1 / 3Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary
📍 Phelan, CA
Non-profit rescue sanctuary in Phelan caring for abused and abandoned exotic animals including big cats. Offers educational guided tours and an optional exotic feeding experience. Staff actively engage with children throughout the tour.
Forever Wild is truly something special. From the moment you arrive, you can tell this place is built on genuine love, respect, and dedication to animals that have often come from difficult pasts. This is not a zoo or a roadside attraction—it’s a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and transparent about the animals’ stories, their care, and the mission of conservation and rescue. You can see firsthand how much effort goes into providing these animals with space, enrichment, and dignity. Every animal is treated as an individual, not an exhibit. The tours are engaging, educational, and deeply moving. You leave not only having seen amazing animals up close, but with a better understanding of why sanctuaries like this are so important and why protecting wildlife matters. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for a meaningful, ethical, and unforgettable experience—one that supports real animal welfare—Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is absolutely worth the visit. Highly recommended.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families who want a conservation-focused animal encounter rather than a traditional zoo. Staff knowledge and engagement with children is the standout feature, and the rescue-story format gives kids meaningful context for every animal they see.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →840 Google reviews
Steven Griffiths
3 months ago
“Forever Wild is truly something special. From the moment you arrive, you can tell this place is built on genuine love, respect, and dedication to animals that have often come from difficult pasts. This is not a zoo or a roadside attraction—it’s a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and transparent about the animals’ stories, their care, and the mission of conservation and rescue. You can see firsthand how much effort goes into providing these animals with space, enrichment, and dignity. Every animal is treated as an individual, not an exhibit. The tours are engaging, educational, and deeply moving. You leave not only having seen amazing animals up close, but with a better understanding of why sanctuaries like this are so important and why protecting wildlife matters. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for a meaningful, ethical, and unforgettable experience—one that supports real animal welfare—Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is absolutely worth the visit. Highly recommended.”
Blake
a month ago
“Loved this place! Must go! Staff was extremely friendly, answered all questions, and provided knowledge of the wonderful animals they have. They do well with what they have to ensure the animals are being well taken care of. Animals all seem like they love the staff too. Great job forever wild animal sanctuary!! I prefer you guys over the zoo any day!! Thank you again for the unforgettable experience!”
Ana Amador
4 months ago
“What a truly amazing experience kid friendly and all of the above! We were a big group of people did exotic feeding and barn ! I thought this place was too good to be true because $5 admission what?? Great prices beautiful animals 10/10 thank you so much to the staff member that answered all our kids questions”
Marlene
2 months ago
“Wow, what a hidden gem! I can't believe this sanctuary is nestled in Phelan. We were definitely pleasantly surprised during our visit to see so many beautiful animals! It was truly a magical experience being able to visit all of these animals in the desert! We can't wait to go back!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary provides permanent homes to exotic animals rescued from abuse and neglect. Tours are led by staff who explain each animal's rescue backstory and engage directly with children's questions. An optional exotic feeding experience allows closer interaction with selected animals. The sanctuary is set in the high desert — open-air and entirely outdoors. Admission is intentionally kept low to support community access.
