Our Organizations

Conservation Through Connection

At Otter Valley Nature Inspiration Center, we believe that meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world inspire compassion, understanding, and a commitment to wildlife conservation. That philosophy, Conservation through Connection, brings together two legally distinct organizations: Nurtured by Nature, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and Animal Educators, Inc., a for-profit corporation.

Nurtured by Nature

Nurtured by Nature advances its charitable mission through once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children and families who may be facing difficult circumstances, as well as partnerships with and support for wildlife education and conservation efforts around the world. It was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Wendy Yates in Valley Center, California. The inspiration for Nurtured by Nature grew from a deeply personal experience. In 2003, devastating Southern California wildfires destroyed the Yates’ home and much of the surrounding community. As they worked to rebuild, they experienced an extraordinary outpouring of unconditional support from neighbors, friends, and the community at large.

That experience left a lasting impression. Grateful for the kindness and generosity they had received, Kevin and Wendy wanted to give back to the same community that had helped them during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Their appreciation for family, community, and the natural world ultimately inspired the creation of Nurtured by Nature, with a mission rooted in the belief that meaningful connections with animals and nature can provide solace, inspiration, and hope during times of misfortune or trouble.

Through individualized animal encounters at Otter Valley Nature Inspiration Center, these special guests have the opportunity to meet and interact with a variety of animals, including Fennec Foxes, Capybaras, Two-toed Sloths, Lemurs, Armadillos, and Kangaroos. The highlight for many guests is the opportunity to interact with the Center’s Asian Small-clawed Otters. Nurtured by Nature hosts pre-arranged visits for these special guests who can enter the water to swim and play with the otters, creating an experience that is both joyful and unforgettable.

These experiences are about much more than simply meeting animals. Each encounter provides an opportunity to learn about the animals, their natural habitats, and the ways human choices and behavior can affect wildlife and the environment. They also provide moments of joy and respite when these special guests and their families need it most.

Animal Educators

Animal Educators, Inc. provides the professional personnel, animal care, facilities, and operational services through which animal encounters and educational programs are conducted. The company was established by Kevin Yates in 1987, originally as a for-profit business dedicated to bringing nature-based education into classrooms. Over the decades, the organization has evolved significantly.

What began as an educational outreach program has grown into a multifaceted effort focused on creating meaningful, sustainable interactions between people and the natural world. For almost four decades, Animal Educators has developed and implemented educational programs, hands-on animal experiences, and environmentally responsible breeding and conservation programs involving a variety of reptile, avian and mammal species.

Together, these organizations reflect Kevin and Wendy’s lifelong commitment to animals, education, conservation, and community – turning a personal experience of receiving extraordinary kindness into an ongoing effort to share that same sense of connection, hope, and generosity with others.