Santa Clarita and its surrounding areas boast a wealth of amazing animals and wildlife. Often you can see wild animals roaming the mountainous regions of the county, including lizards, birds, rabbits, mountain lions and coyotes. The area is also home to a number of animal sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for rescued animals.
At Shadowland Foundation, hybrid wolves have a place to call home far away from hunters and from anyone that would do them harm. Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita gives farm animals like pigs, horses, cows, and chickens a safe home for the rest of their natural lives. Shambala Preserve is a spectacular place to see exotic rescued animals, such as snow leopards and African Lions. Rocky Ridge Rescue is a small animal sanctuary that has provided a forever home for rescued donkeys, horses, dogs, and other farm animals. The Gibbon Conservation Center is the only organization devoted exclusively to the study and preservation of gibbons and is home to the biggest group of gibbons in the Americas.
Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres has also given a home to many farm animals, including goats and sheep. All of these sanctuaries offer opportunities to see some of nature’s most beautiful beings and learn about their stories. Spending time with these animals often motivates visitors to learn more or contribute through donations or volunteering. Santa Clarita invites you to come explore the many sanctuaries, preserves, and wildlife refuges that the city has to offer.
The Gentle Barn
The Gentle Barn is currently home to over 130 animals who are rescued and given sanctuary from abuse.
15825 Sierra Hwy. | (661) 252-2440
The Shadowland Foundation
The Shadowland Foundation, with its pack of 8 wolf-hybrids, is dedicated to educating children of all ages about the true nature of wolves and their enormous contribution to the environment.
18832 Pine Canyon Rd. | (661) 724-0291
Gibbon Conservation Center
The Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the study, preservation, and propagation of gibbons, and to education of the public about them.
19100 Esguerra Rd. | (661) 296-2737
Shambala Preserve
This 80 – acre wild life reserve, Shambala Preserve is home to various exotic and endangered wild felines including Bengel tigers, snow leopards, bobcats and more.
6867 Soledad Canyon Rd. | (661) 268-0380
William S. Hart Park
In addition to the bison roaming the hills of the 265 acre park, there is also an animal barnyard that the kids will love!
24151 Newhall Ave. | (661) 254-4584
Placerita Nature Center
A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide.
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd. | (661) 259-7721
Animal Tracks, Inc.
Get up close and personal with the animals and create some amazing memories with one of our incredible animal experiences.
10234 Escondido Canyon Rd. | (661) 268-1314
Training Cesar’s Way
For the first time, Cesar Millan and his team bring his exceptional insights into dog behavior to a hands-on training course ideal for dog owners and trainers alike.
20340 Blue Cloud Rd.
Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres
Explore the 26-acre farm sanctuary – a Southern California Shelter which is located on a beautiful hacienda ranch in Acton, just outside Santa Clarita.
5200 Escondido Canyon Rd. | (661) 269-5404
Placerita Canyon
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a 350-acre wildlife sanctuary located at the Western end of the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California’s Santa Clarita Valley.
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd. | (661) 259-7721