Education, advocacy, and community outreach are core pillars of CAPE’s mission.
CAPE was thrilled to participate in the Sonoma County VegFest, where Zoe gave a heartfelt presentation on the vital role animal sanctuaries play within the broader animal protection movement. Watch Zoe’s full talk at YouTube.com/@capeanimals.
Zoe taught two college classes for students through the Reducetarian Foundation, exploring how animal farming impacts public health. The discussions inspired powerful reflections from students who shared how the sessions deepened their understanding of the connections between animal welfare, human health, and social justice:
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Wildfire Animal Assistance Fund (WAAF): CAPE’s WAAF Program provides critical support to animals injured or displaced by wildfires and other natural disasters in California, Washington, and Oregon. In January 2025, Los Angeles County was effected by multiple destructive, devastating fires. During these emergencies, WAAF provided essential aid to animal shelters, rescue organizations, wildlife rescues, and individuals. Support included food, feed, veterinary care, supplies, and emergency housing for displaced animals. Click here to learn more about CAPE’s WAAF program.
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In 2025, CAPE transitioned to new leadership
JP Novic,
Co-Founder
Dear Friends,
For the past 32 years, I have had the absolute honor of ushering CAPE through thousands of animal rescues, hundreds of educational programs, and dozens of movie making and screening events. For the most part, this work has been filled with joy, passion, and community. But just like anything worthwhile that involves saving lives, there is always a flip side - long, tiring days, the heartbreak of knowing you can’t save them all, and witnessing the unspeakable suffering that humans inflict on innocent animals.
Over the years, I have received thousands of cards, letters, and emails from people who have reached out to say “thank you” to CAPE for helping animals in the way that we do. It always fills me with deep gratitude when I read these messages. But really – the thanks go to all of you. CAPE has always been a team effort. It is all of us - you, me, volunteers, the CAPE staff as well as the Board of Directors, and donors who have, with kindness and humility, just done what needed to be done to help those who needed it most. We have accomplished something remarkable, and we have done it with pure kindness and heart, for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.
I have some big news to share with you.
At the end of this year, I will be passing the baton - passing the Muck Boots, as it were - and welcoming a new Executive Director to continue CAPE’s mission to rescue and protect animals in need. You may recognize her name or her face from previous CAPE events, newsletters, and photos. She has been volunteering with CAPE for 32 years, almost her entire life. CAPE’s new Executive Director is my daughter, Zoe Novic.
I have thought about this transition for a long time, and I am so excited that CAPE will be in the capable hands of someone who is extremely creative, talented, experienced, ambitious, and kind. Zoe brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion for animal advocacy. After getting her BA in Anthropology from Brandeis University and serving two years in the Peace Corps in Indonesia, Zoe worked as the Bay Area Grassroots Director for The Humane League, a farm animal advocacy organization. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health from Yale, and most recently she worked with Greener by Default as the Healthcare Manager. Zoe’s background in public health, animal advocacy, and her commitment to CAPE’s mission will strengthen CAPE’s work and vision for the future.
I am so excited to watch her build on CAPE’s established successes and create new opportunities to expand our rescue and advocacy efforts. Her introductory letter is below. Please know that I will still be very present at the sanctuary and if you want to come for a tour, just let us know. I promise I’ll wash off the ol’ Muck Boots in preparation to greet you here. Thank you for 32 years of helping animals together. Here’s to many more.
With much gratitude and love,
JP Novic
Co-Founder
Zoe Novic, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
It is an honor and a privilege to write to you today as CAPE’s new Executive Director. Some of you may already know me—perhaps as a child tagging along with my mom, visiting shelters to rescue animals in need, or through stories and photos in this very newsletter, where my mom has shared CAPE’s incredible journey over the past 32 years. Wherever our paths may have crossed, I am thrilled to now embark on this new chapter with you.
For over three decades, CAPE has been a beacon of compassion, dedicated to saving the lives of older animals and those with special needs while empowering individuals to make choices that alleviate animal suffering. Together, we’ve accomplished so much: rescuing more than 2300 animals, providing sanctuary to those who might not have had another chance, and spreading messages of empathy and change far and wide.
For me, CAPE has always been an extended part of my family. Founded just six months after I was born, CAPE has grown alongside me—a sibling in mission and spirit. Over the years, I’ve witnessed CAPE’s remarkable growth and had the joy of being part of key milestones:
The establishment of the CAPE Animal Sanctuary.
Launching the Animal Film Festival and the Speaking of Animals television show.
Filming and distributing the Old Friends and Viva Los Perros documentaries.
Opening the Muttopia shelter in collaboration with Compassion Without Borders.
Partnering with California county animal shelters to rescue animals in need.
And so much more—all made possible by your unwavering support.
As I step into this role, I’ve come to appreciate even more deeply what makes CAPE unique: it is an organization powered by compassion. Our small but mighty team, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and inclusive community are the heart and soul of this work.
Looking ahead, CAPE will continue to lead with compassion, building upon the solid foundation already laid. Our commitment to animal rescue, adoption, vet care, and community outreach and education remains steadfast. Together we will explore new strategies to expand our impact and create even more meaningful change for animals and the people who love them.
Thank you for your trust and partnership on this journey. I look forward to building a future with you that reflects the compassion, hope, and resilience that CAPE embodies.
With gratitude,
Zoe Novic
Executive Director