Meet our Sanctuary
Animals
Help Support Our Sanctuary Animals
Help Care for Our Permanent Animal Friends…
Due to chronic health conditions, special needs or severe past trauma, our Sanctuary Animals have found their forever homes with long-term Cali_FID volunteers – our Sanctuary Crew. In these permanent sanctuary homes, our animals receive the dedicated care, patience and love they deserve for the rest of their lives with the volunteers who have fought for them since the beginning.
Your monthly sponsorship helps provide everything needed to keep these animals happy and healthy – from nutritious food to appropriate enclosures, supplies, specialized veterinary care, medications and daily enrichment. Providing whatever support the Crew needs to care for their sanctuary fosters and giving these beautiful souls peace for however long they have left with us is a massive commitment. That is exactly why we need you.
Your sponsorship makes a difference. For example, $10 a month helps purchase daily supplies like bedding or potty pads, while $20 or $25 can secure specialized food or vital medications. Most importantly, your support ensures that our Sanctuary Crew will always have the rescue’s full backing to meet the unique needs of these special animals.
Thank you for becoming their second chance – just click the ‘Sponsor’ button to get started!
Ruby
Green-winged Macaw
Ruby came to us in 2013 after her owner’s health made caring for her impossible. She has chronic health issues, including significant muscle atrophy in her back and hips resulting from improper housing and care in her previous home.
Ruby is now living in a safe, supportive environment where her needs can be carefully monitored and she can enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Ross
Three-toed Box Turtle
Ross arrived as a stray in 2013 after being found by a Good Samaritan following a car accident. He suffered significant shell damage, but our veterinarian was able to repair it with a fiberglass patch.
Ross is now safe at the sanctuary, where he can continue to receive the specialized care he needs.
Cloudy
Goffin’s Cockatoo
Cloudy was surrendered by a family member in 2019 after her owner passed away. She has significant behavioral challenges resulting from mistreatment in previous homes.
Cloudy is now in a stable and caring environment where her needs can be understood and met with patience, compassion, and consistency.
Raven
Boa Constrictor
Raven was found as a stray and transferred to us from another rescue in 2024 because of ongoing health and behavioral concerns. Her previous care left her dehydrated and malnourished, and she was understandably mistrustful of people.
Raven is now receiving proper nutrition, hydration, veterinary care, and the time and patience needed to help her feel safe.
Pedro
Semi-aquatic Turtle
Pedro was found as a stray by a Good Samaritan after being hit by a car. His shell was badly damaged, but our veterinarian was able to repair it using a fiberglass patch.
Pedro is now safe at the sanctuary, where he can continue to receive the specialized care he needs.
Spirit
Blue & Gold Macaw
Spirit came to us in 2014 through a local wildlife center after a difficult incident in which she bit a child. Sadly, people in her neighborhood wanted her killed. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan stepped in and helped save her life.
Spirit is feather-plucked and has ongoing health and behavioral challenges resulting from improper care and treatment in her previous home. At the sanctuary, she has found a safe place where she can be understood, cared for, and allowed to live out her life.
SugarBear
Three-toed Box Turtle
SugarBear was surrendered in 2022 when her owner retired from teaching. Her shell is severely deformed due to metabolic bone disease (MBD) and a history of inadequate care.
Although her shell cannot be restored, SugarBear is now in a safe and supportive environment where she can receive the proper care and nutrition she needs.
Shellie
Sulcata Tortoise
Shellie was confiscated by Animal Control after being kept in a small plastic tote that left her unable to move normally. Her shell is permanently and severely deformed, and she also suffered from muscle atrophy in her legs.
Thankfully, Shellie’s leg strength is improving. At the sanctuary, she has the space, care, and support she needs to continue making progress.
Knute
Green-winged Macaw
Knute came to the sanctuary in 2020 after her owner passed away and a family member surrendered her. She is feather-plucked as a result of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and an inadequate diet.
Today, Knute has a safe home where she can receive proper nutrition, attentive care, and the environment she deserves.
Lenna
Three-toed Box Turtle
Lenna was surrendered in 2026 after spending 20 years living in a classroom. She has a severe, permanent shell deformity resulting from improper care.
Lenna has a safe and comfortable home at the sanctuary, where she can receive the specialized care she needs for the rest of her life.
Mariann
Three-toed Box Turtle
Mariann was found as a stray, and a Good Samaritan brought her to a Bay Area shelter in 2026. She has a shell deformity that was likely caused by improper care, along with old, healing wounds. Turtle shells can take many years to regenerate, so her recovery will require time and patience.
Mariann is now safe at the sanctuary and receiving the care she needs to heal and thrive.
McQueen
Indian Star Tortoise
McQueen was surrendered in 2024 because of ongoing health problems requiring advanced veterinary care. His growth has been negatively affected by his poor health.
McQueen is now receiving the specialized care, nutrition, and veterinary attention he needs while we give him the best possible chance for a healthy and comfortable life.
Chy
Sulcata Tortoise
Chy was surrendered in 2024 because she needed advanced veterinary care. She had been attacked by rodents and lost both of her front legs.
Chy is a remarkable survivor. She is doing well with sanctuary care, but as she grows, she will likely need wheels or another assistive device to help her get around. We are committed to helping her remain active and comfortable throughout her life.
Speedy
California Desert Tortoise
Speedy was picked up as a stray by Animal Control in 2025. Because California desert tortoises are a restricted species and Speedy has lived in captivity, he cannot be released into the wild.
Speedy has been registered with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and will remain at the sanctuary, where he can live safely and receive lifelong care.
Groot
California Desert Tortoise
Groot was surrendered in 2026 when his owner retired and moved. He had originally been adopted from a rescue and is now over 40 years old. Unfortunately, the rescue that originally placed him was unable to take him back.
Because Groot is a restricted species who has lived in captivity, he cannot be released into the wild. He has been registered with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and now has a permanent home at the sanctuary.
Chomp & Chug
Red-footed Tortoises
These two little fellows came to us from a Bay Area shelter in 2026. We don’t know how these hatchlings ended up in a municipal animal shelter, but it was clear they needed specialized care. Red-footed tortoises require appropriate humidity, heat, and UVB lighting to grow and develop properly.
Chomp and Chug are now getting the care they need. We are committed to providing for them until they reach legal size—approximately 4 inches across the shell—which should take about three years.