Tehachapi has numerous pet and animal rescue operations. See the “Tehachapi Pet & Rescue News” in the The Weekender (published Fridays) for an up to date list and animals available for adoption.
Additionally, several horse rescue operations have facilities in the Tehachapi area which are open to the public; many ask that you call ahead — and don’t forget the carrots!
• Second Chance Ranch: 23028 Cummings Valley Road; 661-822-5657; www.2ndchancerescueranch.com
Call ahead for a tour. Every horse brought here has an amazing story.
• Tranquility Farms: 661-823-0307 (call for an appointment and driving instructions);
www.tranquilityfarmtbs.com; Visit retired racehorses (some names you’re bound to know) waiting to be adopted. Again, some amazing horse stories here!
• United Pegasus Foundation: 20411 Pegasus Road; P.O. Box 173, Tehachapi, CA 93581. 661-823-9672; www.unitedpegasus.com. Definitely bring carrots! Guided tours on Thursdays, call for time. Visitors welcome 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week. Gift shop available. Come visit our retired and adoptable off-track Thoroughbreds.
Get nose to beak with the largest bird on earth at the Indian Point Ostrich Ranch. Nestled in the Cummings Valley the working ostrich ranch is one of the largest ranches in the Western United States.
Established in 1992, the Indian Point Ostrich Ranch has been "wowing" visitors with its "Os-trich-izing" tour for 18 years. They combine fun, education and entertainment in an invigorating environment where you get next to living dinosaur like birds. Their new Ostrich Bonding Experience gives you the unique chance to feed birds that can grow to be 10 feet tall and weigh more than 500 pounds.
Visit their website for more information and visiting hours, which vary seasonally. They also have a wonderful ranch store with their own jerky, edible eggs, ostrich oil and lotions, jewelry, empty and decorated eggs.
Located at the end of Giraudo Road in the Cummings Valley area of Tehachapi.
For information call 661-822-9131 or visit the website:
www.indianpointranch.com.
Places to bring your horse in Tehachapi:
• Alpine Forest: 661-822-6525
(Alpine Forest Property Owners Association)
Call the association to get a map. Alpine Forest is a great starting point for miles of rugged back country trails.
• Bear Valley Equestrian Center: 26800 Bear Valley Road; 661-821-3690. The Equestrian Center has several arenas, camping, and is surrounded by miles and miles of well maintained trails. Open to members and guests only.
• Pacific Crest Trail: Cameron Road, near Tehachapi Willow Springs.
Don't have your own horse? Spit Creek Ranch will provide the horses and take you on a trail ride in the beautiful Cummings Valley area, $40 per person per hour, call 661-972-5001.
Tehachapi is rich territory for birdwatchers with a wide variety of habitat and more than 250 species to see.
Alpacas originally were bred 5,000 years ago by the Incas for their fleece, which was reserved strictly for royalty.
Today, alpacas are also raised in Tehachapi for their extraordinary coats. Fortunately you don’t need to be royalty to enjoy alpaca fleece, which has many advantages over fibers produced by other animals.
Cattle ranching has long been a part of the local economy; sheep are regularly brought to areas of our valleys for grazing. Tehachapi is also home to one of the country’s top ostrich ranches, producing meat and ostrich oil as well as offering popular tours. Three alpaca ranches are also located in Tehachapi.
Elk, deer and smaller mammals can regularly be seen in the countryside and mountain areas. And Tehachapi residents have shown that they have a big heart where animals are concerned – rescue operations for everything from cats and dogs to donkeys, horses and exotic animals are part of the local landscape. .
Exotic Feline Breeding Compound's Feline Conservation Center, also known as the Cat House, is located in Rosamond, about 28 miles from Tehachapi (allow about an hour for the drive because of road conditions).
Windswept Ranch, located just east of the Tehachapi wind farms, also owns alpacas, along with a variety of other exotic animals, including camels and reindeer.