Visit the Sanctuary
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What Makes This Place Different?
It's not a zoo. It's where people like you can learn about rescue, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for the animals at our facility in Keenesburg, CO who have been affected by the Captive Wildlife Crisis.
Who Should Visit?
The Sanctuary's two primary functions involve rescuing and caring for animals - and educating people about the Captive Wildlife Crisis. To that end, we invite people who want to learn more about the work we do to visit our unique facility in person. However, the Sanctuary is not a Zoo and offers a completely different experience than what most people are used to. Our rescued animals live in large acreage open habitats and are never forced to remain front-and-center just so people can see them easier. Yet, our elevated walkway (which is more than 1.5 miles long) spans across numerous habitats and provides plenty of opportunities for our guests to see many of the rescued animals closer. It is very important for people to come to the Sanctuary for the right reasons, and not just for entertainment. With more than 170,000 people visiting yearly, it's obvious the Sanctuary is an amazing place to visit and learn - yet, we purposely do not strive to attract the 1.5 million visitors that would normally go to the Denver Zoo. Instead, the vast majority of visitors to the Wild Animal Sanctuary come to experience an incredibly serene setting where Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Prides of African Lions get to roam freely after having been rescued and rehabilitated. Every Lion, Tiger, Bear, Wolf and other animal living at the Sanctuary was rescued from an illegal or abusive situation and desperately needs your help to survive. Visiting the Sanctuary is a privilege, and requires a serious commitment by people in order to be part of the solution to the Captive Wildlife Crisis.
How Do I Visit?
Switch to Memberships & More for savings on multiple visits and guest perks.
Entry is usually paid for at the Sanctuary, but tickets are available online as well. Cash, checks, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and Debit Cards all gratefully accepted.
In the event of snowstorms or other extreme weather, it’s always a good idea to call before coming.
ABOUT THESE OPTIONS Online Ticket Purchases are valid for entry for 365 days from date of purchase. Active Supporters are people who have donated to help support the animals, and have given a minimum of $250 within the past 12 months. Animal adoption is virtual, and Active Supporter status is available to adopters of large and medium animals (small animals do not qualify.) Adopters of large animals acquire active supporter status after 7 months of support and medium animals after 9 months. Pledge amounts of $30 monthly or $250 annually secure your status as an active supporter. All membership transactions and assignments are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by the named adult for the duration of the visit. Estimated Fair Market Value of Benefits: The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidelines that affect the charitable contribution portion of memberships. Under those guidelines, members may claim the amount of their membership fee, less the fair market value of benefits received. The estimated fair market value of benefits received for membership categories are: Single $120; Single+1 $200; Family $300; Lion's Pride $500.
Plan Your Visit
When you visit The Wild Animal Sanctuary, you’ll be outdoors during most of your visit, walking on ramps, observation decks, and our 1.5 mile-long "Mile Into The Wild" walkway to view the animals. So the weather should always be kept in mind when you prepare to visit the animals. Continue with this section for more visiting tips, or click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
It's a Hike | Make sure you are healthy enough for a few hours of steady activity.
It's Round-Trip | The length of the walkway is 1.5 miles. That's 3 miles total!
It Takes Time | Plan to spend 3-4 hours along the walkway in order to see all we have to offer - and to return on time.
Be Prepared | Water and comfortable shoes are a must. See What to Bring to learn more.
More about The Mile Into the Wild Walkway
Visiting Tips
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket. The wind is always a little stronger on the walkway than it is on the ground. Bring hats, sunscreen and sunglasses. You can bring water, or we sell it in the Gift Shop (as well as at our Snack Bar).
You are welcome to bring binoculars, cameras and video cameras if you are photographing the animals for your own enjoyment. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic lunch and there is a fully operational Café and snack bar that offers a wide variety of nutritious food, snacks and beverages. From pizza, hamburgers, shrimp and sandwiches to fresh salads, there is something for everyone! During our winter hours, the Sanctuary may close during severe storms.
If you are a professional photographer, videographer, writer or artist, please contact the office, 303-536-0118, for guidelines. If you are going to use your talents to create income, we feel that the animals deserve consideration for assisting playing their part in your creative efforts, especially since they are the subjects that make that possible. We are glad to work with you for the benefit of both yourself and the animals.
Policies
Give Animals Space | Keep vehicles moving and stay away from habitat fences.
No Running or Yelling | Sudden movement and loud voices can disturb the animals.
No Smoking | Smoking, vaping, and other forms of tobacco are prohibited throughout sanctuary property.
Keep Children Close | Children must remain with an adult at all times.
No Pets | Animals left inside vehicles will prompt Sanctuary staff to notify animal control. Includes service animals (more information here.)
No Drones | Drones pose a unique risk to both animals and guests. Please leave them behind.
Schools, Groups & Special Guided Tours
A VISIT IS MORE THAN A DAY OUT A visit to The Wild Animal Sanctuary is an opportunity to see rescued wildlife up close while learning the stories behind the animals and the Captive Wildlife Crisis that brought many of them here. Education is an important part of our mission because understanding the challenges facing captive wildlife can help inspire a more compassionate future for animals. With an estimated 30,000 large carnivores living in captivity across the United States, the need for rescue, education and responsible animal care remains significant. Whether you're visiting with a school, Scout troop, civic organization, business, athletic team or another group, your experience can help connect people with the animals and the work being done to give them better lives. YOUR VISIT SUPPORTS THE ANIMALS The Sanctuary does not offer free admission or group discounts. Admission revenue helps provide food, veterinary care, secure habitats and daily care for more than 1,000 rescued animals, so every admission directly supports our mission.
