Our Facilities
Putting Animals First
The Wild Animal Sanctuary offers an incredible 33,000+ acres of natural habitats for its rescued animals to enjoy... and is home to more than 750 rehabilitated animals.
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Our three facilities represent the largest carnivore sanctuaries in the world, and are designed and built like no others in existence.
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Everything about our four facilities are designed to ensure the animals' welfare remains top priority, even with the numerous modern comforts we provide our guests.
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We are true pioneers when it comes to creating large acreage natural habitats for our animals to live in... and have also built the World's longest elevated footbridge just so visitors can see the animals without putting undue pressure on them like zoos and other ground-based displays do.
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Learn how our "Mile Into The Wild" walkway has changed the way animals are viewed - and how its 1.5 miles of elevated bridgework provides unwavering protection to hundreds of Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves, Leopards and many other rescued large carnivores.
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Our 1,214-acre Keenesburg Site
The Sanctuary was designed and built with specialized areas that help rehabilitate newly-rescued animals prior to their being released into large acreage natural habitats. Each area and its related facilities are designed for specific species since not all animals can be rehabilitated the same way.
One such area is our centralized compound, which is used as a receiving area for new Tiger and Mountain Lion rescues. It's specifically designed sections allow animals to recuperate and adjust to their new surroundings. The rehabilitation process for newly-rescued Tigers and Mountain Lions begins here with special enclosures and playgrounds that help build confidence and prepare the animals for living in large habitats
This unique 7,000-square-foot temperature-controlled round-house is a primary staging area for newly-rescued Tigers that need to go through our unique rehabilitation process. Tigers are kept in more traditional caging at first to help minimize the shock of moving, as well as to keep from overwhelming their senses by fully immersing them with other animals right from the start.
During the initial stages of their rehabilitation, each Tiger is allowed to build relationships with other Tigers and also interact in the large playground on a regular basis. Eventually, we end up with a group of Tigers that are confident in large spaces and enjoy living together. These cohesive groups are then able to move into a large acreage habitat of their own.
Our monumental "Mile Into The Wild Walkway" stretches over 1 1/2 miles in length and gives visitors unprecedented views of more than 520 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores roaming freely in natural habitats.
The walkway connects our 48,000 sq. ft. Welcome Center at the north end of the property, to the 15,000 sq. ft. Bolivian Lion House located in the middle, and then to our Education Center and enclosed Rest Area at the southern end of the property. We will continue to expand our network of catwalks and decks over new habitats for many years to come.
Inside the Welcome Center guests will find a number of great shops and food options available - which are very important toward helping everyone remain comfortable and ready to learn while visiting the Sanctuary. With 3 miles of walking and viewing options available, most visitors stay 4 to 6 hours - so having a controlled "biosphere" with places to rest, eat and enjoy the company of others is critically important.
With so much space and so many options, there are many opportunities for both in-house fundraising events, as well as private party/seminar/training events to take place. There are endless possibilities for people to combine their love of the Sanctuary with their own company or personal/private events, which can be booked with the help of the Sanctuary's Development Department.
Our extremely large habitats allow the animals to run free, play and relax with others of their own species.
Our natural spaces allow the Tigers and Bears to swim in numerous lakes and ponds.
Our 9,752-acre Springfield Site
The Wild Animal Refuge is located 35 miles west of the town of Springfield, Colorado and is not open to the general public. This facility is very remote and difficult to reach - as the last 25 miles of county roads leading to the facility are comprised of narrow, winding and rutted dirt roads. Whenever it rains or snows, these roads become nearly impassable and highly dangerous. With little or no cell service available, and no emergency services to help when someone gets lost, stuck or breaks down... it is currently impossible for the Refuge to accept regular public visitation.
However, during the time we are raising funds to finish paying for the land, we are offering a special way to visit the Refuge in person. Founders are people who help purchase one or more acres of land, and by doing so... they gain the privilege of visiting the Refuge on special occasions.
