The Wild Animal Sanctuary

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a large nonprofit refuge in Colorado dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for abused, abandoned, and exploited large carnivores. The sanctuary's focus is on animals that have been kept in poor conditions or cannot return to the wild, including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other carnivores. Rather than operating as a traditional zoo, it provides expansive natural habitats where rescued animals can live under professional care.

Visitors experience the sanctuary through a raised walkway stretching above the habitats, allowing views of the animals across the property while minimizing disturbance. Guided tours and educational programs explain individual rescue stories, animal behavior, and the broader issues surrounding captive wildlife. The sanctuary also operates the Wild Animal Refuge in southeastern Colorado, expanding its habitat space for rescued animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary suits travelers interested in wildlife welfare and conservation, particularly those seeking to understand the challenges of rescuing and caring for large carnivores rather than seeking hands-on animal encounters.