The Wild Animal Sanctuary
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EducationalFamilyWildlifeWildlife Watching
Overview
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 33,000-acre (13,000 ha) animal sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado, United States. The sanctuary specializes in rescuing and caring for large predators which are being ill-treated, for which their owners can no longer care, or which might otherwise be euthanized. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a state and federally licensed zoological facility.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeExceptional year-round, but late afternoons from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM during spring or autumn are unrivaled. Because the habitats are massive, large rescued carnivores—lions, tigers, bears, and wolves—typically sleep all midday; they fully awaken, roam, and howl as the air cools toward dusk, directly beneath the venue's famous 1.5-mile elevated walkway.
Getting ThereLocated out on the eastern plains at 2999 County Road 53 in Keenesburg. Take I-76 E northeast from Denver for 35 miles to Exit 39. Turn right onto the access spur into Keenesburg, turn left onto County Road 18 westbound, then make a right north onto County Road 53. Drive 2.5 miles straight to the sanctuary's grand welcome education center and parking lot.
Travel Tips
- The complex occupies an expansive high-plains layout in Keenesburg (2999 County Road 53). While regular ground parking is vast and free, the exclusive visitor conduit is a massive 1.5-mile Elevated Walkway. The structural deck features zero intermediate elevators; those with limited mobility must rent motorized carts inside the Welcome Center.
- To observe lions, tigers, and bears showcasing active alpha dynamics or complex feeding tracking, entry must be locked exactly at the 9:00 AM opening gate or during the 4:30 PM pre-close surge. Midday plains heat forces 100% of the apex predators into subterranean dens or tall shading grass loops.
- This asset functions as a strict wildlife rehabilitation compound, not a commercial zoo. Regulations command that visitors must never whistle at, scream toward, or drop items down to the animals under the catwalks; structural sensor nets feed direct coordinates to security detail for immediate property expulsion.
Reviews
Positive
- A miles-long elevated walkway spans the vast habitats, letting you look down at lions, tigers, and bears roaming freely without disturbing them.
- This is a genuine non-profit sanctuary rather than an entertainment zoo. The deep love from the staff and high safety standards are evident.
- The entire elevated walkway is completely ADA accessible and flat, making it exceptionally comfortable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- While admission is pricey, knowing that all proceeds go directly toward rescuing and feeding the wildlife makes visitors feel it's highly worthwhile.
Heads up
- Because the enclosures are humongous, animals sometimes sleep far back in the fields or under shade, making them hard to see with the naked eye.
- The one-to-two-mile open-air boardwalk has virtually no overhead shade, making the walk intensely hot and physically taxing in the mid-summer sun.
- The facility covers a vast area requiring extensive walking; elderly visitors or young children who dislike long walks may wear out quickly.
- Except for the main welcome center, the long boardwalk lacks mid-way restrooms or vending machines, forcing a long walk back if you get thirsty.