Our History

Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals 501(c)(3) was officially established in 2000, but Lyon Ranch has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals for well over 40 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 Rob and Robin’s daughter, Lynette Lyon, who grew up during the animal sanctuary’s formative years 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. With 35 years of experience in animal rescue/rehabilitation Lynette has become integral to the operations of the rescue.

In recent years Lynette has been joined by Rebecca Kopel (Biologist) and Kellen McCallister (Program Director) in the care and management of the rescue 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.

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 rescue 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.

Our Team