Hours & Visiting Information
Open for Visitors - The Wild Animal Sanctuary is open daily for Visitors *Note - NO DOGS ALLOWED
We open every day at 9 AM and close the facility at sunset (exact closing times are posted below).
Due to Licensing and Special Use Permit Requirements - ALL Visitors need to exit the facility and be off Sanctuary grounds no later than the specified closing time!
To help ensure our visitors have enough time to tour the facility - the Sanctuary’s entrance gate is closed exactly one hour prior to the official closing time. This policyis strictly enforced… and the Sanctuary actually suggests visitors come no later than two hours prior to closing to have enough time to see the entire facility.
February 1st to February 3rd Open 9 AM to 4:45 PM
February 4th to February 12th Open 9 AM to 5:20 PM
February 13th to February 20th Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM
February 21st to March 1st Open 9 AM to 5:40 PM
March 2nd to March 10th Open 9 AM to 5:50 PM
March 11th to March 20th Open 9 AM to 7:00 PM
March 21st to March 29th Open 9 AM to 7:10 PM
March 30th to April 8th Open 9 AM to 7:20 PM
April 9th to April 18th Open 9 AM to 7:30 PM
April 19th to April 28th Open 9 AM to 7:40 PM
April 29th to May 8th Open 9 AM to 7:50 PM
May 9th to May 18th Open 9 AM to 8:00 PM
May 19th to May 30th Open 9 AM to 8:10 PM
May 31st to June 19th Open 9 AM to 8:20 PM
June 20th to July 23rd Open 9 AM to 8:30 PM
July 24th to August 3rd Open 9 AM to 8:20 PM
August 4th to August 11th Open 9 AM to 8:10 PM
August 12th to August 18th Open 9 AM to 8:00 PM
August 19th to August 25th Open 9 AM to 7:50 PM
August 26th to August 31st Open 9 AM to 7:40 PM
September 1st to September 7th Open 9 AM to 7:30 PM
September 8th to September 13th Open 9 AM to 7:20 PM
September 14th to September 19th Open 9 AM to 7:10 PM
September 20th to September 25th Open 9 AM to 7:00 PM
September 26th to October 1st Open 9 AM to 6:50 PM
October 2nd to October 7th Open 9 AM to 6:40 PM
October 8th to October 13th Open 9 AM to 6:30 PM
October 14th to October 20th Open 9 AM to 6:20 PM
October 21st to October 28th Open 9 AM to 6:10 PM
October 29th to November 2nd Open 9 AM to 6:00 PM
November 3rd to November 6th Open 9 AM to 5:00 PM
November 7th to November 16th Open 9 AM to 4:50 PM
November 17th to November 26th Open 9 AM to 4:40 PM
November 27th to December 28th Open 9 AM to 4:30 PM
December 29th to December 31st Open 9 AM to 4:40 PM
Cost to Visit
-
Adults - $15
-
Children, ages 3-12 - $7.50
Cash, checks, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and Debit Cards all gratefully accepted.
We are only closed four days a year - Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. In the event of snow storms or other extreme weather, it’s always a good idea to call before driving out, 303-536-0118.
How Do I Get There? For a map and directions, please click on “MAP to Facility.”
Physical Address: The Wild Animal Sanctuary
1946 County Road 53
Keenesburg, CO 80643
What About Schools or Group Visits? Please click on “
Schools” or “
Group Tours.”
What should I bring?
Binoculars are a great way to see better anywhere you go... and some stationary units are available at no fee on the walkways and decks. Video and still cameras are always great, as they can help record your visit!
What Can I Expect When I Visit?
Your first stop at the Sanctuary will be our big Welcome Center & Gift Shop. You’ll be welcomed by TWAS staff and volunteers, where you’ll pay your entrance fee and receive an orientation about the Sanctuary’s work, as well as the rules and regulations. From there, you will proceed to walk on ramps, the Mile Into The Wild walkway, and observation decks up above the animals.
Our walkway system spans more than 300 acres of animal habitats, so most visitors stay two to three hours minimum, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like while we’re open. Most ramps, walkways and decks are wheel-chair and stroller accessible.
You’ll walk above some animals who are in very large enclosures (during their transition period until they are ready to move into large acreage habitats with others of their own kind), and you’ll view others in large species-specific habitats of up to 25 acres.
TWAS has more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Leopards, Mountain Lions, Wolves, and a few smaller carnivores such as Servals, Bobcats, Lynx, Foxes, Coyote and Coati Mundi. We also have also rescued Horses, Emu, Camel & Alpaca, as well as Cats, Dogs, Parrots and other Birds. You’ll get to view most of the animals enjoying life in great big habitats or large enclosures, complete with all kinds of enrichment structures, such as lakes, pools, platforms and other animal “jungle gyms,” as well as “boomer balls” they can roll around or swim with.
At the top of the first ramp is our enclosed Education Center…a round building above the main Tiger compound that features videos by National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet that show incredible rescue stories as well as other interesting information about the Sanctuary. There are also a lot of other printed information about the Sanctuary’s mission and operations.
There is a restroom in the Education Center, as well as men's and women's restrooms on the ground level near both Welcome Centers.
As you walk on the ramps, Mile Into The Wild Walkway, and observation decks, there will be informational signs posted at every habitat and other important area of the Sanctuary. We also have a "Wildlife Audio Tour" that is free to use so that you can learn additional information about the animals near where you’re standing.
Each of the main observation decks has picnic tables and chairs, as does the small garden area at the foot of the main ramp. You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch... and there is also a fully operational snack bar that offers a wide variety of nutritious food, snacks, and beverages. From sandwiches and wraps to fresh salads and ice cream, there is something for everyone! During our winter hours, the snack bar is only open on the weekends and is subject to close for bad weather.
Testimonials
“I just wanted to take a moment out of my day to tell you that my wife and I absolutely loved our visit. The sanctuary is amazing and the work you do often goes without its rightful praise I would imagine. Please tell Pat we were especially appreciative of his visit as well, especially since my wife can remember watching "Growing up Leopard" when it premiered on Animal Plant years ago.”
Take Care,
T. Bilobran
“I remember so vividly the wonderful visits I’ve had at your sanctuary, and since then, I’ve made my birthday an invitation for my friends to send donations on my behalf as birthday gifts. The animals are always in my heart, as well as all of you, for making their comfort and well being a reality. THANK YOU for all that you do!”
Much love always,
SN Balise
“Wild Animal Sanctuary – Thank you so much for your recent ‘Sanctuary News’ – we loved the articles, the great stories and the photos, all were interesting and informative. You folks all are doing such a wonderful job and we are grateful for your dedicated service and care of the animals.”
Again, thanks for all you do!
Harper Family
