The Wild Animal Sanctuary

Sunday was a bight, beautiful, sunny day and Larry and I decided to enjoy the sunshine at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, in Keenesburg, about an hour northeast of us. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the world, devoted to rescuing wild animals, mostly the big carnivores like lions, tigers and bears, though all wild creatures will have a place to call home at the Sanctuary. All of the animals at the Sanctuary are rescues. They all have their own horror stories to tell, but thanks to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, they are allowed to live the rest of the lives with dignity and peace, and in a wild domain; a domain many of these animals have never known.

A shocking statistic about America’s Captive Wildlife Crisis; the illicit exotic animal trade is the third largest source of illegal profits in the world today, just after illegal drugs and weapons! In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 30,000 captive large carnivores living outside the zoo system. There are 4,000 Tigers living as “pets” in private homes in just the state of Texas – which is more Tigers than exist in the wild throughout the world. Countless other Great Cats, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores live in abusive conditions in roadside zoos, circuses, magic acts, traveling shows, and other substandard situations. Untold numbers of animals suffer and die each year due to neglect, abuse or because they are abandoned and left to die, starving and alone.

Over the course of it’s 40+ year history, The Wild Animal Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 animals, and at present, it provides a home to over 750 animals that have been saved from illegal or abusive situations. The Wild Animal Sanctuary currently operates three facilities within the United States, all in Colorado. Two of the Sanctuaries specialize in saving captive-born exotic animal species, while the other is entirely dedicated to saving Colorado Mustangs. The Wild Horse Refuge is another item on our to-do list.

St. Francis of Assisi watching over the animals. Saint Francis of Assisi is renowned for his deep love of nature and animals. Francis of Assisi has become synonymous in religion pop culture with brown habits, birdbaths and the blessing of animals on his feast day. But beyond pets, Francis is also known as the patron saint of ecology.

The first part of the Sanctuary is enclosed in this large bubble. Upon entering, you watch a short video presentation about the Sanctuary and the animals who call it home. There are animal sculptures, a cafe and the gift shop located inside the bubble. This leads to the big overhead walkway that takes you outside to visit all the animals from above. The elevated walkway is less of a disruption and disturbance to the animals, letting them live as they would in the wild.

I took a ton of pictures, that I have since edited and whittled down. I still have a ton of pictures remaining, that I won’t share with all with of you, though I will share quite a few.

Since lions, tigers and bears are the main attractions, there is a large sculptural reference to the movie “The Lion King”.

All the metal sculptures are fantastically crafted, and are beautiful, but as I said the main attractions are the live, wild animals. We saw so many beautiful wild animals. Most were just lounging around, enjoying the beautiful day. But some were active and playing around too.

The big cats have always been some of my favorite animals. There were so many big cats to see.

She is lounging around just like our cats do. The big cats aren’t really that much different than domestic cats, just considerably BIGGER. There a few lions, and other animals, that either have special needs or don’t like to socialize too much, so there was a smaller enclosed section for them.

Most of the animals were outside though, in their own “wild” open space, free to roam or lounge around as they desire.

There were also a few “smaller cats” too. Most of them were all cat napping.

This is the only smaller cat that was alert and ready for action. She was also ready for her picture to be taken too.

Wolves have always had a special place in my heart as well. Since foxes and wolves are nocturnal, they were all resting, getting ready for some night action later. Some were in the sun and some were in the shaded areas.

This beautiful baby looks like our Dorrie, especially when she is sleeping like this.

This one kind of looks a lot like our own “wolf baby”, Juneau.

There was even one foxy mama with a kit of her own.

And of course there were bears too. There were both Grizzly bears and Black bears. These two Grizzly bears were inseparable. They were cuddling together most of the time, and if they weren’t cuddling, they were always close by each other.

Some of the bears decided it was too hot and needed to go for a cool, refreshing swim.

Some of the black bears decided it was cooler in the tunnels.

And a couple liked being out in the sunshine.

There were other animals too, but the big cats, wolves and bears were the main attractions, and the most prevalent animals.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with the animals. In fact, we enjoyed it so much, that instead of just purchasing a one-time pass, we instantly purchased a membership for both of us. Because I have always been such an animal lover, and would gladly have a farm with tons of critters, Larry has always said “I was never allowed to volunteer at a vet’s office or a rescue, because he was afraid I would bring them all home”, which I probably would too. However, that being said, I CAN’T bring these babies home, so I am actually thinking of volunteering here. Larry has even “given me permission” to do so too. 🙂

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is located in Keenesburg, CO. Here is their address and contact information. Every time you visit, you are helping to save the lives of these big, beautiful majestic animals in need.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

2999 County Road 53

Keenesburg, CO 80643

303-536-0118

information@wildanimalsanctuary.org

Have a great day and make everyday great. Love and be kind to all creatures, both big and small. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.