In Colorado, you can find an array of wildlife sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for a diverse range of species, from majestic lions and bears to the more unexpected residents like camels. Animal sanctuaries, while not always able to replicate the wide variety found in traditional zoos, focus on gathering their residents in a more humane and ethical manner. The animals they take in have often endured neglect, abuse, and abandonment, rendering them unfit for survival in the wild. Sanctuaries aim to provide these animals with a safe refuge, offering them a peaceful environment where they can live free from the perils of the outside world, surrounded by their kind. Continue reading for more information on the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.
Visiting The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Nestled in Divide, approximately 90 miles to the south of Denver, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (CWWC) provides a haven for animals within the canine family often unfairly labeled as "vicious" or "mean," including wolves and coyotes. Many families who once attempted to keep wolf-dog hybrids as household pets soon realized their inability to provide proper care and, regrettably, surrendered these animals to shelters. Traditionally, within just 72 hours, most shelters would euthanize these dogs based on their names alone. CWWC steps in to offer a loving home to these hybrids, recognizing that once entrusted to human care, they can no longer fend for themselves in the wild.
The primary goal of this sanctuary is not merely rehabilitation but rather to provide these animals with a peaceful existence while simultaneously educating the public about the importance of preserving them and the critical role they play in our ecosystem, particularly the wolves. CWWC is dedicated to raising awareness and ensuring that anyone contemplating the adoption of a wolf-dog hybrid comprehends the responsibilities and proper care required. To convey these lessons, the CWWC conducts various tours, including the standard hour-long educational tour, a meet-and-greet experience allowing visitors to closely observe and photograph these magnificent animals, and a feeding tour that offers a more in-depth encounter, lasting just over an hour, during which guides feed some of the animals. Each tour concludes with a group howling session, allowing visitors to appreciate the hauntingly beautiful voices of the wolves.