My two year old never wants to leave. She's taking horse back riding lessons and she's learning so much. Grateful for this place read more

Wildhaven Ranch - My daughter prepping to horse back ride - Zoos Near Me - Cedar Glen, California

beautiful people, doing a beautiful work, saving beautiful animals, we loved it, thank you!

Very unexciting. My husband and I stayed in Big Bear for a weekend and on a whim thought it would be cool to visit the animals. The funny thing is they don't require masks but tell you to wear one around certain animals. I've been wearing my masks constantly but it's hilarious to know that's it's more important to wear them around the animals versus the humans , very strange. A lot of the cages were empty even the reptile room indoors was empty, felt like a rip off even though the cost was minimal. I am not even sure if a child would enjoy this, you can finish the whole walk though in less than 15 minutes. I know it's a wildlife sanctuary versus a zoo but still thought there would be somebody here to educate us, but nope nothing. Please save your money and go somewhere else. This place needs a revamp, or an investor, or they should just make it a non-profit so people can visit for free. The one good thing is that there was ample parking available read more

Wildhaven Ranch - Zoos Near Me - Cedar Glen, California

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I called last minute after our previous trip was cancelled, and requested an appointment for 2 days away (the bear and eagle walk). It is a very coveted spot so make sure you call/email in advance to secure tickets! My boyfriend and I are both in our 20s and we knew we'd probably be surrounded by families with kids (who can sometimes be loud) but Diane explained everything so perfectly to the children and they were very quiet the whole time to avoid scaring the animals. I loved hearing the backstory on how all the animals were found, where they came from, and how long they'd been there. Diane said they had only been open again for a very short time because of the disastrous storm in the area. If you go (which you should) please be patient with the workers as they get back up and running, and understand that these animals might not be "zoo quality" and running up to people to visit them. Regardless, it was a wonderful and informative tour, the workers were very sweet and welcoming, and the bear feeding was absolutely worth it! Thank you Diane and crew for a wonderful Saturday afternoon read more

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The WildHaven Ranch is a hidden gem in the forest communities. If I were to describe this place, it is a wild life rescue and refuge for animals that cannot be returned back into the wild. The privilege of visiting this and the education one receives while observing the animals is far different than the experience at a zoo or amusement park. The people that run this place are NOT entertainers. They have a passion and a love for the animals they care for and it is evident in their enthusiasm and dedication. This is a wild life refuge and a great educational experience for anyone who takes the time to visit. The staff have a lot to share. Your admission cost goes toward the care and feeding of these wonderful creatures which would otherwise have perished in the wild. There are Reptiles, Coyotes, Bears, Bobcats, Raccoons, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, and a magnificent Golden Eagle in their care. These magnificent animals can be observed up close where they can be appreciated. Keep in mind that the price of admission is not for profit but instead goes towards operational costs of care and feeding of these amazing creatures. Make reservations because space is limited and the staff is dedicated to provide visitors with the best and most informative experience which will increase every visitors appreciation for the creatures that live around us. They cannot take unplanned walk-in visitors. Special Note: To locate this place, pay careful attention to the directions on their website. Your GPS will NOT accurately guide you to this location. They have an alternate location that the GPS will find. Then follow the signs to the entrance to the refuge compound. read more

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We had a great visit to Wildhaven. The animals are well-cared for by the very dedicated staff. A November visit provided great weather. The tour provides great information about local wildlife and the impact of humans on the area. This facility rehabilitates injured animals and takes in creatures that can no longer survive in the wild. Support this cool place and its caring mission. read more

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Inspirational sanctuary and a good example of people truly loving animals BUT was a highly disorganized $50.00 tour. It was fun to listen to the lady who is the bear caretaker, she knows what she is doing. And it was great to see eagles close up... but I will send a donation and watch a documentary next time. read more

