red wolf sanctuary

This review is written by someone who worked at an animal sanctuary for 2 years and also whose family started a small rescue group for domestic cats out of her home. So when I say this place is amazing, just know I have a lot to compare it to.They do tours by appointment and I decided to call after a weekend camping trip. I left a message after their hilariously-long outgoing message and Paul called me back saying there was a tour at 6pm. We couldn't make that so Paul said he could stall until we got there.The place was stupid hard to find. We got lost. But I called Paul and he guided us in. Super nice. We were greeted by Spooky, a black cat that got dropped off at his place. Paul came down and he was so freaking nice. I've never met a more sincere man in my life. He loaded us up in an ATV and we were off. He showed us bears, wolves, foxes, and vultures. Most of the animals were bought by people who thought they were cute as babies and then realized having a fully-grown bear probably wasn't the best idea. I learned so much. Paul knew all about the animals as species (eating/hunting/sleeping/mating habits) and also as individuals (he knew their individual personalities and likes and dislikes). Some of the stories were horrifying: some of the bears walked on their forearms because they were deformed from declawing. There were a lot of baby-knapping: people stole babies because they thought mom was dead when really she was just out getting food or something. The enclosures were awesome. They basically just fenced off nature and let the animals roam - there was no fake zoo structures and it was designed for the animals, not the people watching. Which didn't matter anyway because the animals came up to the fence when they heard the ATV to see what was going on. Paul also showed us what he wanted to build when he gets the funding - more enclosures, an educational building, an area where the people are fenced in and the animals roam around them, wetlands, elk and buffalo pastures.Paul was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and I have a feeling every tour is different because he engages you and asks questions and does something I've never seen anyone do even in documentaries: he asks you what you would do in a situation and then explains how the animal is doing the same thing. Basically, he drives the point home that it isn't 'humans' and 'animals.' We're all animals. He also has a great bit about diversity when he talks about foxes.He makes me want to give him all my money. Seriously. They recently started charging for tours ($20 adults, $10 kids, $5 little ones) but the experience was priceless. You also know your money is going to the animals as they only have 3 people on staff to keep costs down. I recommend you go at night in the early or late summer. The animals come out more when it's cooler. Don't miss this place. Seriously.

We really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very friendly. Be sure to call ahead for appointment. This was more fun than the zoo. It's well worth the best donation you can afford to give.

This is a great trip for families, classes, or homeschool groups. Make sure you call ahead to schedule a tour. We showed up without calling and discovered the free private tours are by appointment only. Luckily Paul was willing to take time out of his busy renovation and expansion schedule and give us a tour last minute. We could tell he has a true and deep passion for these animals, most all of which have been rescued from harmful circumstances. We not only got to learn some great facts about the different species but we got to hear about their backstories, personalities, and even their love lives. This is a great way to get up close and personal with animals and their habitats. Best of all it's free, but be prepared to donate generously when you see the heroing work they are doing.

We had such a great time at Red Wolf Sanctuary. The animals were beautiful and Paul, who took us on the tour was a great storyteller! We cannot wait to return later this spring to see the bears once they are out of hibernation (which Paul said would be in another couple of weeks). A great adventure for adults and kids alike!!

What an adventure! We got to drive a little jungle 4 x 4 car like a Jurassic Park ride through the compound. The owner is amazing and a true patron saint! This is better than any zoo- I have been to most of them. You do not get to pet the animals but get to feed them and interact with them. This place is free but after having the time of my life here and seeing how these rescued animals are so well taken care of, I made a generous donation to help feed them. Most animals were rescued from bad owners so many were very people friendly and not scared of us. The animals came from abuse situations but are now being lovingly cared for. I can't say enough good things, worth the trip!