15825 Sierra Hwy
Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita and its surrounding areas boast a wealth of amazing animals and wildlife. Often you can see wild animals roaming the mountainous regions of the county, including lizards, birds, rabbits, mountain lions and coyotes. The area is also home to a number of animal sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for rescued animals.

15825 Sierra Hwy
Santa Clarita, CA

The Gentle Barn is currently home to over 130 animals who are rescued and given sanctuary from abuse. Once the animals are rehabilitated, they stay at the Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita for the rest of their lives and serve as ambassadors helping kids learn kindness, compassion, confidence and reverence for all life. Visit The Gentle Barn and hug the cows, feed the horses carrots, give the pigs tummy rubs, hold the chickens, pet the goats and sheep, sit under the shade trees, munch on popcorn, and make new friends. Visit the Gentle Barn on any Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a $22.00 donation per adult, $12 per child.

18832 Pine Canyon Rd
Lake Hughes, CA

The Shadowland Foundation, with its pack of 8 wolf-hybrids, is dedicated to educating children of all ages about the true nature of wolves and their enormous contribution to the environment.

19152 Placerita Canyon Rd
Los Angeles County, CA

A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide. Picnicking is available near the Nature Center. Every Saturday the Placerita Canyon Nature Center offers aFamily Nature Walk and a Native Live Animal Presentation. There is no charge for these programs and they are fun for the whole family. Every second Saturday of the month there is a docent led Bird Walk starting for beginning to advanced birders. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and water. The Placerita Canyon Nature Center and park encompasses oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communities on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails.

6867 Soledad Canyon Rd
Acton, CA

This 80 – acre wild life reserve, Shambala Preserve is home to various exotic and endangered wild felines including Bengel tigers, snow leopards, bobcats and more. Hours vary. Shambala Preserve offers family enjoyment in the form of zoological education, which is an excellent and unique addition to any Southern California vacation. Educational tours, safari tours, school tours and overnight tent stays are available. The Roar Foundation, founded in 1983 by actress Tippi Hedren, exists solely to support the abandoned exotic felines at Shambala Preserve.

William S. Hart Regional Park

Santa Clarita, California, United States

Thanks to a gift from Walt Disney in 1962, there are American Bison (buffalo) that roam Hart Park. As you wander up to check out the Hart Museum, look through the fence on your right. In addition to the bison roaming the hills of the 265 acre park, there is also an animal barnyard that the kids will love! Come on by and enjoy the horses, a cow, a deer and several ducks, chickens, etc. Food for feeding some of the animals may be purchased at the Trading Post. Animal Barnyard hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

5200 Escondido Canyon Rd
Acton, CA

Explore the 26-acre farm sanctuary – a Southern California Shelter which is located on a beautiful hacienda ranch in Acton, just outside Santa Clarita. In addition to providing shelter for more than 100 animals, Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres offers one-hour guided tours on Sundays and group tours are available by appointment. The farm sanctuary gift shop is open before and after tours. Visitors will find educational materials, as well as a variety of items available for purchase including apparel, books, and souvenirs. View Visitor Center hours and tour times at the farm sanctuary.

19100 Esguerra Rd
Santa Clarita, CA

The Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the study, preservation, and propagation of gibbons, and to education of the public about them. The Gibbon Conservation Center strongly supports the conservation of gibbons in their natural habitat. The center is home to the largest group of gibbons in the Americas, including six of the 15 extant species, and have reproduced six gibbon species. Educational tours are available Saturday & Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tours during the week are available by private appointment. To book a tour of the Gibbon Conservation Center during your Southern California vacation, please contact by email at info@gibboncenter.org or phone (661) 296-2737.

10234 Escondido Canyon Rd
Agua Dulce, CA

Get up close and personal with the animals and create some amazing memories with one of their incredible animal experiences. Animal Tracks strives to educate the public through outreach and up close animal encounters while providing a safe and happy home for animals that can’t be returned to their natural habitats such as monkeys, kangaroo, porcupine hedgehogs and more. Book you tour today!