Here is my review for a tour my girlfriend and I received. Diane the owner's story is incredible of having lost her home from a horrific fire and her dedicating her life, finances, and passion towards treating and taking care of these beautiful wild animals. Diane is well knowledges about the history of these wild animals, their injuries, their food regime, and what these animals needs are. She was great with details and facts about the beautiful animals at the ranch. The tour was quite phenomenal! Now the reason for the 4 stars was due to Diane's passive aggressive attitude towards her employees as well as her attitude towards some of the customers in our tour group. We literally saw her put her hand directly in the front of a little girls face and said "now is not the time for questions" as well as grabbed her hand and pulled it back from a gate. I get the safety concerns coming from Diane but the way she talked to her employees was quite unprofessional in my opinion, but other than that the tour was great! The other staff including Courtney and other trained staff were phenomenal with presentation and truly show love and care for the animals. You get to see a raccoon open jars, see bears climbing and eating apples and wave to you. We also got to feed the female deer which was quite fun. The highlight of the tour was seeing Diane's relationship with the coyotes since she has raised them since they were young and are "part of the pack." She even was able to guide the pack to howl to the sky which was quite fascinating and something you don't see everyday. Overall, this tour is phenomenal for tourists to learn about endangered species, how injured animals are cared for, and get a show from the beautifully rescued animals. Just be prepared for some attitude from the owner. Sidenote: Be on time!! This owner will close the gate at 1:00pm no exceptions so make sure to get there by 12:30pm. Also if you get lost feel free to call Diane and she will guide you! The hiking to each exhibit is quite easy! Make sure to dress warm as well if you come during the colder seasons! read more

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Diane, who guided us through this sanctuary, was compassionate and incredibly knowledgeable. We were introduced to a bobcat, three black bears, a bald eagle, a golden eagle, and a turkey vulture, all there under circumstances which prevents these wild creatures from living in the wild. read more

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DO NOT GO HERE. They are not open as their hours state. And phone is disconnected. You will find your self on a very narrow one car road on the uphill with no place to turn around. Super dangerous. read more

What a great source of information !! Took his time, explained so much to me and my sister, really like this place

This was a fun local experience for us! We were pleasantly added last minute and enjoyed our tour. We experienced the three resident female bears. We were provided with an awesome and very informative tour with friendly tour guides. We were able to feed the bears as well. They also have a very cute gift shop with quality t-shirts, hoodies in case the day gets cold on you. We will be back to enjoy the other residents another time. read more

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What a wonderful place and cause!!! Animals are cared for and loved. Mostly ran by volunteers, and the owner/founder is there and front and center. She is an amazing woman with a deep connection to animals! It's a hidden treasure at Lake Arrowhead and a must see for all animal lovers! P.S: I got to feed a bear read more

Wildhaven Ranch - Salute Misha - Zoos Near Me - Cedar Glen, California

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Great experience. Love to hear all the educational info on the animals and to know they are well cared for. read more

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We had a wonderful time at this rescue. The animals were so cute and the shows were good. We live is coyote country and can here there barking etc most nights. So one of the most interesting shows to us was when the owner talked to the coyotes and they responded with there barks , yips and howling. It was actually fascinating. read more

Must visit if you're in the area ~ the Wildhaven Ranch team and volunteers are knowledgeable, dedicated and doing vital work to inform the community + visitors about our ecosystem. The animals cannot be returned to the wild and are here to serve as ambassadors for their species & the local flora/fauna. They're well cared for and clearly comfortable with their roles. If you want to introduce your children to wildlife, this is the kind of place to go - small, intimate and ethical. read more

Anyone coming going to Lake Arrowhead should definitely add this experience to their to do list ! Not only to have a great time and learn a ton, but to support the amazing and selfless work being done here. This place is run by the real life Snow White ! Go, and tell a friend ! read more

Wildhaven Ranch - Bear ! - Zoos Near Me - Cedar Glen, California

Wildhaven is a hidden gem! The tour lasted about 2 hours and was very educational as well as entertaining thanks to the great rapport between the staff and the owner herself. All of the animals are very well taken care of and clearly have a special bond with their caregivers. It made me so happy to see how healthy and at ease the animals appear. I love the work that they do to help protect our wildlife. Wildhaven is well with your time and support. read more

