Education - Conservation - Preservation
Once In A Lifetime Up Close
Wild Encounters
Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary is a private facility dedicated to the lifelong care of animals in need. While we are not generally open to the public, our work centers on rehabilitation, sanctuary and responsible stewardship.
We collaborate with the Northwest Exotic Animal Rescue (NWAR) network and regularly assist animal control, law enforcement and other agencies. When animals require specialized placements or urgent support our team steps in.
For the safety and wellbeing of our residents, the sanctuary operates with 24/7 monitoring. Many animals are federally protected and require specialized diets along with temperature-controlled habitats designed by experienced caregivers.
Looking ahead, we plan limited educational events and carefully manage personal encounters. Group sizes remain intentionally small to minimize stress and prioritize animal sensitivity. Donations directly fund essential care—from species-specific nutrition to habitat maintenance. Your contribution truly makes a difference in every day of care we provide.
DonateDave has made a career out of educating and entertaining while he shares the role these exotic animals play in ecology. In 1998 Dave originated and founded Predators of the Heart, the number one Airbnb experience in the world. He also was the largest traveling exhibit in the Northwest. For 18 years he was a USDA exhibitor traveling across a number of states, appearing on TV and at local fairs, schools, military bases, Boy Scout camps and churches to share his expertise and love for these beautiful creatures.
Dave’s dream is to help kids connect with nature, their environment and experience the wonders of God’s creations. The experiences at Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary are designed to foster the realization that we are all somehow interconnected on the planet. (If Dave had three wishes, the first would be that he could see, hear and smell everything these amazing animals experience that we cannot.)
Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary is partnered with NWAR (Northwest Animal Rescue), a non-profit network of exotic animal experts. NWAR provides placement for animals who find themselves needing a home. They provide resources to private owners, zoos, wildlife educators, city, state and federal law-enforcement agencies.
Janelle is our manager, exotic caretaker and handler. She started volunteering with Dave in 2017 at his previous sanctuary and continued with his new sanctuary.
"I am honored to have special bonds, relationships and doing what I do best in taking care of the animals. This has been the greatest opportunity and my dream job working with such beautiful animals."
Lea serves as the reservations and administrative lead for Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary. She also manages the sanctuary’s bookings.
For years, she was also the animals’ unofficial sous-chef, preparing specialized meals before recently passing the knife to the next “chef”. Her mix of practicality, dedication and genuine care helps support the sanctuary’s mission of protecting and educating about the region’s native wildlife.
Born and raised on Whidbey Island, Payton developed a lifelong love for wildlife that she has now turned into purpose as an exotic animal caretaker at NWS. As a wife and mother in her 20s, she helps visitors connect with animals through hands-on learning, storytelling and conservation education. Known for her humor, heart and deep respect for every creature, she is often seen caring for a lineup of animals eager for treats and attention.
Beck Straussner has devoted his life to the ocean and the protection of whales. A former commercial diver turned marine researcher, he has spent thousands of hours studying humpback behavior in Hawaii and Alaska. Now a longtime Hawaii resident and crew member with Sea Shepherd, Beck continues to defend whale habitats, raise awareness about environmental threats and inspire others to join the fight for their survival.
Protecting species through responsible placements, long-term care and collaboration with accredited partners.
Species-specific nutrition, veterinary oversight and temperature-controlled habitats monitored around the clock.
Planned programs and small-group encounters that share real-world animal welfare insights safely and respectfully.
Serving Oak Harbor and the wider region through partnerships, outreach and transparent stewardship.
We coordinate with tribal, state, and federal friends, share welfare documentation and provide ongoing reports so our rescue work remains transparent. Partnerships with NWAR, USDA, and Washington State regulators keep our safety plans fresh, our veterinary logs up to date and our outreach programs ready for public classrooms.
