Wildlife Shelter to Hold Fund-Raisers

The Wildlife Waystation has announced a series of fund-raising events to help the refuge for exotic animals offset a budget deficit tied to the delayed construction of a seven-acre primate center.

The fund-raisers include the Waystation’s fifth annual Run for the Wild motorcycle rally and four evening “safaris” in which paying guests will receive dinner and tours of the sprawling ranch sanctuary, which houses monkeys, lions, bears, jaguars and other animals.

“It’s kind of magical and a little spooky,” said Waystation director Martine Colette of the night tours. “The behavior and the sounds of the animals at night are completely different than during the day.”

In May, for the first time in its 20-year history, the refuge for abused, abandoned and sick animals had no choice but to turn away animals in need, Colette said. Affected were more than 200 primates, including 47 chimpanzees, that had been retired from use in medical research.

The Waystation initially agreed to shelter the animals but rescinded its offer when construction of the primate center was suspended this year, after it was discovered that the facility was being built partially on U.S. Forest Service land, Colette said.

“I know that about 20 [chimpanzees] are gone now, but there are still 20-some available,” Colette said. “I’m beating every bush I can to raise the money to finish the center so we can get these animals in.”

Although Run for the Wild, which is sponsored by Easyriders magazine, was originally conceived as a motorcycle rally, vehicles of every kind are invited to join one of two processions--originating in Canoga Park and Marina del Rey--that will converge at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu for a daylong festival June 22. For a $25 donation, “runners” will be treated to food, games, a vintage car show, animal demonstrations and a concert featuring musicians in Santana, Bon Jovi and other bands. For more information, call (818) 899-5201.

The “safari” tours, which cost $35, will be held Saturday4, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20. For reservations, call (818) 353-4113.