I took my Girl Scout Troop to the Wildlife Sanctuary. It was extremely uncomfortable from the beginning. The person in charge, Diane, definitely needs to work on her people skills. She was extremely rude to the employees. My girls left the sanctuary and on the car ride back to the cabin they kept yelling "Roger!!", they were imitating her. Even they picked up on the tension!! During the tour, she would ask one of the employees to speak, as if she were testing them and when we were all engaged she would cut them off and then ramble about how awesome she was and how the animals thought that she was their mom. Her historical facts were extremely off. Among many other things, She said that Grizzly Bears have been extinct since the 1600s when the Federal Government allowed them to be killed. Fact check: There was no Federal Government in the 1600s. There were still Grizzlies in California in the early 1900s. Most were killed in the 1800s. Girls picked up on this also. When making the reservation she asked me for a credit card to hold the reservation. She told me that she wouldn't charge me until we got there. Lo and behold, I received an email that my credit card has been charged $225.00 half an hour before we even arrived at the sanctuary. This place is sketchy!! Although, Gilbert and Roger were amazing!!! They were great with the animals. They were very informative and engaging (when they were allowed to speak). If you are in Arrowhead and have a few hours to spare this is a descent place to visit. Just know that there is no professionalism here. read more

Wildhaven Ranch - Red tailed hawk - Zoos Near Me - Cedar Glen, California

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Wildhaven Ranch at Lake Arrowhead is a rehabilitation place for wild animals that have had a bad run-in or that just aren't able to survive in the wild due to trauma, injury or just plain lack of instinct. For $10/adult (they take cc! and I can't remember the kid's price because I didn't bother looking), we got a 2-hour tour and talk about bears, hawks and other animals that were brought to Windhaven to be rescued. There's about 75 acres, but you only walk through a portion to see a few animals in their habitats. It's completely run by volunteers, and Diane is the woman in charge. Her and her husband, Roger, who cares for the bears, kind of run the show around there. We saw a sparrow hawk (blind in one eye), a horned owl (hit by a car), a red tail hawk (just didn't know how to hunt), mule deer, bald eagle, bobcat, raccoons, red fox, golden eagle, California black bear, and a coyote that was put on a leash and walked around like a dog. It was an amazing experience, because you could see these animals right up close, nothing like at the zoos. They just sat there, practically right next to you (on the other side of their cages!), as the guide told you about them. It seemed like a certain volunteer was responsible for each animal. You moved from cage to cage and at each one, they person there would tell you a little about the animal. The caretakers show a lot of love for the animals and repeatedly show and tell their appreciation of the animals being there and giving them the opportunity to educate the public about the importance of their existence. They have a tour every Saturday at 1:00 pm, and that seems to be the only one of the week. Check it out if you're ever in the Lake Arrowhead area. A must-see and very unique experience! read more

Hi, This is my review for Wildhaven Ranch in Lake Arrowhead California. We actually happened on this place almost by accident. We were looking online for some things to do on a day trip to Arrowhead and found this place on Yelp. It had some nice reviews and so we thought we would give it a try. First off.... you NEED reservations for the tours. They only happen certain days of the week. So call or check their website for days and times. The woman on the phone, who takes your reservation, is a little gruff. But, don't let her scare you away. The place can be a bit hard to find, and she is just trying to be 100% sure you are able to find them. Second, the tours is only $10.00!! There is no better deal in California. For your $10.00 you get a 2 hour tour with up close, and I mean up close, exposure to the animals! Your tour starts in a giant gazebo like structure where they bring out some awesome birds of prey. You sit in chairs and they bring the birds right (I mean like one foot) in front of your and you can take all of the photos you would like! They tell you a little bit about each bird and why it is there. Way cool! Then you leave the structure and tour the actual facility. It is a little bit hilly, so come in tennis shoes. The first stop was the Bobcat enclosure. The cat is about 3 feet from you. They tell you about the cat and do a feeding demonstration right in front of you. Then you move on to the coyotes. The guide is so good she can actually get them howling with her calls. Great for the kids! Next is a mule deer. Then comes the raccoons. This part was awesome. They bring them out and feed them just 3 feet in front of you. One of the raccoons can actually open a peanut butter jar with grapes in it. They are soooo smart. Just too cute. Next came the bears. There are three of them in different enclosures. You sit in chairs right in front of the enclosures when they bring them out. Again, they are in chain link enclosures right in front of you! It is amazing to see them so up close and personal! You could never be this close in a zoo! Finally they have a Bald and a Golden (I think it was) Eagle. This was a highlight for me. I have never seen a Bald Eagle in person and they are just so majestic! They tell you about all the animals and make sure to give you plenty of time and space to take pictures. So, do not forget to bring a camera. This is a family run operation. The wife is very well trained and certified by the government to keep and care for the animals. The husband is very knowledgeable in the specifics of each animal as well. There are bathrooms available and they are spotless. There is also a gift shop at the end of the tour. Wildhaven Ranch is a hidden jewel in Southern California and will worth your stop if you are in the Arrowhead or Big Bear area! Enjoy! read more

