"We are connected to each other, to our supporters, and to the animals we care for through our mission, and we feel no joy greater than to be able to give back to nature a small part of the many gifts she gives to all of us."
Linda Evans-McLeod,
founder of Pacific Wildlife Project
- SERVING ORANGE COUNTY SINCE THE 1970s -
ART - ECOLOGY - WELLNESS
ABOUT US
We provide hands-on experiences to enhance connection with art, ecology, and wellness. Our programming aims to protect & preserve nature through education, community outreach, & animal rescue.
CORE VALUES
-
SUSTAINABILITY
-
ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS
-
CLEAN LIVING
-
CREATIVITY
-
COMMUNITY
-
NATURAL HEALING
-
AWARENESS
-
RESPONSIBILITY
-
PEACE
Prevention is the best solution
and prevention comes from an educated public.
Our programs include;
+ Non-toxic and sustainable living
+ Eco-conscious building solutions
+ Restoring habitats
+ Fostering native, fire-resistant & pollinator gardens
+ Food forests
+ Beach clean-ups
+ Reducing everyday impact on the environment
"No other shelter in Orange County
services the same wide range
of species"
- LA TIMES
Our services are recognized by
-
U.S. Department of the Interior USFWS Special Recognition Award
-
Disneyland Community Service Environmental Award
-
Disneyland Orange County Community Service Award
-
Los Angeles S.P.C.A. Special Achievement Award
-
L.I.F.E. Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award
-
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Lifetime Achievement Award
-
Nautical Heritage Society Award of Ancient Mariner
-
Orange County Animal Services Special Recognition
-
Pet Place Special Recognition
-
Thomas F. Riley, O.C. Board of Supervisors Certificate of Appreciation
-
O.C. Volunteer Center California Award
-
CA Department of Fish & Game Certificate of Appreciation
Pacific Wildlife Project (PWP)
is an organization of community volunteers who:
-
Rescue & care for distressed animals
-
Support & encourage conservation
-
Protect wildlife
-
Host educational programs
-
Raise environmental awareness
RECOVERY & RELEASE PROCESS
The Project's Wildlife Rescue and Recovery Center works with orphaned and injured wildlife of all species. We provide animals with medical treatment by expert veterinarians. Our team includes specialists in wildlife medicine who generously volunteer their time and expertise to help ailing wild animals.
Under the supervision and direction of founder and Wildlife Care Specialist Linda McLeod-Evans, volunteers are trained as Wildlife Medics to provide foster care to orphan birds and mammals and nursing care for injured patients through the recovery and rehabilitation phase of their hospital stay.
The Emerald Sanctuary location in Laguna Beach historically provided continuous food, shelter, and medical attention to animals while they heal. When animals have injuries that make them too vulnerable to return to the wild, they were provided a permanent home here.
Recovered animals are returned to the wild into carefully selected habitats when their treatment at the Center is complete. Each year, volunteers at the Project care for thousands of birds and mammals.
RESCUE TEAMS
Although Pacific Wildlife Project is best known for its expertise in the care of endangered California Brown Pelicans, we proudly care for almost all wild & domestic animals that need our help. We accept calls at any time to pick up animals or receive drop-offs in any condition, no questions asked.
Operation Pelican Watch was the Project's field rescue program formed in 1992. Volunteers patrolled lakes, beaches, and harbors to find and rescue pelicans and other seabirds and bring them to the Center for treatment. Hundreds of seabirds every year are victims of human carelessness or abuse and are injured by fish lines, hooks, and plastic debris. Without rescue and care, these birds usually die from infection and starvation. With intervention, 85% of the rescued birds recover and are returned to the wild.
Since that time, Operation Pelican Watch has evolved into the Seabird Rescue Team and the Waterfowl Rescue Team. The Seabird Rescue team is responsible for patrolling areas along beaches, and the Waterfowl Rescue team is responsible for patrolling lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds. Together, they are able to cover a huge radius and rescue other animals that might have otherwise been left for the worst.
​
SAVING THE ENDANGERED
The Project has been a key agency in crisis response and has rescued wildlife during fires and severe weather events, assisted agencies in emergency care of birds affected by fuel and crude oil, and responded for more than seven consecutive years to "the Worst Brown Pelican Die-off in the Nation's History" - the botulism outbreak at the Salton Sea. Pacific Wildlife Project, the lead agency in that disaster event, trained U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service personnel, established treatment and response protocols, and rallied over two hundred community volunteers to successfully rescue and treat over 4000 Pelicans.
The Project was subsequently honored with the Special Recognition Award from the United States Department of the Interior for its contribution to the nation's endangered wildlife. Pacific Wildlife Project's team of volunteers currently has the distinction of treating more pelicans than any facility worldwide! The Project provides telephone counseling to the public for all wildlife-related issues. A resource for radio, television, and print media, medical staff, and wildlife care experts to educate the public on wildlife issues.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Volunteers present programs and exhibits for community groups, schools, and community events. Help and information brochures are published and distributed throughout the community, including; animal shelters, veterinary offices, and harbor locations. Volunteer Programs give animal-loving citizens the opportunity to learn about and help animals and pursue internships, course credits, community service hours, and job training.
The Project also contributes to the community through opportunities for teen, senior, and handicapped volunteers, as well as special projects for at-risk juveniles. Participation in legislative and animal protection issues promotes a healthy future for our precious wildlife. The Project helps people and agencies through community education to promote humane treatment, personal responsibility, and involvement in wildlife protection issues.
​
​
OUR LOCATION
LOCATION
Nestled in the Laguna Beach hills, the Emerald sanctuary historically housed a wide array of wild, domestic, and exotic animals. This facility was an essential part of the Pacific Wildlife Project. Together, we have healed, released, or provided homes to thousands of animals.
Additionally, the Straw House location is in progress in the Laguna Canyon.
This location is currently under threat, and we are seeking funding to secure a safe future for the animals in our care.
​
We provide space for animals to heal - rather than be euthanatized. This ideal place of refuge is in a coastal climate zone. The design creates an intensified ecosystem that additionally supports local wildlife. Our fire break garden of strategically placed high-water content plants has been verified by local fire authorities to have prevented neighboring homes from burning down during wildfires.
Designed in harmony with the land, using reclaimed materials