Kitty Pallesen’s dedication to rescuing desert wildlife has long made Kitty’s Wildlife Refuge & Rescue a sanctuary for creatures great and small in Coachella Valley. For years, Kitty has provided a safe haven for animals that other veterinarians could not—or would not—tend to. From food and shelter to medical care, her efforts have cemented her reputation as a beacon of hope for the valley’s most vulnerable residents.
However, 2022 marked a year of significant trials for Kitty and her beloved refuge. Tragedy struck when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a citation against her sanctuary, specifically targeting her care of permanently injured ravens. Despite years of providing a loving home for these birds under the guidance of a retired licensed rehabber, Kitty faced harsh penalties because she had not obtained the necessary permits before taking the birds into her care.
The situation escalated when the department confiscated and euthanized her ravens, including Muninn, a rehabilitated raven who had been with her for nearly a decade. This heartbreaking loss ignited a legal battle that Kitty is still navigating, determined to protect the other animals in her care.
Amidst these challenges, Kitty’s story has attracted the attention of a group of LA-based documentary filmmakers. Led by director Christina Jundt, the team has spent the summer capturing the essence of Kitty’s refuge and the legal struggles she faces. Their goal is to shine a light on Kitty’s plight and the broader implications for wildlife care and regulatory practices.
Christina Jundt and her crew, committed to telling Kitty’s story, are crafting a documentary that they hope will not only bring awareness to her struggles but also spur community support and a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in wildlife rehabilitation. The project aims to highlight the beauty of desert life and the harsh realities faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting it. Through their lenses, they capture the essence of a woman who refuses to give up her life’s work, fighting tirelessly to ensure that her sanctuary remains a refuge for all.
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