GOLETA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, announced a fundraising campaign to build a new “Mammal Meadow” on the final undeveloped portion of its property. The expansion is intended to address a surge in demand for space as recent changes to California wildlife‑rehabilitation regulations have reduced the network’s ability to transfer larger animals to other centers.
Regulatory shift creates space shortage
Previously, the network could move certain patients—such as raptors and large mammals—to nearby facilities with larger enclosures. New state rules now require those facilities to retain more of the animals they receive, leaving them unable to accept every transfer from surrounding counties. As a result, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is left caring for animals that need additional room to recover.
Current patients include a bobcat and an owl that would directly benefit from the planned meadow, which would provide dedicated space for larger mammals and birds of prey. By keeping more animals in the local area, the network hopes to improve rehabilitation outcomes and reduce the stress associated with long‑distance transport.
Fundraising goals and community involvement
The organization is seeking private donations to fund construction of the new facilities, which will include fenced grazing areas, shelter structures, and enrichment features designed for species such as deer, coyotes, and various raptors. The network emphasizes that the project is a community effort, relying on local families, businesses, and faith‑based groups to support wildlife stewardship.
“Our mission has always been to give every animal a chance to heal and return to its natural habitat,” said a spokesperson for the network. “With the Mammal Meadow, we can provide the space and resources needed to care for larger species right here in Goleta, rather than sending them away or turning them away altogether.”
Impact on the region
Santa Barbara County is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and the network serves not only Goleta but also neighboring communities that lack dedicated rehabilitation centers. The expansion is expected to benefit the broader region by reducing the burden on over‑capacity facilities in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Local residents have expressed strong support for the project, noting the importance of preserving the county’s natural heritage and teaching younger generations about responsible wildlife care. Several churches and family groups have already pledged contributions, citing the alignment of the effort with stewardship values rooted in faith and family.
How to contribute
Donations can be made through the network’s website, where contributors can designate funds for specific elements of the Mammal Meadow, such as fencing, shelter construction, or educational signage. The organization also plans a series of community events, including volunteer days and informational talks, to keep the public engaged throughout the building process.
As the fundraising campaign progresses, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network will provide regular updates on construction milestones and the number of animals helped by the new meadow. The nonprofit hopes the project will serve as a model for other wildlife‑care organizations facing similar space constraints across the state.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
