CBS Morning News recently featured Alveus Sanctuary, the wildlife conservation project founded by Maya Higa, bringing her innovative approach to animal education to a national television audience. The segment showcased the Texas-based sanctuary’s mission of providing care for non-releasable exotic animals while using these residents for educational programs both in-person and online.
Higa, who founded Alveus in 2021 after raising over $500,000 during a charity stream, was interviewed about her journey from content creator to conservation leader. The sanctuary now houses more than two dozen animals, primarily birds, mammals, and reptiles that cannot return to the wild due to injury, domestication, or other factors.
The CBS feature included footage of several animal residents, highlighting their personalities and the specialized care they receive from the sanctuary’s dedicated staff. One resident named Siren stole the spotlight with some quirky behavior during filming, adding a lighthearted moment to the serious conservation message.
The segment’s reach went far beyond CBS’s usual audience. One viewer reported seeing the broadcast while visiting family in Iowa, showing just how wide Alveus’s exposure has become. This mainstream coverage marks a big achievement for the sanctuary, which previously used mostly digital platforms to get its message out.
Behind the scenes, Alveus operates with a small staff and volunteers, continuing to depend on donations and public support. The sanctuary places a strong emphasis on responsible animal care and advocates against the illegal wildlife trade and improper exotic pet ownership.
The feature also showed off recent updates at the sanctuary, including a new wolf companion for a resident named Awa, who had been lonely after the loss of her previous companion, Timber.
Alveus stands out in the conservation world with its creative use of digital platforms. Higa regularly hosts educational livestreams with the sanctuary’s animals, connecting with people around the world about wildlife protection and environmental topics.
