Animal Zone: Pasadena Humane - A Legacy of Rescue - Season 16, Episode 08


AnimalZone heads to Pasadena for a visit to Pasadena Humane, where a remarkable tradition of caring for animals stretches back more than a century.


We meet Kevin McManus, who takes us on a tour of the expansive center and shares its fascinating history. Pasadena Humane’s story began with the rescue and protection of horses, which were once an essential part of everyday life in Southern California. As the community changed, so did the organization, evolving over the decades to care for companion animals of all shapes and sizes—including dogs, cats, rabbits and even peacocks that have become familiar residents in the Pasadena area.


But Pasadena Humane’s mission becomes especially vital in times of crisis. Kevin tells us about the organization’s extraordinary response to the devastating Southern California wildfires, when thousands of people were forced from their homes, often becoming separated from beloved pets in the chaos. Pasadena Humane was on the front lines, rescuing displaced animals and providing them with shelter, medical treatment and rehabilitation while families struggled with the aftermath of the fires.


For many of those animals, the happiest part of the story came later: being reunited with the families who feared they might never see them again. For others whose circumstances had permanently changed, Pasadena Humane helped provide a path toward a new beginning.


Along the way, we discover that Pasadena Humane is far more than an animal shelter. It is a community resource, a place of healing and, when disaster strikes, a lifeline for animals and the people who love them.


From rescuing horses more than a century ago to saving pets from the path of modern-day wildfires, Pasadena Humane’s story is one of compassion, resilience and reunions—proving that while the challenges may change, the mission to protect animals remains as important as ever.

Uploaded on Sep 9, 2026 at 5:32 am