Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary

We Need Your Help!  

Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Safe Haven provides lifelong care to abandoned, confiscated and surrendered big cats, bears, small wild cats and native wildlife.  Due to several consecutive years of experiencing the effects of climate change, including wildfire smoke and increasing high temperatures, we have initiated a $75,000 Matching Campaign to fund a temperature controlled build that will provide immediate relief to our rescued residents during climate-related emergencies.

This past summer, we experienced the worst heat waves ever since our 2006 inception.  When we first saw the forecast in late May for 104 to 106 degree days, we immediately put an emergency plan in place in the event any of our residents exhibited signs of heat distress.

We immediately moved our elderly and most vulnerable big cats inside our veterinary hospital, but this building can only house several residents at one time. Staff worked from 6am to 9pm sharing different shifts to hose down animals in lockouts, add ice to water bowls and offer “bloodsickles” and other means of cooling in addition to their shaded areas and in-ground pools.  

This heat wave didn’t last 5 days but over 2 months, creating a tremendous strain on both our animals and staff.  Everyone was exhausted.  Very few days went below 97 degrees with our highest still reaching 106.  

We decided that we cannot take a risk like this in the future.  We were very fortunate we did not lose anyone due to the excessive heat, but need to come up with a better solution in the event this occurs again.  Not to mention, the tremendous increase in wildfires these last two years adding heavy smoke to deal with in addition to the heat.

This building will be 40' x 100' and provide both cooling and heat.  It will have a single walkway with cages on the right and left sides that will allow a small area for mobility and an area for each large animal lockout.   This would enable them to stay cool or warm – whichever the circumstance, but most importantly – safe. They could if necessary, comfortably remain in the building for months if needed.  This is probably the most important project we will need to fund. Any amount donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar and help us reach our goal.  We need to be prepared by late spring.  This recent heat wave started with triple digit temperatures in May and did not end until then end of July.  This cannot happen again without us being prepared.  Our responsibility is to care and protect all of those we have promised lifelong care.  We need to do this – now!  Please Donate!