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My family and I had an amazing experience. Diane the owner was a joy and had a great sense of humor. She loves and cares for the animals so much you can see it in the animals demeanor. The animals had so much character, especially Mr Magoo the blind turkey vulture and snickers the bear. I learned so much from the 2 hour tour. I highly recommend Wildhaven. I have a greater respect for the wild animals after learning how important they are to our ecosystem. Me and family went to Big Bear zoo a few months prior and by far the animals at Wildhaven were so much more vibrant and healthier looking than the ones at the Zoo. Diane and staff are doing such a great job. I hope more people donate since they rely solely on donations. Wildhaven sanctuary has nurtured many wild animals back to health and have been able to release them back into the wild, the ones currently at the sanctuary are not yet able enough to go back out into the wild but you would never be able to tell they look so active. read more

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What a wonderful place! We came for the Friday Bear tour and it was such a treat to get to see the animals, hear their stories and feel the love from the trainers. If you haven't been and are nearby and an animal lover, go for a visit and support this wonderful Place! read more

Amazing experience! As a huge animal lover, it was great to see how much the animals are loved and taken care of. Diane and her volunteers are amazing! Can't wait to go back and see everyone again! read more

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Napoleon, Snickers, and Little Bear...these were just some of the amazing animals that we had the opportunity to see and meet up close. Wildhaven is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary in the Lake Arrowhead area that rehabilitates wild animals from California. Our favorite was the beginning of the two hour tour when we met Napoleon the Screech Owl and two of his friends, a falcon and a red-tailed hawk. The end of the tour was pretty amazing too when we watched brown/black bears Snickers and Little Bear interact with the guide and each other. I won't give away all the animal surprises here, but Wildhaven is a MUST visit if you're in the Lake Arrowhead area. The guides are friendly and humorous, the experience may be better than visiting a zoo, and it's family friendly for those looking for a unique afternoon activity. They offer tours on Saturday at 1pm and ask for a small $10 donation for this wonderful experience of meeting and watching wild animals. read more

Visiting at Wildhaven Ranch was honestly both a joy and an honor. The animals here are so well cared for and the people so lovely. You can tell how much they truly care about the animals' well being and how much they love what they do. Diane's relationship with the animals, in particular, was really heartwarming to experience and this sanctuary makes me believe that there is still good in the world. One of the best places you can visit up here in Lake Arrowhead and such a wonderful place to donate to. Would recommend to anyone and everyone. read more

My husband brought me on the tour as part of my birthday celebration because he knew that I love animals. This wildlife sanctuary does so much for animals unable to survive on their own in the wild. The tour was not only informative and educational, but also inspiring to both adults and children. It is amazing to see various animals up close and hear all about what makes them special and important to our ecosystem. I learned a lot and gained a new appreciation for each and every animal I learned about. Diane, Roger, Misty, and everyone else who give so much of themselves to the animals as well as people on this Earth are such amazing individuals. Diane has such a big, kind, and loving heart. She is simply an incredible individual and is such an incredible blessing and inspiration. I feel privileged to have witnessed the love that she shares with the animals. Thank you, Diane, for all that you do and all that you are. read more

The Wildhaven Ranch is a wonderful sanctuary for animals who cannot be released back into the wild. Diane and her staff are well-informed and obviously care very deeply for these animals. Diane was willing to accommodate my mother, who uses a cane, by driving her around the premises in her golf cart so she was also able to enjoy the Ranch. It is definitely worth seeing and your entrance fee goes to a wonderful cause of feeding the animals. read more

Fantastic experience. Myself and three friends visited this past Saturday and did the 1PM Paws N Claws tour. The founder of the facility and her team were extremely knowledgable and clearly care a great deal about the animals at the sanctuary. Absolutely recommended for animal lovers that want to know a little more about the creatures we share space with in California. read more

Awesome Founder and awesome staff! This was shared by Misty - my good friend and I have been meaning to visit. Highly recommend to see-visit this place if you ever in the mountain area-Lake Arrowhead. The information is valuable - I personally learned so much about the wild animals. The founder is amazing...her commitment, devotion...the passion and love for animals is just in awe! read more

