Press Room
Welcome to The Wild Animal Sanctuary’s Press Room! This page displays recent press releases concerning The Wild Animal Sanctuary - as well as background information for additional reference.
More information about urgent rescues, particular animals or species, or additional video footage or photographs may be obtained by calling the Sanctuary office at 303-536-0118. Please feel free to call us, and we thank you for featuring our animals in your work!
Press Releases
Panamanian Lions Airlifted to Colorado
Keenesburg, CO – September 28 2011 –In a highly coordinated effort, officials from the Panamanian Government, FedEx Air Cargo, and The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) airlifted three female African Lions to a wildlife refuge in Colorado this morning.
Found in the small town of Chorrera outside of Panama City, the three sibling African Lions - ranging in age from 15-18 years old - had lived their entire lives being neglected and physically abused. Kept in tiny concrete and steel cages, the Lions were fed small amounts of whatever food local charity organizations could muster.
“The Lions are displaying obvious signs of neglect, being extremely small in stature, very lethargic, and critically underweight. These are clear signs that poor nutrition, cramped spaces and a complete lack of medical attention has taken its toll on them.” said Wild Animal Sanctuary Director, Pat Craig. “They have spent the last decade waiting for someone to save them. One animal welfare organization after another had promised to get involved and help secure a better home for these three girls, but no one would actually follow through and come get them.”
TWAS plans to provide the Lions with much needed medical attention while closely observing them over the next several months as they go through the Sanctuary’s rehabilitation process. Once the Lions are healthy and acclimated to their new environment, they will be released into a large acreage natural habitat where they will live for the rest of their lives.
Over the past couple months TWAS was able to bring together several key organizations to help make the rescue possible. Within Panama, the National Authority for the Environment (ANAM) worked diligently to secure legal releases needed for the Lions to leave Panama, while Tocumen Airport officials assisted with all of the logistics related to staging the Lions for when they would arrive at the airport.
In addition to providing logistical support for the rescue team, Gamboa Rainforest Resort also donated vehicles to transport the Lions to the capital city where a FedEx Air Cargo plane awaited their arrival. “FedEx played a decisive role in this rescue, as they graciously donated the Lions’ transportation to the U.S. Without the help of their dedicated staff, these Lions might have never obtained the freedom they deserved” said Craig.
The Panama rescue is the second international rescue TWAS has successfully accomplished in the last seven months. In February 2011, 25 African Lions were rescued in conjunction with Animal Defenders International from eight different circuses throughout Bolivia after the government banned the use of animals in circus acts. After completing the Sanctuary’s rehabilitation process, the Lions now roam freely on 80 acres of rolling grasslands. “We are extremely honored to have the opportunity to save three more African Lions from a life of despair, and give them the life they deserve in wild open spaces,” said Katie Vandegrift, the Sanctuary’s Public relations Director. Both of the international rescues have been filmed by a National Geographic with the stories airing sometime in the near future.
About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Inc., DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 720 acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores and provides lifelong care for its rescued animals. The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features a unique system of observation decks and walkways that visitors utilize to see the animals in natural habitats.
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Media Contacts: Pat Craig, Executive Director - pat@wildlife-sanctuary.org - 303-536-0118
Katie Vandegrift, Public Relations Director - katie@wildlife-sanctuary.org
Two More Bolivian Lion Prides To Be Released
Keenesburg, CO – June 30, 2011 – The final 2 prides of African Lions rescued from Bolivian circuses will soon be roaming freely on 40 acres of rolling grasslands at The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS), as they are scheduled to be released on July 5, 2011.
One of the prides consisting of one male and two female Lions suffered from years of physical abuse and neglect in the circus. They had severe mouth problems requiring major dental work, which extended the length of their rehabilitation, and delaying their release.
The other pride that will be released includes three cubs that were only 7 weeks old when they were rescued, but had been separated with their mother from the other members of their pride so circus workers could steal them for photograph sessions with customers. “It is very rewarding to know these cubs will not have to endure years of hardship in the circus like their family members had, and will instead be able to roam freely in wild open spaces,” said Executive Director Pat Craig. After months of being separated, the cubs and their mother were able to rejoin the pride, since the cubs had recently reached a suitable age and weight. The reunited pride of 7 will now be released into one of the Sanctuary’s large acreage habitats where they can live together for the rest of their lives.
The Lions were rescued from eight different circuses throughout Bolivia after the government banned the use of animals in circus acts. Upon arrival in Colorado, the 25 big cats were temporarily housed in a state of the art 15,000 square foot biosphere-like building featuring natural amenities such as grass and trees while they went through the Sanctuary’s rehabilitation process.
