Rescue & Rehabilitation

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

CALM’s Wildlife Rehab Center exists to aid in the rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, or abandoned California native wildlife.

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Wildlife Rehabilitation Information

Before bringing an animal to CALM Zoo, please call us first, as we are limited in what animals we are able to accept.

If you need additional resources or guidance, please contact our gift store at 661-546-8940 and we will be happy to help.

Wildlife Rehab Resources Call 661-546-8940

CWRC Mission

Helping California native wildlife recover and return home

CALM’s Wildlife Rehab Center, also known as CWRC, supports the care, rehabilitation, and release of California native wildlife that are sick, injured, or abandoned.

With the aid of the CALM Foundation and a matching grant to get started, CWRC has released thousands of animals back to their native land and provided sanctuary to hundreds of animals deemed non-releasable.

Wildlife Care Impact

  • Thousands of animals released back into native habitats
  • Sanctuary provided for non-releasable wildlife
  • Focused care for California native species
  • Support for conservation, education, and animal welfare

How Can We Help?

Choose the right next step

Whether you found an animal, want to support the renovation, or are interested in volunteering, these quick links will guide you to the right place.

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I Found an Animal

Learn what to do if you find injured, sick, or abandoned wildlife.

View guidance
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Find Ways to Give

Support the future of wildlife care and CWRC’s renovation efforts.

Support renovations
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Volunteer

Help support CALM Zoo’s mission through volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer with CALM

I Found an Animal

Help wildlife the right way

It is natural to want to help wildlife, but it is important to do so properly so animals receive the best care and remain protected as wild species.

Important: It is illegal in California for an individual without specific permits to keep, raise, or rehabilitate wild animals.

If you find injured or abandoned wildlife:

  1. Do not attempt to raise or care for the animal yourself.
  2. Keep people and pets away from the animal.
  3. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center.
  4. Refer to California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance.
View CA Wildlife Rules Find Rehab Facilities

Permitting

Wildlife rehabilitation in California requires proper permitting through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This process can take several years and may require more than one permit depending on the species.

Capacity Limitations

Strict capacity limits help ensure each admitted animal receives the focused care needed for the best chance of recovery and release.

Permit Allowances

CWRC cannot accept healthy wildlife, big game mammals, domestic animals, nuisance animals, or pest-control captures.

Wildlife Intake Guidance

What CWRC can and cannot accept

CWRC may accept

  • Injured California native wildlife
  • Sick California native wildlife
  • Orphaned California native wildlife
  • Species allowed under CWRC permitting

CWRC cannot accept

  • Healthy wildlife
  • Big game mammals
  • Domestic animals
  • Nuisance or pest-control captures
  • Non-native species outside permit allowances

If your animal falls outside CWRC’s permit, please use the statewide rehabilitation facility directory to find the appropriate licensed center.

View California Rehab Facilities

Support Wildlife Care

Help build the future of CALM’s Wildlife Rehab Center

Your support helps strengthen wildlife rehabilitation resources for injured, sick, and orphaned California native wildlife.

Donate to Vet Clinic Build

Contact

Wildlife Rehab Contact

For questions related to CALM Wildlife Rehab, please call:

661-546-8940