Animal Track Sanctuary is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to rescuing needy animals, particularly those exploited by the exotic pet trade. Founded with the mission of providing a safe haven for wildlife, the sanctuary not only offers a second chance for animals that have endured traumatic circumstances but also plays an important role in educating the public about the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets. Through the efforts of their compassionate staff and the community’s support, Animal Track Sanctuary can give these animals the proper care they need to thrive. In this interview, we speak with Stacy Gunderson to learn more about their vital work, the animals they rescue, and how the public can get involved in supporting this incredible sanctuary.
An interview with Stacy Gunderson, Founder
Please tell us about yourself and how, from Hollywood, you got involved with rescuing wildlife.
My name is Stacy Gunderson. I grew up in southern California, playing soccer and hanging out at the beach. Right after high school, I went to Moorpark College, the Exotic Animal Program (EATM), and graduated in 1989. I was immediately hired by Gary Gero, Birds and Animals Unlimited, where I did live animal presentations at Universal Studios Hollywood, and then moved into training animals for movies and television until 2003.
Back then, both exotic and domestic animals were used in the industry. So, I got a great education working with a very large variety of animals, from cockroaches and moths all the way up to water buffalo, elephants, and giraffes. The 80s and 90s were definitely wild! In 2001, I got married, and in 2003, I had my first of 2 children, which took me out of the movie industry. I was a stay-at-home mom for several years with two children when the opportunity arose to take over an already-established nonprofit, Animal Tracks. So, in June of 2008, I became the mother of my own animal company.
Can you tell us about a particularly impactful rescue mission Animal Tracks Sanctuary has undertaken recently?
Yes, we have a very heart-wrenching story to share with you. My Assistant Director Alyson Wright follows several fox rescues on social media and came across SaveAFox, which was rescuing 500 foxes from the fur trade and trying to rehome them across the U.S. She immediately jumped on the bandwagon, and though we could only take one, became very hands-on in our little foxes rescue. SaveAFox pulled, vetted, and placed all of these young foxes right before pelting, which takes place every November. They are inbred and horribly mistreated, kept in tiny wire elevated cages and fed sardines, still in the can unopened, which destroys their teeth before the age of 1. The fur trade industry doesn’t care, as fur coats don’t require teeth. This poor little fox, who had seen the worst in humanity, came to us scared and depressed, but Alyson immediately went to work with him, showing love and kindness to the highest degree. Alyson had initially wanted a neutered male fox as a companion for her other furry fox friend, Shy. Shy was hoping for a boyfriend, but her nurturing side came out, and she cared for him like she would a kit. She even made a special noise when she wanted to bring him treats herself.
We have now had him four months, and he is a completely different animal. He enjoys scratches and treats and long walks around the compound with his mama/companion Shy who is always looking out for him. His transformation has been truly
inspiring to watch. Though he will have a life of medical issues due to inbreeding and lack of teeth, we are completely committed to his well-being.
How does Animal Tracks Sanctuary ensure the well-being and proper care of the animals?
Animal Tracks is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to the care of wildlife caught in captivity. We have a board of directors, an advisory council of veterinarians and animal biologists, trained staff, and dedicated volunteers. We have three vets (including an emergency vet because animals always get sick on Friday nights). We are governed by California Fish and Wildlife and USDA APHIS; so with the rules and guidelines and competent, dedicated humans, our animals are cared for both mentally and physically.
What educational initiatives does Animal Tracks Sanctuary offer to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the consequences of the exotic pet trade?
Animal Tracks is dedicated to talking to people individually face-to-face and touching the hearts of people who visit through real stories and statistics. Birds and monkeys are considered seed spreaders, amongst many other animals, and their job is to grow the world’s rainforest with their butts. This fact often makes people giggle; you don’t need a pet with a super butt living in your house. Yet, we buy them and keep them hidden away in small cages in our homes. This gives them value to the pet trade. The pet trade will clean out the world’s jungles to make a buck. To me, the answer seems simple: stop buying the exotic animals that support the world’s
biomes. This will take away their value. Instead, go to one of your local animal shelters and adopt a dog, cat, or any domesticated animal you are qualified to have. Domestication is the key to happiness.
Could you share some success stories of animals that have been rehabilitated and rehomed by Animal Tracks Sanctuary?
Animal Tracks is not a rehabilitation facility. That is a completely separate field and permit. We are a forever home for the animals deemed non-releasable back into the wild.
