ifaw delivers emergency assistance in wake of Wildlife Waystation closure

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 26, 2019) – Today, following the August 14th closure of the Wildlife Waystation (WW) in Sylmar, California, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) issued a $10,000 emergency grant to the 160-acre private, non-profit animal sanctuary. This grant ensures the 470 animals it houses – including leopards, tigers, alligators, wolves, lions and chimpanzees – continue to receive critical 24-hour care while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) relocates the animals to new homes.

In recent years, WW has struggled to maintain adequate facilities, challenged by extensive damage from both wildfire and floods. As of August 2019, the sanctuary could no longer fund the operation and returned their permits to CDFW.

"With IFAW's generous grant, WW can provide emergency care to these animals." said Kate Thompson, Independent Board Member at WW. "We are grateful for the support of IFAW and their donors during this transition.”

“When it became clear that WW was in distress, we sprang into action to offer our immediate assistance,” said Katie Moore Deputy Vice President of Rescue at IFAW. “Because of our generous supporters, we were able to secure the necessary funds in less than 48-hours. That said, the work is just beginning.”

Animals, such as these, often come to the WW as surrenders by owners or illegal import seizures by authorities. In many cases, these animals cannot be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, and instead need lifelong care in a sanctuary.

"Whether in the wild or a sanctuary, we believe every animal matters – and we invest in their protection and care,” added Moore.

In the last ten years, IFAW has helped 145 big cats from enforcement confiscations or defunct sanctuaries find permanent homes through a network of wildlife sanctuaries. Furthermore, as a founding member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA), IFAW is working to eliminate the private ownership and commercial exploitation of wild cats in the United States.

For more information on IFAW's projects around the world, please visit ifaw.org.

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):

 The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.

Wildlife Waystation (WW):

Wildlife Waystation (WW) is a 160-acre private, non-profit animal sanctuary located in the Angeles National Forest just north of Los Angeles, California. We are home to over 400 wild and exotic animals comprising over 125 different species. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are devoted to providing a place of refuge, healing and safety for animals in need.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW):

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

Press Contact:

Melanie Mahoney

m: 508.815.7792

e: press@ifaw.org