Wild Animal Sanctuary adds 9,004 acres to its Colorado operation

PRNewswire-USNewswire ^ | March 23, 2018 | The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center)

[CedarDave]

SPRINGFIELD, Colo., March 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Wild Animal Sanctuary has completed the purchase of a 9,004-acre ranch located in southeastern Colorado near the agricultural community of Springfield.

With more than 460 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other rescued animals currently residing at the non-profit organization's facility near Keenesburg, Colorado, the need for additional space drove the organization to seek additional land to continue fulfilling its mission.

Working with law enforcement agencies and other animal welfare groups within the United States and around the world, the organization had reached capacity at its 789-acre Sanctuary located just thirty miles northeast of Denver, CO.

Already considered the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, the organization chose to purchase the large contiguous parcel near Springfield due to its size and abundant natural amenities. Consisting primarily of hills, canyons and rocky bluffs blanketed in various species of pine trees, as well as valleys and pastures flowing with native grasses, Sanctuary management says the property is well suited for hosting wildlife.

The additional land will allow The Wild Animal Sanctuary to continue rescuing and rehabilitating captive wildlife for many years to come. The organization says it has no plans to close its Keenesburg facility, since it continues to educate more than 150,000 visitors annually. The site also features a unique 1.5-mile long elevated walkway that holds the Guinness World Records award for Longest Footbridge.

According to The Humane Society of The United States (1), tigers, lions, and other big cat species have exploded in popularity in the exotic pet trade. There are an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 tigers in the United States, but fewer than 400 of them are in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Foreign Policy Group (2), and World Wildlife Fund (3), also recognize the Captive Wildlife problems within the United States that lead to so many tigers and other exotic animals needing sanctuary.

Last year marked the 38th year of rescuing exotic and endangered animals for the wildlife sanctuary. The 789-acre facility outside of Denver, Colorado had functioned as the primary facility for the organization, but now the larger and more natural tract near Springfield will become the main receiving facility for new rescues.

The Sanctuary specializes in rehabilitating captive wildlife and releasing them to live and roam freely within large natural habitats. To learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary, visit http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org

[Vince Ferrer]

I have driven by the refuge but never went to it. My only concerns are that the animals are neutered to prevent yet more invasive species, and that they are treated properly in the winter. The lions and tigers are usually not in such a cold environment, although what do I know, Colorado has alligators in a hot springs at 8000 feet, who can seem to survive freezing lakes.

[dljordan]

“Visited there about 6 yrs ago. They still send me their magazine - it’s changed a lot. Would like to go back.
They do a great service to mistreated animals.”

My wife goes out to take photos but I haven’t been in years. It’s a pretty neat place.

[Rebelbase]

Jellyfish and drop-bears too.

[CedarDave]

I have driven by the refuge but never went to it. My only concerns are that the animals are neutered to prevent yet more invasive species, and that they are treated properly in the winter. The lions and tigers are usually not in such a cold environment, although what do I know, Colorado has alligators in a hot springs at 8000 feet, who can seem to survive freezing lakes.

Any rescued animal who can reproduce will be spayed/neutered upon arrival along with general veterinary treatment especially dental care. This refuge is for mistreated captive animals, mainly lions, tigers and bears, of which there are many, not for reproduction of endangered species. Those that are susceptible to the cold have heated enclosures within their habitat.

[CedarDave]

For those in the Southeast, here’s another great one to keep tabs on... https://www.whiteoakwildlife.org

From the link I see that the purpose of the White Oak facility is saving endangered species. The purpose of the Wild Animal Sanctuary is saving captive, abused animals (mainly large carnivores) and providing them a safe, comfortable environment to live out their natural life.

[CedarDave]

They are letting tigers roam loose? Please tell me I am mis-reading that.Only within a double-fenced habitat. They are not being released into the wilds of southern Colorado.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Good.

I like the big cats but not when they can wander over into my back yard and eat my cow. Or me.

I already have to deal with cougars and bears. Tigers would have been a bit much.

[CedarDave]

Good. I like the big cats but not when they can wander over into my back yard and eat my cow. Or me. I already have to deal with cougars and bears. Tigers would have been a bit much.

This short video from last year should allay your fears.

Anatomy of A Rescue