Adults
Age 13-69
$50
Children
Age 3-12
$30
Senior
Age 70+
$20
Children Under 2
No charge
$0
About Schools & Groups
We love having school classes, scouts and youth groups visit The Wild Animal Sanctuary! When young people visit and learn about the Captive Wildlife Crisis and the Sanctuary’s work to address it, we are planting seeds that will bear fruit in the consciousness of future generations. Teaching all children that majestic animals are not “pets”… are not products… are not entertainment... and should be helped whenever others mistreat them... is one of the most important things teachers and parents can do.
We love groups at The Wild Animal Sanctuary! With more than 550 exotic and endangered rescued animals living here, there’s always so much to see and learn about! So whether you are a Scout, civic, agricultural, business, athletic or other group that would like to visit the Sanctuary together, we would love to help enable you to come. Education is a critical component of creating a better future for estimated 30,000 large carnivores that make up the Captive Wildlife Crisis in America
Switch to Special Guided Tours for a premium experience with our dedicated Animal Ambassadors!
NOTES ON GROUPS, SCHOOL VISITS, AND SPECIAL TOURS The Wild Animal Sanctuary does not offer any "behind the scenes" or ground-level tours, nor are guests ever allowed to physically interact with animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Topics
When is the best time to come? Around 9 AM and 3-4 hours before closing time are the best times to arrive to view increased activity among the animals.
What time do you close? The Sanctuary closes at sunset. Not visiting today? Click "Hours" in the section above to select the date you plan to visit and coordinate an arrival time to make sure you see it all!
What is "Walk-Back"? Walk-Back is the time we suggest guests begin their trip back to the Welcome Center. At this time, forward progress along the walkway is prohibited in order to ensure all guests exit the Sanctuary by closing time.
Question: So how late CAN I arrive? Guests arriving after the Walk Back time will not be allowed to enter the walkway and may not be able to experience all the Sanctuary has to offer, and for that reason, we recommend arriving 3-4 hours before this time. Select "Hours" in the section above or at the top of the "Visit" page to see today's Walk Back time.
What are "Wild Nights"? Guests are encouraged to visit in the evening before sunset during the Summer. Your daily admission or entry as an Active Supporter or Member gains you entry during summer evening hours before sunset, when animals are more active.
What can I bring? Guests are welcome to bring water, food, wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, umbrellas, backpacks, and anything else they need for their trek along the walkway. If you forget to bring an item, just ask Guest Services.
Are wheelchairs available for rent? Yes. Powered wheelchairs can be rented for $10, and traditional wheelchairs can be rented for $5. These accommodations are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and reservations are not available.
What is your feeding time? There is no set "feeding time." While guests can sometimes observe animals during "feeding time," dietary needs and schedules vary by species.
Can I interact with the animals? No. As a sanctuary, our goal is to rescue and rehabilitate animals that were in captivity. Allowing close interactions with the animals does not align with our mission.
Are service animals allowed? No, animals of every kind are prohibited from visiting the Sanctuary. More information on this policy and its exemption from applicable sections in the ADA is available at www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/no-dogs-or-pets-allowed
Still have questions?
Admission
Do tickets run out and do I need a reservation? The Sanctuary does not run out of tickets. For single-day admission, tickets are available at the Welcome Center when you are arrive. HOWEVER, reservations are required for guests who are visiting as part of a Group, School, or Special Guided Tour. See Groups, Schools, and Special Guided Tours for more information.
How do online tickets work? For 1-2 visitors, it's best to purchase tickets when you arrive. If you choose to purchase tickets online, it will ask you to enter your email and/or phone number. After you've completed the transaction, you will recieve an Email or a text message with a link (you have the option to choose whether you get it via email or text). In the link, you'll find 1 QR Code. When you come in, please show one of the associates the QR Code, and we will know how many tickets you purchased. (It doesn't matter how many tickets you purchase; there will be 1 QR code with all of the tickets). Please note that if you'd like to split up the tickets, you'd have to purchase them separately.
After buying tickets online, when can I visit? Online tickets are good for 1 year (365 days) starting from the date of purchase. You're welcome to come in and use them any day and any time as long as it is within the year.
How do I enter as a Member or Active Supporter? Provide your phone number to the associate who is assisting you upon entry so they can verify your status and enjoy your visit!
Walkway
How long is the walkway? The walkway is approximately 1.5 miles long, and around 3 miles roundtrip. There is no return service provided, so be sure you are prepared with suggested items to bring to make the trip from one end to the other (and back).
How long does the walkway take to walk? You should plan for 2-3 hours to experience the walkway, including the time it takes to reach the end and return to the Welcome Center.
Can I complete the walkway in less time? Yes, it is possible but not recommended. The time it takes to complete the walkway depends on your pace. You are, of course, welcome to arrive at any time during our operating hours; however, all guests must begin their return trip to the welcome center at Walk Back Time, regardless of their position on the walkway.
Group Information
How do I visit with a group? Groups must schedule in advance. To do so, please either call the Sanctuary directly, or submit an application online and provde the following information: 1. How many people in your group? 2. When do you plan on visiting? 3. Email AND Phone Number? 4. Any specific questions? 5: Do you plan to book a Special Guided Tour ($100 each for guests of all ages)?
We forgot to schedule our group visit. Can we still come? In most cases, yes, however, each person in your group must still fill out the necessary documentation available in the "Schools, Groups, and Special Guided Tours" section.
Can we get a discount? Discounts are not available for groups of any size. Our responsibilities include raising awareness on behalf of the animals; however, we also have to be good stewards of the donations we do receive. Therefore, it is not possible for us to offer any group discounts or free admission since doing so would take money away from the animal care budget.