Amazing must see experience! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and create a safe and informative experience learning about the indigenous wildlife. Although almost all the animals that come through the ranch are released back into the wild, there is an Opportunity to see and hear the stories of animal residents with disabilities that did not permit their release. I cannot say enough good things about the staff and the wonderful family environment they have created here. read more

Three generations give it a five star review. Diane, Megan and Misty and really the entire staff were so accommodating (we had a grandpa who they allows to ride in the cart as well as a baby they were always careful to check in on). We simply loved our time and the feed the bear add-on experience is really a must! read more

So here goes... We have been part-time residents of Lake Arrowhead for quite a while. We know that we are literally surrounded by wildlife but have never seen a bear. We were happy to finally get our chance. We saw Bears, a Bobcat, a Peregrine Falcon, two kinds of Eagles, three Mule Deer, Coyotes and a Silver Fox. I did read a number of reviews that were quite negative. Frankly, I'm mystified as we found the place and the presentations genuine, interesting and informative. The animals at Wildhaven Ranch all have stories. They may have been injured. Some are offspring that were too young to survive the loss of their mothers. Others had been overly domesticated. All of the animals at Wildhaven Ranch are rescues that would be very short-lived in the wild. The mission at Wildhaven Ranch is first to save them and then to tell their stories and how they fit into our ecosystem. Additionally, we found the enclosures where the animals live weren't too small or large. They were seemingly appropriate to the residing animal and purpose based on the stage of recovery that the animal was going through. (i.e.: the bald eagle with the damaged wing in an enclosure with ramps so that he can get to a higher perch while he relearns to fly.) I was pleased with our visit and would recommend Wildhaven Ranch as a great addition to any trip to the Lake Arrowhead region. read more

Wildhaven Ranch was a very good experience. It was interesting to see the communication that Diane (the founder of Wildhaven Ranch) has with these rescued animals. Her staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Please help Diane take care of these injured and traumatized animals by sending donations. read more

If you go to/through the Lake Arrowhead area, set aside some time to visit Wildhaven Ranch. The staff here are very knowledgeable and respectful of the animals they care for, and that is imparted onto the visitors who come to learn from them. My wife and I had a great time appreciating some of California's wildlife and look forward to taking our daughter in a few years when she is able to learn about these animals. Thanks! read more

My husband found this place when we took a trip up to Lake Arrowhead. The staff there were incredibly informative and intent on teaching respect for the wildlife. I definitely came back home with more knowledge of the animals they have there and absolutely enjoyed every bit of the experience here. Being 8 months pregnant, I was also extremely appreciative of how accommodating they were to me. Great customer service, and they are wonderful wildlife advocates! read more

Amazing place! My kids and I enjoyed it so much! The owner is so knowledgeable and gave us so much information about the animals. A must see! read more

My husband and I were able to visit Wildhaven Ranch recently and were so impressed with the staff and animals! We learned so much and loved seeing all the animals, but the bears were a highlight! We got to see Snickers bob for apples and eat oranges that were strung at the top of her enclosure. Bailey was also a charmer with her watermelon and we got to feed Meesha. Very smart bears. A treat for sure. Book a time to see this little sanctuary. And, before you leave be sure to visit the store and get a hooded shirt. I got one and it is so soft and cozy. read more

How cool is this place?!!! So happy my boyfriend and I checked it out. The staff really cares about the animals and it shows!!! We had an excellent day here, took lots of cool fotos. read more

It is evident that this nonprofit is making a difference in the lives of those they serve as well as the community. It was an honor to hear the mission and the story behind the sanctuary & the efforts they are making to improve the quality of life of the injured species on property. Shame on those with poor reviews and negative comments. It's true, it's not a zoo, so don't expect a glamourous & superficial way of displaying animals. It actually goes above & beyond that by tailoring small intimate groups a first-hand experience to see, explore and learn about the animals that have so graciously saved. The passion that all of the employees possess including Diane and Rodger are beyond note-worthy. They have dedicated their lives to help these animals. Not to mention facing many hardships including enduring two disastrous wild fires that burned the sanctuary down, twice! Please take the time to support this nonprofit that is making strides in helping animals that would not be able to survive in the wild. Your $20 is not a fee, it's a donation that goes directly back to feeding those animals that could not hunt on their own. This isn't a zoo to gawk at animals it's a place to keep them alive and safe. Thank you WildHaven for all that you do! read more