USDA Reinstates License of Closed Animal Sanctuary

A long-troubled wildlife sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest reached a major goal in its own rehabilitation Monday when it received a clean bill of health on nearly 300 health and safety violations it was cited for a year ago.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reinstated the Wildlife Waystation’s operating license, which had been suspended Oct. 31, 2002, after inspections revealed that long-standing crowded, unsanitary and unsafe conditions had not been fixed.

“This is a great Christmas gift for the animals,” said Bob Lorsch, a Los Angeles philanthropist and volunteer consultant to the 160-acre facility near Tujunga. “It enables the animals to be seen by the public, which is the simplest way for us to communicate what the waystation is all about -- love and care for the animals.”

Authorities closed the facility to the public two years ago and barred it from taking in additional sick, injured or abandoned animals. The refuge was allowed to continue caring for its existing population.

The 27-year-old Wildlife Waystation will be on regulatory probation for two years, during which time the USDA can impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 “without further procedure” if new violations occur, according to the license reinstatement order signed by Administrative Law Judge Jill S. Clifton in Washington, D.C.

Lorsch said the waystation, one of the largest of its kind, has spent $2 million the last two years to bring habitation for 600 animals, including tigers and chimpanzees, into compliance. Repairs included improved cages, a new perimeter fence, upgraded kitchen and hospital facilities, and diversion of animal waste from waterways into a sanitary drain system.

Clifton signed the order reinstating the license after USDA inspector Jeanne Lorang visited the waystation Nov. 3 and signed a report stating she found no continuing violations.

Closure of the facility to visitors, including potential donors, was devastating to fund-raising efforts, Lorsch said. “We couldn’t so much as photograph the animals. The public needs to see for themselves what the waystation is all about, instead of people like myself going around and begging for the millions of dollars a year it takes to care for and feed the animals.”

He estimated that the food, medical and cleaning bill for the facility is $3 million annually. “We need another $25 million for remodeling to keep it up to code and make it a world-class facility,” he added.

Before it can return to full operation, the waystation must also regain two licenses suspended by the state Fish and Game Department for many of the same reasons cited by the USDA.

Lorsch said he believes all state violations have been corrected. He expects the agency to reissue an exhibitor’s license within a few weeks and a rehabilitation license by spring. “The biggest obstacle to returning to normal operation, by far, was getting the federal license back,” he said.

Steve Martarano, a Fish and Game spokesman, said a recent inspection showed “everything seems to be in order.”

“Overall, we’re very pleased with the amount of improvements they’ve done,” he said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, in whose district the waystation lies, released a statement applauding the USDA action. “The waystation is a vital resource for our county, and I am confident its management team will bring the facility into full compliance with state and county regulations,” he said.