What challenges does Animal Tracks Sanctuary face in its mission, and how does the organization overcome them?
Raising money is the hardest part of supporting our mission. People are inundated and overstimulated with sad stories on social media everywhere they turn. I know if I see something very sad, I will turn the channel, as I need more sunshine to mentally thrive. Because of this, Animal Tracks uses happiness, good feelings, and success as its social media campaign. I do believe this leads people to think that we are not in need of monetary support. Donations are slim. The weather, the heat in particular, is very damaging to the sales of our facility experiences, which are the backbone of caring for our animals. I have always believed that if people could feel the magic, they would invest in it. But so far, that has been elusive. We are still trying to find our support network.
How does Animal Tracks Sanctuary ensure the well-being and proper care of the animals?
Animal Tracks is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to the care of wildlife caught in captivity. We have a board of directors, an advisory council of veterinarians and animal biologists, trained staff, and dedicated volunteers. We have three vets (including an emergency vet because animals always get sick on Friday nights). We are governed by California Fish and Wildlife and USDA APHIS; so with the rules and guidelines and competent, dedicated humans, our animals are cared for both mentally and physically.
What educational initiatives does Animal Tracks Sanctuary offer to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the consequences of the exotic pet trade?
Animal Tracks is dedicated to talking to people individually face-to-face and touching the hearts of people who visit through real stories and statistics. Birds and monkeys are considered seed spreaders, amongst many other animals, and their job is to grow the world’s rainforest with their butts. This fact often makes people giggle; you don’t need a pet with a super butt living in your house. Yet, we buy them and keep them hidden away in small cages in our homes. This gives them value to the pet trade. The pet trade will clean out the world’s jungles to make a buck. To me, the answer seems simple: stop buying the exotic animals that support the world’s biomes. This will take away their value. Instead, go to one of your local animal shelters and adopt a dog, cat, or any domesticated animal you are qualified to have. Domestication is the key to happiness.
Could you share some success stories of animals that have been rehabilitated and rehomed by Animal Tracks Sanctuary?
Animal Tracks is not a rehabilitation facility. That is a completely separate field and permit. We are a forever home for the animals deemed non-releasable back into the wild.
What challenges does Animal Tracks Sanctuary face in its mission, and how does the organization overcome them?
Raising money is the hardest part of supporting our mission. People are inundated and overstimulated with sad stories on social media everywhere they turn. I know if I see something very sad, I will turn the channel, as I need more sunshine to mentally thrive. Because of this, Animal Tracks uses happiness, good feelings, and success as its social media campaign. I do believe this leads people to think that we are not in need of monetary support. Donations are slim. The weather, the heat in particular, is very damaging to the sales of our facility experiences, which are the backbone of caring for our animals. I have always believed that if people could feel the magic, they would invest in it. But so far, that has been elusive. We are still trying to find our support network.
Additionally, how does your organization educate the community about wildlife and discourage the keeping of exotic animals as pets?
We educate through our hands-on animal experiences here at the Animal Tracks facility as well as going out into the community through booths, parades, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and school education. Our #1 message is exotic animals do not make good pets. They are not domesticated like your dog and cat and will always pay the ultimate price when you can no longer keep them.
What are the procedures or guidelines for individuals or groups interested in visiting?
So glad you asked! We have a beautiful website, www.animaltracksinc.org, where you hit the book now button; it will give you a complete description of all the different experiences we offer, including pricing. We have a newer program called “Educator for the Day.” This program is for high school or college kids or someone looking to change careers who would like a behind-the-scenes look at what we do on a daily basis. It is designed to encourage you into a field of very hard, fulfilling work. People who love animals work from their hearts.
We also have an amazing array of field trip programs designed specifically for elementary, middle, and high schools. The tickets are discounted for school budgets at $20/per person. This program is completely comparable to the experiences we give the public. Kids are the future, and we want to educate them! The general person or group should visit our website and possibly read some of our reviews. if you still have questions, please feel free to call me, Stacy Gunderson, at 805-341-2515, and I will be more than happy to chat with you!
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of animal lovers like you!
100% of your support goes directly to animal care and sanctuary operations.
We are also fundraising to move our facility and offer wider living spaces to our animals!
If you wish to donate on someone’s behalf for their birthday, another occasion, or in someone’s memory, please add a note below, and we’ll know. Thank you in advance for your help and generosity!
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Photography by Andres Dunker, Matt Corey and Debbie Zeitman.
