild or providing a permanent home for captive-born animals unable to be released.

The primary mission of sanctuaries is to create safe havens where animals receive optimal care. Sanctuaries do not engage in breeding, buying, selling, trading, or animal testing. Residents are given the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors in a protected environment.

What sets sanctuaries apart is their unwavering dedication to prioritize the well-being of the animal residents. Every decision and action is carefully examined to ensure it benefits the animals rather than humans. Sanctuaries advocate for the animals and operate under the belief that all residents, human and non-human, are equally important.

Beyond caring for animals, sanctuaries have a crucial educational role. They aim to change human perspectives and treatment of animals, particularly by discouraging the keeping of exotic creatures as pets and promoting the preservation of species in the wild.

Various national and international organizations oversee nonprofit animal sanctuaries, establishing guidelines and standards to ensure high-quality care. The American Sanctuary Association, for example, monitors and supports facilities that care for exotic wildlife. Accredited facilities undergo stringent application processes and adhere to rigorous standards, while also being subject to inspections conducted by entities such as the USDA and US Fish & Wildlife to ensure the utmost care for the animals.

The majority of our resident animals at Forever Wild have been rescued from private owners or other facilities that were unable to provide adequate care. Each animal has a detailed biography available on our website, offering insights into their individual stories and how they found their home with us. If you have further inquiries about a specific animal, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information.

At Forever Wild, there are specific occasions where the public is allowed to have supervised, guided interactions with a limited number of animals. However, as a general policy, we maintain a hands-off approach for the safety and well-being of both visitors and our resident animals. It is important to note that interactions involving direct contact are not permitted with our larger animals, including big cats and bears. While our animals are captive born rescues and have become accustomed to human presence, they retain their wild instincts and must be respected as such.

Thank you for expressing your interest in working at Forever Wild. Currently, we maintain a small staff of trained animal handlers and do not have any employment opportunities available. However, we do offer a volunteer program, which may provide you with a valuable opportunity to contribute and be involved. Please refer to the next question for more information on our volunteer program.

Thank you for your interest! At Forever Wild, we offer an intern/volunteer program. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and either currently enrolled in a program related to animal studies with the intention of pursuing a career in the field, or have already completed an animal-related degree. Interested individuals are required to schedule an interview to further discuss the opportunity. Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in providing a secure and caring environment for our animals while also getting closer to their own dreams and aspirations. For more details on becoming a volunteer, please contact our office at (760) 868-2755.

Our facility at Forever Wild offers handicapped accessibility to certain areas. The gift store and restrooms are fully equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, we have recently introduced dirt paths that are accessible for wheelchairs, motor chairs, walkers, and strollers, although some sections may present challenges. It is worth mentioning that we are actively working on enhancing our accessibility further by implementing new cement walkways throughout our facility.

Sí, contamos con personal que habla español. Por favor, si necesita ayuda, no dude en preguntar.

Due to our location, with a 1.3-mile access road comprised of dirt, it is important to note that our facility may close unexpectedly during periods of inclement weather. To ensure a smooth visit, we kindly request that you call in advance and schedule an appointment for your tours. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information and ensure your experience at Forever Wild is both enjoyable and safe.