A passion for protecting animals is the driving force behind animal sanctuaries. Visits from guests are crucial in educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and help keep these rehabilitated animals cared for.
In an ideal world, there would not be a need for animal sanctuaries, but luckily these great Colorado sanctuaries are helping preserve and refuge some of Earth’s greatest creatures. Bring your family for a fun and educational adventure!
4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center focuses on education and conservation. They seek to educate the public on the importance of wolves, foxes, and coyotes to our ecosystem through tours and programs. CWW is one of few sanctuaries in the US that has been certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which allows them to go beyond education and into application. They plan to delist the Grey Wolf across the lower 48 states, excluding a small population of Mexican Grey Wolves in the Southwest. The delisting will prevent them from establishing in other areas with vast open spaces.
3470 County Road 7, Erie
Luvin Arms is an animal sanctuary for abused or neglected farmed animals. Their rescued resident animals include cows, pigs, turkeys, llamas, and more. Luvin Arms works to provide exceptional lifelong social, emotional, and cognitive care to rescued farm animals and advocate for those who have not yet been rescued by sharing our residents’ stories to inspire, educate, and empower others to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle.
Choose from two different immersive tours to learn more about the sanctuary's residents and how we can help. Their connect tour allows visitors to connect with the rescued farmed animals and their stories. The compassion tour gives visitors the opportunity to learn about farmed animals and what we can do to create a kinder world for them. Any tours must be scheduled in advance.
13388 County Road 634, Gardner
Mission: Wolf works to connect people with nature using hands-on experiential education through volunteer internships and education programs. Camp out on their grounds for a night or a couple weeks and fall asleep to the howls of the wolves. Though they are currently closed to visitors because of the coronavirus, they are accepting help from volunteers. Just make sure to call or email before your visit to make sure their protocols have not changed.
1946 County Road 53, Keenesburg
This animal sanctuary spans over 750 acres of natural habitats filled with rescued lions, tigers, and bears- oh my! It was designed to rehabilitate newly-rescued animals in specialized areas prior to being released into the large acreage natural habitats. Over the center's 39 years of operation, they have been able to rescue more than 1,000 animals from illegal situations or neglect. The elevated 1.5 mile walkway allows visitors to observe more than 500 animals that roam in the large acreage habitats. This facility is open year round, but you'll be able to see more animals in action later in the afternoon.
For a more personal experience, the sanctuary offers summer safari dinners four times a year. Plus, the education center features numerous videos about the animals at the center and there are many programs offered to continue your education. You can even adopt an animal by paying a fee that goes to giving them the best care, food and attention.