What We Do
Native Animal Rescue (NAR) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife in Santa Cruz County.
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release
- We are a community of expert rehabilitators trained to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and release wild animals back to the wild in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife standards.
- We receive and care for distressed wild animals brought to us by concerned citizens. Anyone who finds a distressed wild animal in Santa Cruz County can bring the animal to us at 1855 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, where we receive animals between 8 am and 8 pm.
- We give care and rescue instructions on this website and at 831-462-0726 to help the caller safely handle and transport the animal to our facility where trained staff and volunteers examine it, give first aid, and determine its further needs.
- We work closely with veterinarians to medically treat and rehabilitate orphaned, injured, sick, and oiled wildlife. The animals are cared for until they can be safely released back into the wild.
- We keep exact records on each animal to help wildlife management professionals understand local migration, breeding and habitat needs.
Protect and Educate
- We work to increase human understanding and respect for wildlife and their habitats.
- We work to educate our human neighbors on the benefits of coexisting with our wild neighbors, and we even tell you how to do it.

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