Lifetime sanctuary
Residents of the sanctuary building will have a lifelong home. Habitat design will put their comfort, natural behaviors and daily care ahead of visitor entertainment.
Care
Comfort, thoughtful habitats and veterinary support at every stage of an animal’s life.
A planned GCA program in Illinois. Fundraising is underway; the rescue & sanctuary is not yet open.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Understand Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus disease.
Read the research, learn about risks to other animals and people, and find practical questions to discuss with your veterinarian.
Visit the health information pageONE MISSION · TWO PATHS OF CARE
Every animal’s needs come first.
Rescue to a loving home
The rescue building will remain a resource for future emergencies and other rescue needs. Rehoming will include review of applicants’ housing, care knowledge and ability to meet a chinchilla’s long-term needs.
GCA rescue & adoption resourcesRescue and sanctuary at our Illinois location.
The Illinois facility will not breed chinchillas. Its role is care, rehabilitation, pet-home placement and lifetime sanctuary. GCA’s wider mission also supports ethical breeders who put animal welfare first.
Why GCA supports ethical breedersVeterinary support
A planned onsite veterinary care area will support the animals in GCA’s care. GCA intends to pursue collaboration with the University of Illinois veterinary teaching hospital in Urbana; no partnership is yet confirmed.
A place to discover
The museum and education space will bring together historical records, practical care information and home-habitat examples. A planned garden will extend opportunities to learn.
Support that lasts
Our sustainability plan combines public education and visits, a store and online sales, modest rescue rehoming fees, volunteers, recurring donations and sponsorships. Planned veterinary services would develop as capacity and approvals allow.
THE GCA VISION
Daily care with a long view.
Comfort and natural behaviors
Planned habitats provide opportunities to climb, hide, rest and choose whether to be visible. Compatible companionship and individual care needs will guide arrangements.
Care records that stay with each animal
Identification and documented observations support veterinary care, daily handoffs and future placement decisions.
Observation with respect
The public experience is designed around viewing and learning, with barriers, retreat spaces and attention to rest.
People who can sustain the work
An onsite caretaker, care staff and committed volunteers will support daily operations, backed by GCA leadership and financial oversight.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
Help make this possible.
Support the project through Global Chinchilla Alliance, share your skills or introduce us to others who can help.
Ways to help