During their rehabilitation, four distinct prides were formed in order to allow the Lions to live in a more natural state. Two prides have already been rehabilitated and released into large acreage habitats, with the remaining two scheduled to be released in a matter of days. Craig says, “All of the Lions are doing remarkably well, and we are extremely excited to be able to release these final two prides. Everyone who has worked so hard to save these Lions is looking forward to seeing them enjoying their freedom and the quality of life they deserve.”
About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Inc., DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 720 acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores and provides lifelong care for its rescued animals. The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features a unique system of observation decks and walkways that visitors utilize to see the animals in natural habitats.
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Media Contacts: Pat Craig, Executive Director - pat@wildlife-sanctuary.org- 303-536-0118
Katie Vandegrift, Public Relations Director - katie@wildlife-sanctuary.org
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Wild Animal Sanctuary Doubles Its Size Through Generous Land Gift
Keenesburg, CO – June 13, 2011 – With the help of a generous benefactor, The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) recently added 400 acres to its facility located Northeast of Denver, CO. The gift elevates the Sanctuary’s acreage to 720, making it the largest free-roaming carnivore sanctuary in the western hemisphere.
The million dollar acquisition was made possible through the purchase and donation of land by a supporter who stepped forward in strong support of the Sanctuary’s “Wild Open Spaces” campaign. The campaign enables the Sanctuary to continue providing natural habitats for newly rescued Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores that were confiscated from illegal or abusive situations.
When asked about the importance of the deal, Sanctuary Executive Director, Pat Craig, stated “Adding more acreage for habitats and natural buffers is critical to our overall mission. It’s the key element enabling us to provide unprecedented freedom and quality of life to the animals we rescue. We are extremely grateful to have received such an amazing and openly generous gift, and we look forward to being able to utilize the land so more rehabilitated Lions, Tigers & Bears can enjoy the freedom they deserve!”
The Sanctuary currently has more than 20 large acreage habitats covering 320 acres, and plans to utilize the new land for some of its current residents, as well as future rescues. Lists of recently rescued animals taking advantage of the Sanctuary’s Wild Open Space Campaign include 25 African Lions rescued from Bolivia.
Craig goes on to say, “The other benefit of adding more land is that children and adults alike will gain unparalleled access to viewing large carnivores living freely. As more people contribute to our “Mile Into The Wild” walkway project, we will be able to expand our network of elevated catwalks and decks over new habitats - which will greatly increase our educational capacity.”
About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Inc., DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary is now a 720 acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores and provides lifelong care for its rescued animals. The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features a unique system of observation decks and elevated walkways that visitors utilize to see the animals in natural habitats.
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Media Contacts: Pat Craig, Executive Director - pat@wildlife-sanctuary.org- 303-536-0118
Katie Vandegrift, Public Relations Director - katie@wildlife-sanctuary.org
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The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the Recipient of a Large Gift
Keenesburg, CO – June 3, 2011 – The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) is receiving a wonderful gift in the amount of $100,000.00 from the estate of an avid animal lover.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary has proudly been named one of the main beneficiaries in the late Sam Goldman estate. The representatives of Mr. Goldman’s estate will present the check to TWAS on the morning of June 6, 2011.
Sam Goldman had a great love of wild animals and specifically wanted his assets to go toward charitable organizations whose mission is to protect and care for animals. After his representatives visited The Wild Animal Sanctuary and met with Executive Director, Pat Craig, they decided it was the perfect fit for Mr. Goldman’s wishes. “We commend Sam Goldman for wanting to help the animals he cared for so much. It is the remarkable generosity of people like Mr. Goldman that allows us to continue our mission”, said Pat Craig.
The donation will help The Wild Animal Sanctuary continue its mission of rescuing large carnivores from abusive or illegal situations and provide them lifelong homes on wild open spaces. TWAS is currently home to more than 290 large carnivores and feeds more than 19,000 pounds of food per week. The Wild Animal Sanctuary was recently part of a history making rescue involving 25 African Lions confiscated from circuses in Bolivia. All of the Lions have been rehabilitated and now roam freely in a natural 80 acre habitat. The cost to feed, house and care for the new Lions is nearly $200,000 a year, so Mr. Goldman’s generous donation will help the Sanctuary offset these costs.
About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Inc., DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 320 acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores and provides lifelong care for its rescued animals. The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features a unique system of observation decks and elevated walkways that visitors utilize to see the animals in natural habitats.
