About Us

Every day along California’s Central Coast, wild animals are caught in the crosshairs of a human world—struck by cars, orphaned by tree-trimming, attacked by dogs and cats, tangled in fishing line. The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network exists to answer the call.

Since 1988, we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. But we do more than save lives—we help people rediscover their connection to the wild.

Because when you care for a single animal, you protect the ecosystem it belongs to. And when a community learns to live alongside wildlife, everyone thrives.

Providing quality rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release services to injured, sick, oiled, orphaned, and displaced wildlife.

Educating the public about the needs of at-risk wildlife, the challenges faced by wildlife in the region, and effective ways to help ensure the health and survival of wild animals.

Gathering and sharing information on wildlife treatments, rehabilitation techniques, behavior, and optimal management and care methods with other wildlife care providers, partners, researchers, and agencies.

1988 - SBWCN Is Founded
A group of passionate community members begin caring for injured and orphaned wildlife out of their homes. What started as a grassroots effort quickly gains momentum as the need for wildlife rescue becomes impossible to ignore.
1990s - Growing from the Ground Up
As patient numbers rise, SBWCN begins establishing partnerships with local veterinarians and volunteers. The network expands across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, responding to thousands of wildlife emergencies annually.
2004 - A Place to Call Home
SBWCN acquires property in Goleta to serve as a permanent facility for wildlife care. The modest site becomes a hub for rescues, rehabilitation, and volunteer coordination.
2012 - Launch of the Wildlife Helpline
The dedicated Wildlife Helpline is created, giving the public a direct line to trained responders. The hotline handles thousands of calls each year from people who’ve found animals in distress.
2021 - Construction Begins on a New Wildlife Hospital
Thanks to an outpouring of community support and funding, SBWCN breaks ground on a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital—custom-built to handle the increasing volume and complexity of animal cases.
2022 - Grand Opening of the Wildlife Hospital
The new facility opens its doors, transforming SBWCN’s capacity to care for wild patients. With on-site surgery, diagnostics, seabird pools, nurseries, and recovery enclosures, it's a regional game-changer for wildlife care.
2023 - Over 4,000 Animals Treated in a Single Year
From baby hummingbirds to injured sea birds, the hospital operates at full capacity—made possible by staff, volunteers, and donors committed to giving wildlife a second chance.
2025 and Beyond - Expanding Impact Through Education and Advocacy
With a renewed focus on public education, SBWCN launches Wild Welcome, our program to teach communities how to live in harmony with wildlife. The goal: to reduce harm before it happens, and inspire stewardship for generations to come. SBWCN is also featured in the IMAX film “Wild Rescue”, driving even more attention to the important work of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.