Wildlife WayStation, Animal sanctuary in Los Angeles County, United States
The Wildlife WayStation was an animal sanctuary situated in the forested terrain of Los Angeles County, spanning across woodland in the San Gabriel Mountains. It housed over 400 wild and exotic animals in naturalistic enclosures and specialized habitats designed for their needs.
The facility was founded in 1976 by a woman who left her career in costume design to establish a refuge for rescued animals. Over several decades it grew into one of the largest operations of its kind on the West Coast before closing in 2019.
The place served as a refuge for animals rescued from difficult circumstances, particularly from closed research facilities and private ownership situations. Visitors could observe how displaced wildlife adapted to life in a protected environment away from exploitation.
The site was accessible via forest roads and trails marked for visitors of different mobility levels. Bringing appropriate footwear and water was recommended, as pathways led through both open areas and wooded sections of the property.
The facility held one of the largest groups of chimpanzees anywhere on the West Coast, many of which came from closed biomedical research laboratories. These animals found a place to recover from their previous experiences and live in community with others of their kind.
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