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SoCal's wonderful weather makes an ideal location for some of the largest animal sanctuaries in the nation. Many opportunities to get up close to both wild and companion animals are within Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County. We include map links with directions.

Please note that while many of these rescues and sanctuaries do not charge an admission, most are run by volunteers with very little funding--if any. They all appreciate your donations, and many seek volunteers to love and work with the animals. Also, many are located at personal residences, so please call ahead as requested.


Please visit our Calendar of Events for specific tour and 'up close' opportunities.

Aquarium

Newhall Aquarium
A non-profit organization providing hands-on learning experience, touch tanks, and daily activities. Suitable for small children. Limited hours.
24631 Arch Street, Newhall

Barnyard Zoo

William S. Hart Park
661-259-0855
Chickens, horses, pigs and other barnyard animals (over 50!) await your visit at the barnyard zoo in William S. Hart Park. Admission is free. Open daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (close early on holidays). Get a virtual tour here. The best time to visit the barnyard is between 12:30-2:00 for afternoon feeding. The geese form a procession from the duck pond back to their enclosures for their meal. Pellets are available to purchase in a dispenser next to the chicken coop. (Bring your quarters!) Be sure to download a QR code reader to your smartphone for your self-guided tour through the barnyard.

Is it the bison you want to see? Come in the morning between 9-10:00 right after they've been fed.
24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita

Birds

Steckel Park Aviary
805-933-3200
Refurbished in 2013, this aviary is open to the public and a long-time favorite of locals. Some of the species you'll view: peacock, cockatoo, cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, peafowl, pigeons, doves, geese. Shaded picnic areas, updated bathrooms.
8080 Mistletoe Road, Santa Paula(Off Highway 150)

Bison

William S. Hart Park
Museum Information: 661-254-4584
Park Information: 661-259-0855
Several bison roam the hillside near the William S. Hart Museum, donated by Disney in 1962. Park the car in the lot and walk up the drive toward the mansion. They can be difficult to spot; look for the chain link fence 'feeding area' to your right just before you reach the mansion. They are usually there every day between 6:30-noon, and then again at 4:00 pm for feeding. If it is blazing hot, they may be resting in the shade at the bottom of the hill near the Senior Center, or drinking from their watering trough. Or they could be roaming anywhere on the hillside around the mansion. Free. While there, stop in for a tour of the mansion, offered Wednesday--Sunday, hours vary. Free.
24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita

Exotic Animal Encounters

America's Teaching Zoo, Moorpark College
805-378-1441
Open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Wildlife education shows and carnivore feeding demonstration at regularly scheduled times, free with admission. Up-close and personal opportunities also available.
7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Animal Tracks, Inc.
661-268-1314
Tour-hour ranch tours are offered for ages 5+ where you'll get to see everything from an alligator to a Wallaby, and interact with some of the animals. Or register for one of their private experiences, including hugging monkeys! (ages 16+)
10234 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce

Feline Conservation Center
Also known as "The Cat House" this big cat rescue is just 40 minutes outside of Santa Clarita in Rosamond. Not only are kids always welcome and the admission nominal, but there are special events such as Twilight Tours and Kids Day! And they are always in need of volunteers.
3718 60th Street W, Rosamond

Gibbon Conservation Center
661-296-2737
Technically an ape, these animals are smaller than a chimpanzee and do not have tails. The forty gibbons at the Gibbon Conservation Center live as families in outdoor enclosures on the 2.5-acre site located across the street from Lombardi Ranch on Bouquet Canyon. The gibbons will entertain you with their beautifully pitched voices and acrobatic antics. Call ahead and join a scheduled tour, or reserve a private tour. Tours are also open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. The center is always looking for volunteers, age 18 and over. Admission is tax deductible.
19100 Esguerra, Saugus

Hollywood Animals Exotic Animal Training School
323-665-9500
Get up close to animal actors during a one day seminar, or ride an elephant during a private animal encounter. Location will be disclosed after making reservation. Located in Santa Clarita

Shambala Preserve
661-268-0380
Shambala Preserve, an 80-acre wildlife habitat, is a haven for endangered and exotic big cats. African lions, Siberian and Bengal tigers, leopards, servals, mountain lions, bobcats, a lynx, a Florida panther, a snow leopard, and a cheetah all reside at this sanctuary--the only one like it in the United States. Open periodically for public tours to visitors 18 and over.
6867 Soledad Canyon Road, Acton

Farm Animals

Farm Sanctuary Animal Acres
661-269-5404
Open year 'round on Saturdays and Sundays. Guided one-hour tours are held 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Always call ahead to avoid disappointment. Reservations are not required, but to visit with the animals you do need to join a guided tour.
5200 Escondido Canyon Road, Acton

The Gentle Barn
661-252-2440
This animal rescue shelter opens its doors to the public Sundays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Teaching kindness and compassion to animals, you'll have an opportunity to not only interact with the pigs, but to brush the horses, hug the cows, hold the chickens, hang out with a turkey, and pet the goats and sheep.
15825 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita

Horse Sanctuaries

Rivendel Animal Sanctuary
661-974-0611
The passion of this sanctuary is to save ponies, horses and donkeys. They also have rescued other abused animals. All of the animals here are not suitable for adoption. The public is welcome to visit by appointment. Location will be provided when you call.
Acton

Wildlife, Snakes, Tarantulas

Placerita Nature Center
661-259-7721
Get up close and personal with some of the scariest insects and reptiles from our area. Saturdays at 1:00 PM the Placerita Nature Center staff bring out these creatures to give you an opportunity to touch them. The Interpretive Center's grand opening was February 2015 and features animal enclosures, an observation deck with two telescopes to observe nearby wildlife, a classroom, gift shop, and patio. It is open Tuesday - Sunday, closed on Mondays, 9-5. Free.
19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Santa Clarita

Shadowland Foundation
661-724-0219
Home to a pack of ten Alaskan wolves, the foundation seeks to educate children of all ages about the wolves' contribution to the environment. Meet and play with the wolves! Reservations are required to join a Saturday tour.
18832 Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes







Updated January 14, 2017