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By Mimi PollackPhoto: Finley the Fennec Fox
July 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- In the United States, there is a problem with people acquiring exotic animals without really doing their research. People bring these pets home as tiny babies, not realizing that they can grow to be quite large as adults. For example black and white Argentine Tegu lizards, which start out as tiny babies, can grow to be up to four feet long. In addition, there are animals that are hit by cars, which unfortunately can be a frequent occurrence in rural areas such as Ramona.
Photo: CheyenneThis is where Critter Encounters in Ramona comes in. A wildlife sanctuary, Critter Encounters rescues animals that cannot be released back into the wild or that have been relinquished by private owners who can no longer care for them. This 501c3 non-profit sanctuary provides a loving, forever home for all these animals.
With her sparkling blue eyes and warm smile, Andrea Burgan, the president, and CEO of Critter Encounters, is clearly passionate about what she does. For 30 years, she has worked with a large variety of exotic and domestic animals. Humane education is very important to her. Before opening the sanctuary, she trained as an educator and a keeper at San Diego’s Wild Animal Park.
Burgan’s large home, which is on a dirt road outside of Ramona, is a haven for 50 rescued animals, including Tegu lizards, a bearded dragon, various snakes, a Savannah monitor, two types of owls, red tailed hawks, rabbits, opossums, Fennec foxes, two Juliana pigs, two Nigerian dwarf goats, a chinchilla, and a sweet raccoon named Remy (photo, left) who seems to think she is a cat due to a neurological disorder caused by a head injury, among others. In addition, Burgan shares her home with a gorgeous Savannah cat named Malawi and two rescue dogs. Luna is a Jindo rescued from a slaughterhouse in Korea. Cheyenne is a shy wolf dog.Many of the animals arrived injured or as unwanted babies. Some come from Project Wildlife, as they cannot be released back into the wild. Petunia (photo, lower right), an adorable cross-eyed opossum, was found in her mother’s pouch after she was hit by a car.
The mother and the other babies did not survive, so Petunia was hand raised. What is striking about the animals at this sanctuary is how comfortable they all are around humans. Both Remy and Petunia let you hold and pet them, as do Finley and Minnie, the Fennec foxes. Remy rolled around at my feet, so I would pet her.Tiny, a black and white Argentine Tegu lizard, had been someone’s pet until she got too big. Tiny will let you hold her and is not afraid.
The public is not allowed to hold the raptors, but it is clear they enjoy the company of humans. Bartholomew (photo, lower left), a handsome old barn owl with cataracts, was sitting on a perch in Burgan’s kitchen the day I visited. I noticed he was quiet if left alone. However, as soon as we gathered around him, he began to chirp like a cricket nonstop. Ruby, the red-tailed hawk who was probably fed by humans as a baby, came close to me in her large enclosure, happy to have a visitor.
This is important to Burgan as she views the sanctuary as a live animal education program and her animals as “ambassadors.” She wants to provide up-close and educational animal presentations for special events and parties. She believes that having interactive encounters with her “ambassadors” will expand awareness of local and global animals and the ecosystems they live in. As a mobile operation, she brings her animals to you. I found out about her the day she gave a presentation at the Ramona Ranch Winery. Burgan also gives presentations at pre-schools, elementary and middle schools as well as private events. Finally, if you want to go to her and see all the animals, she does offer private tours by appointment.
It is clear her mission is to foster a love of wildlife and the wonders of nature. I know I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and learned something.To find out more and see pictures of all her animals as well as unforgettable encounters, visit https://critterencounters.org/
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