The rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in Santa Cruz County.

Native Animal Rescue’s primary purpose is the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, with the ultimate goal being release back to the wild. Additionally, we are committed to educating the general public in the appreciation of and the regard for challenges created by the interaction between people and wildlife and wildlife’s decreasing habitat.

Native Animal Rescue works to increase human understanding and respect for wildlife and their habitats. In addition to working directly with animals and birds, we work closely with veterinarians and wildlife management professionals to medically treat and rehabilitate injured, sick, orphaned and oiled wildlife.

When a distressed animal is found by anyone in Santa Cruz County a call to our Wild Lifeline 831-462-0726 , alerts us to the animal’s situation. We give immediate care instructions over the phone, enabling the caller to safely handle and transport the animal to our facility. There, trained staff and volunteers examine it, give first aid, and determine its further needs.

Major medical problems are treated by veterinarians. The animal is then cared for until it can be released back into the wild. We also keep exact records on each animal to collect data on migration, breeding and habitat needs, information which helps professionals in the management of local wildlife.