The Mission of the Wildlife Waystation is to rescue, rehabilitate, relocate, & provide sanctuary for exotic animals around the world as well as native wildlife. Wildlife Waystation was founded in 1976 to rescue and provide sanctuary for abandoned, abused or injured wild and exotic animals. Internationally known, the Wildlife Waystation has accepted tigers from Ireland, lions from New Zealand and Canada, and a variety of animals from across the United States, as well as Southern California native wildlife. Every rescue was important and, often life-saving. Over the years, thousands of native wildlife have been rehabilitated and successfully released back into their natural habitat. Thousands more, mostly exotics, have remained at our sanctuary. Here, they are well cared for by animal care staff, veterinarians and dedicated volunteers for the rest of their natural lives. Wildlife Waystation is also the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the Western United States. Most of the chimpanzees have come from biomedical research facilities.Throughout the Waystation's history, educating the public has been a priority with a goal to preserve wildlife through understanding how to co-exist with native wildlife and why exotic animals do not make good pets. Through community programs, volunteers are available to speak to civic groups, scouts and schools. Wildlife Waystation continues this educational efforts by participating in community events throughout southern California.