The Refuge offers some of the most pristine habitats possible, and enables our rescued animals to spend the rest of their lives enjoying peace and quiet, as well as having the incredible freedom to roam, play, run and explore! Ranging from 5 to 300 acres in size, these massive and beautiful habitats allow the animals to live as close to being in the wild as possible.
Please consider making a donation today - or even becoming a Founder - so these animals and the many others that are still waiting to be rescued will have a wonderful place to live and be free from human abuse.
The Refuge Layout
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Habitats
Habitats at the refuge are being built in harmony with the natural surroundings and general topography that exists. Throughout the property there are endless numbers of canyons with offshoots heading in every direction.
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In order to build numerous habitats we follow the natural contours of the land and fence around individual features. This 35 acre habitat was built for two Tigers and one African Lion. The three had been raised together and were rescued as a trio - so they wanted to continue living together in this massive 35 acre habitat.
Here's the same 35 acre habitat from a different angle...
Underground dens are provided for all the animals with the entrances being embellished by natural stones. These dens go down 6' underground and have a 40' tunnel leading to their sleeping chamber - which is full of wood chips and soft straw bedding.
Natural rock formations exist everywhere and the natural caves are also utilized by the animals living at the Refuge.
While fencing around the individual features, we stay out of the main drainage areas and flood ways to protect each habitat's integrity.
The end result is a wonderfully forested habitat where the animals can explore, play and relax to their heart's content...
The Refuge features a 103-acre Grizzly Bear habitat - as well as a 243-acre Black Bear Habitat. All of the Bears roam freely in these massive spaces as if they were living back in the wild. Other than us providing them with food and medical care, they are able to enjoy life on their own terms.
Help us continue to build these amazing natural habitats for all the rescued animals! Buy an acre of land and become a Founder Today!
Our 41-acre Boyd, Texas Site
Previously operated as a non-profit Sanctuary identified as the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Inc, this 41 acre facility is located in a heavily wooded area just west of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
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It features numerous 3 to 5 acre Bear Habitats, where nearly 40 Bears can romp, explore and play. Other areas of the Sanctuary feature large enclosures that are built for big cats, Wolves and numerous smaller animals like Ocelots, African Servals and Bobcats.
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The facility is not open to the general public, but Active Supporters can visit on special days.
The Sanctuary features wooded habitats for Bears and large enclosures for the Tigers and other big cats living there. The large trees provide shade during the summer days, and water misting systems help keep the enclosures cool during the warmer times of the year.
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The facility has numerous animal care staff, as well as many volunteers and a robust intern program. Up to 8 interns live on site while learning and training to care for large carnivores.
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Having a special weekend each month where supporters can visit helps demonstrate the mission and programs we have in place. Active Supporters can tour with staff and see how the animals are thriving in their natural enclosures.
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Please visit our TEXAS web site for more information: www.WildAnimalSanctuaryTEXAS.org
Our 22,450-acre Craig Site
The Wild Horse Refuge’s mission is to provide a home for wild horses that have been captured and removed from their natural habitat due to increasing BLM roundup situations. The Wild Horse Refuge in Colorado is dedicated to preserving the freedom of wild mustangs and horses by allowing them free-range access to over 22,000 acres of natural space.
This safe haven offers a unique opportunity for these horses to return to their natural rangeland, complete with natural features such as rocks, trees, hills, buttes, bluffs and water. However, what truly contributes to the safety, happiness and good spirits of these horses is their individual freedom.
Upon arrival, new horses are typically tired and disoriented after spending almost a year in cramped and severely restricted corrals at government holding facilities. But once they regain the ability to run free, they exhibit great enthusiasm by running, jumping, bucking, and kicking!
Be a part of something bigger than yourself by purchasing an acre of land at The Wild Horse Refuge!
Please visit our WILD HORSE REFUGE web site for more information: www.WildHorseRefuge.org