While City Park‘s Denver Zoo boasts nearly 2 million visitors a year, the wonderful Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado sees only about 200,000 guests annually. Over the last 20 years, this incredibly unique facility has rescued more than 1,000 animals from captivity! With over 400 large carnivores under their care, they’re one of the largest carnivore sanctuaries in the world and one of the best wild animal sanctuaries in Colorado. Visit today and see how the Wild Animal Sanctuary near Denver is working to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore health and dignity to unfortunate animals. Many of these creatures have suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of humans. Hats off to this institution for pioneering a whole new way to view and appreciate wildlife!

The Wild Animal Sanctuary offers a truly unique experience with its remarkable "Mile Into The Wild" elevated walkway. The path travels over hundreds of acres of natural habitats. You'll see bears, tigers, lions, leopards, wolves, and other large carnivores as you stroll down the path.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
It's certainly not your typical walk in the park! Guests can see awe-inspiring views of animals like Jake, a 2,000-pound Kodiak grizzly bear who was rescued from an amusement park in Florida.
When's the best time to visit Wild Animal Sanctuary? You'll want to pick a day when the weather is fairly mild, and it's best to visit early in the mornings. This is when many of the animals are out and most active.
Derrick Moy (Moysauce12)/Google Local
The 1.5-mile-long elevated walkway happens to be the longest footbridge in the entire world. It's a monumental achievement that allows visitors to view animals in a non-threatening, non-invasive way that's as natural as possible.
Photo Courtesy of Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Sanctuary gives viewers an unprecedented way to experience rescued wildlife, while also allowing the animals a great deal of freedom. They get to live in an environment that's spacious and comfortable.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
The facility is situated on 720 acres of sprawling grassland. There are numerous structures designed and built specifically to aid in the rehabilitation and care of rescued animals from a variety of situations.
Simon enjoys a nice soak in one of the many natural lakes and ponds on site where bears and tigers love to frolic and swim.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
Simon and his siblings, Simone and Sophie, were born to a rescued tiger already living at the sanctuary. They'll get to live out their days free of worry and strife.
For the first time in her life, Raven is a member of a functioning wolf pack and roams happily in a large habitat where she can enjoy pack life to her heart's content.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
Raven is a female Tundra wolf who was rescued from a "wildlife education display" at a mall in Iowa. A man kept animals locked in cages for years on end with no access to fresh air or sunlight. Many of the animals at this wild animal sanctuary in Colorado come from similarly tragic situations.
The sanctuary has even created an "assisted living" program where senior animals like Yoya can enjoy the company of other seniors of the same species in a relaxed enclosure.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
After 20 years of living in small steel cages at a jean factory in Mexico, Yoya and lioness Cata were freed from their suffering and neglect. They will now live out the rest of their days with loving care and dignity at the Wild Animal Sanctuary.
Inside the 48,000-square-foot Welcome Center, visitors are afforded the same amount of space and freedom to relax and roam as the animals.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
The welcome center boasts a restaurant, ice cream shop, gift shop, custom catering commissary, and more!
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
The elevated walkway has been extended by half a mile in the last few years, now giving visitors access to 400 acres of new habitats.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of Romeo the mountain lion or King Arthur, a majestic African lion.
This shot may look like it's from an African savanna, but it's Molly and her cub exploring their surroundings for the first time under the light of a Mile High sunset.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
More than a dozen bears, including Molly and her cub, were rescued from Ohio. Thanks to the Wild Animal Sanctuary and its generous supporters, she and her fellow mothers will be able to raise their young together in this spacious habitat, with plenty of freedom to roam.
Visit this wild animal sanctuary in Denver today and support their mission to rescue and care for animals. The captive wildlife crisis victimizes so many precious living souls.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
Become an active supporter and join the group of loyal donors who made it possible for each and every animal to have access to the very best food, medical attention and habitat space possible. (Some generous supporters even shared their divinely delicious palisade peaches with Fifi!)
Another way you can be a part of the solution is to become an adoptive parent. That ensures that a specific animal (or species) receives the special care and supplies that he or she needs in order to survive.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
Jumanji is a black male leopard who suffered from malnourishment and infections after being rescued from a roadside zoo in Ohio. Thanks to his adoptive parents, Jumanji received world-class veterinary care and a special diet. He has now had a full recovery! He enjoys safety and the companionship of other leopards here at the sanctuary.
However, you don't have to have money to make a difference! If you live nearby, consider joining the team of dedicated volunteers who donate their time. Lots of help is needed to complete a wide range of daily tasks that keeps the never-ending stream of animals fed and cared for. Volunteer today!
The Wild Animal Sanctuary/Facebook
It won't be long before you discover why the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado is a must-see for animal lovers.
Paul Biwer/Google

Check out this video from the Wild Animal Sanctuary to learn more about Jumanji the leopard:

Have you visited the Wild Animal Sanctuary near Denver before? We’d love to hear all about your experiences there. If you’re looking for another wondrous one-of-a-kind attraction near Denver, check out The Chapel On the Rock. You will not be disappointed!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

The Wild Animal Sanctuary In Colorado

Beth C. | May 21, 2020

What are some hidden gems in Colorado that only the locals know about?

Colorado, with its endless hiking trails and breathtaking natural wonders, is a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered. If you're looking for some off-the-beaten-path destinations that only locals know about, you might start by exploring the state's small towns. Colorado's small towns hold endless history and fascination, as many of these communities were established during the Gold Rush of the nineteenth century. In fact, some of these towns have since been abandoned and now stand as ghost towns. There are so many of them that you can even take a ghost town road trip in Colorado!

What are the best local attractions in Colorado?

When it comes to local attractions in Colorado, it's hard to beat Rocky Mountain National Park. This expansive, high-altitude park belongs on every outdoor lover's bucket list. Inside the park, visitors will discover soaring peaks, beautiful alpine meadows, and enough hiking trails to fill a lifetime. Other must-see local attractions include Mesa Verde National Park, the ski town of Aspen, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. For more incredible destinations in Colorado, be sure to check out this hidden wonders road trip through the state.

What are the best road trips in Colorado?

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 2999 Co Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643, USA