(KNX 1070) - Close to 500 animals, including bears, chimps, lions and tigers, need new homes after the Wildlife Waystation shuts down.
The sanctuary near Sylmar had long been struggling with financial and management problems.
Jordan Traverso, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, says the nonprofit was unable to make the necessary repairs after suffering damage during the 2017 Creek Fire and then flooding earlier this year.
The board of directors decided to close the facility.
Now, the department is working with Waystation staff to place all the animals.
"It's gonna be a very big project," she said.
Traverso says it could take months.
"A lot of them are much older animals and a number of them are under medical care. That is a concern in placing them as well. Their animals are in good condition, they just need continued care... Domestics are a little in better shape. "
We have reached out to the Waystation for comment but nothing yet.
