Wildlife Waystation, Prosecutors Strike Accord

The Wildlife Waystation animal sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest near Lake View Terrace has admitted violating the terms of its three-year probation for altering stream beds and agreed to the court appointment of a special master to monitor compliance, county prosecutors said Thursday.

The agreement extends probation for another three years at the 120-acre refuge, home to grizzly bears, tigers, and other animals.

It also requires the Waystation to stop discharging pollutants--animal and human waste--into state waters, to repair its deficient cages and to fix gaps in its fence.

“This is a very positive move,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Miller.

The Waystation was barred from accepting new animals or giving public tours in April, after state Department of Fish and Game officials found workers hosing animal waste off cages, possibly endangering nearby creeks. Other alleged violations included cages that were too small or too crowded.

In May, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office asked the court to impose stiffer conditions on the facility.

Martine Colette, director and founder of the 25-year-old Waystation, said she was “very pleased” with the agreement filed Thursday in Newhall Superior Court.

“I’m excited to have a special master that will assist us in our negotiations with the Department of Fish and Game,” Colette said, adding that she hopes the facility will reopen in a matter of days.