Child with bald head and orange shirt petting a large, oriental cat held by a woman. Several people are in the background at an outdoor event.

About Lyon Ranch

Our History

Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals 501(c)(3) was officially established in 2000, but Lyon Ranch has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals for over 30 years. The ranch was originally founded when Rob (pilot) and Robin Lyon (flight attendant) both retired from Delta airlines and decided to bring Ambassador Animals (including camels) into hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to cheer up the patients. These animal visits are a core value of Lyon Ranch and we continue to donate therapy visits at least once or twice every month.

Lyon Ranch is now under the leadership of Lynette Lyon, Rebecca Kopel, and Kellen McCallister. Lynette Lyon, Rob and Robin’s daughter grew up during the formative years of the ranch and has always had a lead role in its development. Lynette is Lyon Ranch’s CEO and has been trained in animal behavior as well as the hand rearing of animals for more than 20 years.

A New Generation of Care

Two women in beige shirts holding a large python at a science or pet event, with booths and people in the background.

In recent years Lynette has been joined by Rebecca Kopel (Biologist) and Kellen McCallister (Operations Manager) in the care and management of the ranch and its inhabitants. Rebecca is originally from Dallas, Texas but moved to California in order to pursue two degrees in marine biology. Rebecca has recently earned her Master’s of Science degree in biology and freshwater conservation and now serves as a member of the Lyon Ranch team. Kellen McCallister is a native of SLO California who fell in love with Sonoma during his college years at Sonoma State University. Kellen has a background in managing animal rescues in addition to his corporate experience. After moving to Sonoma County in 2021, Kellen joined the Lyon Ranch team as property manager and has remained a valuable member of our sanctuary, now serving as Program Director.

Close-up of a curious black calf looking at the camera, standing outdoors on dry ground with trees and a fence in the background.

Every member of our team is involved in the animal husbandry that comes along with caring for animals in need and is dedicated to giving these animals the best quality of life possible.

Lyon Ranch is committed to fostering a healthy connection between humans and animals, helping to remind us that humans are animals. While we have over 200 rescued animals living at our 10 acre ranch, not every animal “wants” to be an ambassador, and some are simply content to spend their days with us in a loving environment that is held to both USDA and Fish and Wildlife standards/annual inspections. The animals who do participate as ambassadors in our outreach programs are all in optimal health and are content to socialize with humans. We have many wonderful Animal Ambassadors and if you are interested in learning more about them please see the

“Meet the Animals” page on this website.

Meet the Team

  • A woman smiling and holding a large, exotic-looking cat with a pink collar in an outdoor setting.

    Lynette Lyon

    CEO Lyon Ranch

    Favorite animal: Dubie the cat

  • A woman holding a large snake around her neck in a room with shelves, with a man in the background drinking from a bottle.

    Rebecca Kopel

    Biologist, CFO, and Program Director Lyon Ranch

    B.S. Marine Biology (Sonoma State University)

    M.S. Biology (Sonoma State University- Geist lab)

    Favorite animal: All

  • A woman with sunglasses and a grey t-shirt holding the reins of a large camel on a forest trail, with trees and sunlight in the background.

    Kellen McCallister

    Lyon Ranch Operations Manager

    B.A. Political Science (Sonoma State University)

    Favorite animal: Mimzy the Scottish Highland Cow

  • A young woman with colorful hair, glasses, and piercings makes a kissing face while sitting next to a red and black parrot on her shoulder.

    Laniakea Evans

    Lyon Ranch Outreach Coordinator

    Favorite animal: Daisy the lamb

  • A man and woman walking with a camel on a path in a wooded area.

    Rob & Robin Lyon

    Lyon Ranch Founders