David in Action: Wings of Rescue
When disaster struck Puerto Rico, Wings of Rescue stepped in—flying in thousands of pounds of supplies and flying out 110 displaced dogs and cats. David joined this life-saving mission, lending his hands and heart to help animals in crisis find safety and hope on the mainland.
David Chokachi grew up on the water in New England—sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving—raised by parents who passed down a deep love for the ocean and a strong work ethic. That connection to nature shaped him early, and over time, it’s evolved into a lifelong commitment to protecting the planet and those who call it home.
He’s been honored by the Surfrider Foundation as Environmentalist of the Year and is one of just a few people to receive their rare “Keeper of the Coast” Award, alongside names like Jack Johnson and members of Pearl Jam. For over 30 years, he’s stayed active with the organization—teaching his daughter and her friends the value of service by organizing community beach cleanups and speaking out to protect our coastlines.
But David’s activism goes far beyond the ocean.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, David has worked with groups like Best Friends Animal Society, Paws for Life K9 Rescue, Angel City Pits, and Wings of Rescue—a nonprofit that flies at-risk shelter animals to safety around the country.
What started as a one-time volunteer gig after the California wildfires quickly turned into a recurring mission. From lifting 80-lb dog crates into cargo planes to flying across the country as part of the Wings of Rescue flight crew, David shows up with heart, hustle, and zero ego.
He’s also personally stepped in to help during disaster recovery—coordinating new bed donations for Fire Station 69, ripping up toxic carpet, and helping a single mother and her kids (and sheep, ram, dogs, and bunnies) evacuate from their fire-damaged home. When people needed help, he didn’t hesitate. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
In his acting career, David gravitates toward projects that tell stories with substance—like Black Panthers of WWII, a film based on the true story of a heroic African-American tank division. Whether he’s on set or in the middle of a relief effort, his goal is the same: to make an impact, lead with compassion, and use his voice for something that matters.
Because for David, activism isn’t about appearances. It’s about action.
Activism
Ocean Lover. Animal Advocate. Humanitarian.
“I’ve loved dogs my whole life. Helping fly them to safety?
That’s something I’ll never stop doing.”
In the aftermath of devastating California wildfires, David Chokachi jumped in to help—not with a camera crew or a press moment, but with work gloves and heart. What started as a volunteer effort with Wings of Rescue, a nonprofit that flies at-risk shelter animals to safe havens across the country, quickly became a full-on commitment. Today, David is an official part of the Wings of Rescue flight crew, regularly flying cross-country to help load and care for dogs in need.
Flight Crew In Action
Emergency Response: When fires displaced thousands of pets across California, David helped load over 130 dogs onto emergency flights out of L.A. shelters.
In the Hold: Working side by side with the team, he stacked crates, secured the cargo, and ensured no space went to waste—sometimes flying on the jump seat next to the animals across multiple states.
77,000 Lives Saved: On Valentine’s Day 2025, David joined the flight that marked Wings of Rescue’s 77,000th animal rescued.
Ongoing Missions: He continues to fly with Wings of Rescue as part of their official crew, helping transport dogs from overcrowded shelters to loving homes across the country.
“They later told me in 15 years of doing this work, they’d never seen anyone work so hard, so fast, and care so much. That meant everything to me.”
- How It Started:
After the L.A. fires, David volunteered to help Best Friends Animal Society load dogs onto one of Wings of Rescue’s many emergency flights. His strength, speed, and attitude made such an impression that he was offered a position as part of their official flight crew. - On the Ground:
David uses his construction experience and work ethic to make each mission count. Whether it’s hauling 80-lb crates or organizing the cargo hold, he treats every dog as if it were his own. - Making It Count:
These flights aren’t just logistics—they’re hope in motion. Every dog or cat that boards a Wings of Rescue flight means two lives saved: the one on the plane, and the one whose shelter space is freed up back home. - More Than Just a Job:
David calls this the most rewarding volunteer work of his life. He stays in close contact with the team and continues to respond when needed, flying across the country to support each new mission.
Help Save Lives
Support Wings of Rescue or get involved with your local animal shelter. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always needed—and every small action can make a life-changing difference.
👉 Wings of Rescue
👉 Follow @therealdavidchokachi for behind-the-scenes Reels
On the Ground, Giving Back
Helping the Helpers
🔥New Beds for Fire Station 69
After the wildfires, David coordinated the donation of 22 new beds and personally ripped out 1,000 square feet of toxic carpet at Fire Station 69 in Pacific Palisades. “These guys had been sleeping on smoke-soaked mattresses. I just wanted to do something for the people who risked everything.”
