C a T T a L E S
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is simple yet profound: Wildlife Rescue, Compassionate Care, and Education Ambassadorship. We provide our rescued wildlife with the best second chance at life. We accomplish this through safe and professional animal care while advocating for animal conservation and responsible ownership. By ensuring the animals' physical, mental, and emotional needs we can better educate our guests and community about our animals and the importance of conservation for their species.
- Income
- $599,054
- Spending
- $554,625
- Spent on programs
- 93%
- Reserves
- -0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 81%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $23,200, director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 42 out of 100. Higher than 6% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 82% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 0% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1593% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $301,410 spent. Our organization has secured and maintained over 40 animals, including large felines, bears, wolves, and other zoo and wildlife species. Our comprehensive care program includes the provision of species-appropriate nutrition, essential supplies, dedicated staffing, and specialized veterinary care, underscoring our commitment to the welfare of these animals. This initiative offers a secure and nurturing forever home for rescued, retired, and non-releasable animals, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. Our efforts provide sanctuary for these animals and embody our dedication to conservation and the promotion of responsible wildlife management.
- $141,303 spent. Our third program service enriches the community through engaging on-site experiences for public visitors, meticulously designed to be educational and safe. We prioritize our guests and staff's health and well-being by investing in essential protective gear, rigorous sanitation practices, and clear signage, along with constructing barriers where needed to ensure a secure environment for all. Additionally, we serve as a dynamic out-of-school learning hub catering to students from kindergarten through college. Our specialized wildlife and conservation education programs aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. By offering a hands-on, immersive learning experience, we bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world conservation challenges, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife and their habitats. Our commitment extends beyond mere visits we cultivate a community deeply invested in preserving our natural world.
- $73,167 spent. Our program is dedicated to providing safe, comfortable, and species-appropriate habitats for our animals, focusing on the innovative use of available resources to construct and maintain housing and exhibits. Leveraging carefully selected materials, along with donated tools and supplies, we strive to create environments that meet our animals' basic needs and promote their well-being and natural behaviors. Our approach is guided by a deep commitment to animal welfare, ensuring that, despite budgetary limitations, each habitat we construct or maintain offers a secure and enriching space. This effort underscores our dedication to maximizing every dollar towards enhancing the living conditions of our animals, demonstrating our resolve to provide them with a sanctuary that respects their needs and dignity.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1996.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.