5 Things to Know About Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary
Colorado might be one of the last places on Earth you would expect to find a wild animal sanctuary for lions, tigers, and bears.
Colorado's Wild Animal Sanctuary is located near Keensburg just off of Interstate 76. It would be easy to miss if you didn't know it was there. And if you did know it was there, wouldn't you just want to go visit the place and see what it's all about?
It's important to note the sanctuary is akin to the Wild Animal Refuge in southeast Colorado, which is not open to the public
You may have heard of the Wild Animal Sanctuary, but maybe you don't know that much about it. Here are five things to know about the sanctuary.
- 1
WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS LIVE AT THE SANCTUARY?
The sanctuary is home to more than 500 animals inlcuding a wide variety of bears, lions, tigers, wolves, alpacas, and many other wild rescue animals.
- 2
ISN'T COLORADO TOO COLD FOR THESE ANIMALS?
The weather generally isn't a problem because many of the animals come from cold weather climates.The bears hibernate in their special underground dens while the other animals all have dens that are kept at 60 degrees year-round so they definitely have a place to go when the weather is bad.
- 3
WHERE DO THE ANIMALS COME FROM?
Most of the animals at the sanctuary have been confiscated by state or federal law enforcement agencies from people who possessed them illegally. Some of the animals have been abandoned or given away by people who no longer want to care for them. It's likely most of these animals would be euthanized if not for the sanctuary.
- 4
IS THE SANCTUARY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
The sanctuary is open to the public most days year-round, depending on the weather. The standard admission fee is $30 for adults and $15 for kids, plus whatever donation visitors would like to make for animal care. It generally takes 3-6 hours to go through the entire facility and guests are welcome to bring a camera.
- 5
WHAT ELSE IS THERE BESIDES ANIMALS?
In addition to all of the animals, their enclosures, and natural habitats, there is the Mile Into the Wild Walkway, observation decks, a Welcome Center, an Education Center, a cafe/restaurant, snack bar, rest area, and restroom facilities.
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