Saving Sheepmom
🐑A Family, a Fire, and a Herd in the Ashes
David delivered emergency supplies to Vanessa Garcia, a single mom who had lost everything in the fires—except, miraculously, her animals. Later, he helped a team of firefighters catch and load her sheep and ram so the family could safely relocate. “That day made us friends for life.”
For the Dogs
🐾A Lifetime of Advocacy
David has spent over 25 years working with Best Friends Animal Society, Paws for Life K9 Rescue, and Angel City Pits. From fostering and fundraising to speaking out against breed discrimination, he remains deeply committed to animal welfare. “I wish I could save them all.”
Surfrider Foundation Raises $150,000 for Beach and Coastal Protection
In a recent fundraising event, the Surfrider Foundation honored actor David Chokachi alongside bands Incubus and Pearl Jam for their significant contributions to coastal conservation efforts. The event successfully raised $150,000 to support the foundation's initiatives.
Baywatch
and
Beyond
In an interview with The Unseasonal, David Chokachi shared insights into his passion for environmental causes, emphasizing the importance of caring for the planet and advocating for sustainable living.
David Chokachi Assists Stranded Seal Amid Coastal Crisis
Baywatch alum David Chokachi came to the aid of a stranded seal and with the help of the California Wildlife Center after he found the animal making agonizing guttural sounds
Surfrider Foundation Raises $150,000 for Beach and Coastal Protection
In a recent fundraising event, the Surfrider Foundation honored actor David Chokachi alongside bands Incubus and Pearl Jam for their significant contributions to coastal conservation efforts. The event successfully raised $150,000 to support the foundation's initiatives.
Baywatch and Beyond
In an interview with The Unseasonal, David Chokachi shared insights into his passion for environmental causes, emphasizing the importance of caring for the planet and advocating for sustainable living.
David Chokachi Assists Stranded Seal Amid Coastal Crisis
Baywatch alum David Chokachi came to the aid of a stranded seal and with the help of the California Wildlife Center after he found the animal making agonizing guttural sounds
Surfrider Foundation Raises $150,000 for Beach and Coastal Protection
In a recent fundraising event, the Surfrider Foundation honored actor David Chokachi alongside bands Incubus and Pearl Jam for their significant contributions to coastal conservation efforts. The event successfully raised $150,000 to support the foundation's initiatives.
Baywatch and Beyond
In an interview with The Unseasonal, David Chokachi shared insights into his passion for environmental causes, emphasizing the importance of caring for the planet and advocating for sustainable living.
David Chokachi Assists Stranded Seal Amid Coastal Crisis
Baywatch alum David Chokachi came to the aid of a stranded seal and with the help of the California Wildlife Center after he found the animal making agonizing guttural sounds
Leading with Heart, On Land and Sea
Champion for Clean Water Access
David supports UNICEF’s clean water campaigns and has participated in high-profile events like the TAP Project and Snowflake Lighting Benefit. His passion for helping underserved communities starts with one of life’s most basic needs: access to clean drinking water.
Advocate for Ocean Health
A lifelong waterman, David has worked with the Surfrider Foundation since the 1990s. He’s raised awareness, spoken publicly, and actively supported initiatives that protect our beaches, waves, and oceans.
Honored as Keeper of the Coast
David was awarded Surfrider Foundation’s “Keeper of the Coast,” a rare honor given only once every five years. This award recognizes his long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
Taking Action in Washington
David traveled to Capitol Hill to speak at a U.S. Senate briefing about the importance of federal support for beach water testing—bringing national attention to the dangers of cutting environmental protections.
Surfing with Purpose
He’s hit the waves in charity events like Project Save Our Surf’s Surf-a-Thon, helping raise funds for ocean conservation through Oceana, and inspiring others to give back through their passions.
Paddling to Protect the Coast
David joined a 20-mile paddleboard campaign along the Gaviota Coast—one of Southern California’s last stretches of undeveloped coastline—to raise awareness and support for its preservation.
Fighting Waterway Pollution
Through his involvement with the Waterkeeper Alliance, David backs legal and grassroots efforts to stop polluters from contaminating rivers and waterways—knowing that all rivers lead to the ocean.
Advocate for Animal Welfare
David serves on the board of Best Friends Animal Society, supporting no-kill shelters and adoption efforts. He also champions wildlife conservation through The Vital Ground Foundation, helping protect habitats for species like the grizzly bear.
Athlete for a Cause
David regularly competes in events like the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, helping raise funds for pediatric health causes, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and AIDS research.