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Media Contacts: Pat Craig, Executive Director - pat@wildlife-sanctuary.org- 303-536-0118
Katie Vandegrift, Public Relations Director - katie@wildlife-sanctuary.org
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Background
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the oldest and largest nonprofit Sanctuary in the US dedicated exclusively to rescuing captive exotic and endangered large carnivores, providing them with a wonderful life for as long as they live, and educating about the tragic plight faced by an estimated 30,000 such animals in America today.
Established by Executive Director Pat Craig in 1980, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary, is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Originally started on Pat’s family farm outside Boulder, CO, TWAS soon moved to Lyons, CO, where there was more room for the animals, and to provide for future expansion. After eight years in that location, TWAS was forced to move again due to a limestone quarry moving in nearby. The Sanctuary currently sits on 720 acres 30 miles northeast of Denver, CO. There is plenty of space for the animals’ with over 20 large acreage habitats, along with room to grow while still maintaining large grassland buffers.
TWAS is now located near Keenesburg, Colorado, (link to map), and we are open for visitors year round, daily, 9am-4pm, except major Holidays and bad weather. During summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we extend our hours from 9am – sunset.
The Sanctuary is located on rural, rolling grasslands about 50 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. Comprising 720 acres and sheltering more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Leopards, Mountain Lions, Wolves and other large carnivores, it is the first sanctuary of its kind to create large acreage species-specific habitats for its rescued animals.
Since January, 1980, The Wild Animal Sanctuary has responded to nearly 1,000 requests from private citizens and government agencies to rescue animals from across the United States and in Mexico. Our furry residents were abused, abandoned, illegally kept, or were victims of other terrible situations. At TWAS, the animals come first! Providing expert care and rehabilitation, exceptional diets and enrichment, and large spaces in which to roam make life for our rescued animals the kind of life they would have if they could choose it. Education about the Captive Wildlife Crisis…its causes and solutions…is critical to changing social consciousness today, in order to provide a better future for captive wild animals. TWAS welcomes visitors, school groups and organizations to our Education Center at the Sanctuary, and also has a Speakers Bureau whose members do presentations for a variety of businesses, universities and other organizations.
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 – 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 stands, 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.
Public Safety is also a serious issue. Every year, people get hurt or killed by captive wild animals that have not been properly housed, or because the people were allowed to be in unsafe situations by the animals’ owners or keepers. TWAS is called upon by local, state and national law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety in situations where the public and/or animals are at risk.
The three main points of our mission…to rescue captive large carnivores who have been abused, abandoned, illegally kept or exploited…to create for them a wonderful life for as long as they live…and to educate about the causes and solutions to the Captive Wildlife Crisis…these things are what we commit to for the animals, and for the humans who help to make a positive difference for them.
Pat Craig, Founder and Executive Director
Pat began saving captive wildlife at age 19, while still a college student. From his first animal, a Jaguar cub, which he kept in a small licensed compound on his family farm outside Boulder, CO, Pat’s vision has led, 31 years later, to the oldest, largest nonprofit sanctuary in North America dedicated exclusively to the rescue of captive exotic and endangered large carnivores who have been abused, abandoned, exploited or illegally kept. He has pioneered the building of large acreage species-specific habitats, giving the rescued animals wide open spaces in which to roam.
Pat’s 31 years of experience in captive large carnivore behavior and sanctuary development have led to his becoming a leading expert in the field. He has participated in The Association of Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, on whose board he served. Pat lectures regionally and nationally on captive wildlife rescue and transportation, great cat behaviors and diets, and has worked tirelessly toward better protection for these animals. He works successfully with the USDA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and many other state and national organizations in the never-ending rescue of animals in need. Pat has also worked with Mexican agencies on rescues from that country.
Pat’s time as a designer and contractor has been key in his creating and building the unique and expansive infrastructure that makes up the 720 acre Wild Animal Sanctuary today. He has used his background in secondary education to develop extensive wildlife curriculums pertaining to the Captive Wildlife Crisis. He has developed detailed plans for the National Institute for Captive Wildlife Protection.
Pat oversees and participates in all TWAS’ operations, including rescues, animal care, building operations and maintenance, development, administration, and education. He is also TWAS’ resident computer and audiovisual guru, handling social networking applications, producing Sanctuary videos, taking photographs and formatting the quarterly newsletter. Pat has a BS in Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and has received recognition from many sources, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Humane Association, and from E-Town Environmental Radio Show. He was a finalist in Animal Planet’s 2006 “Hero of the Year” competition.
Pat is available for interviews by calling 303-536-0118.
