A large sanctuary in Keenesburg for rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves and more. You see them from a 1.5-mile elevated walkway outdoors, and most visits take several hours. The rules are strict: no dogs of any kind, including service dogs, and no running or yelling.
Know before you go. The sanctuary doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room, and its rules are strict. Here's what it says about the walkway, the time it takes and the rules.
Hours
Opens at 9 am and closes at sunset; the sanctuary posts each day's closing and Walk Back times. Nobody can start along the walkway after the Walk Back time, so it suggests arriving 3 to 4 hours before it.
“Our elevated walkway (which is more than 1.5 miles long) spans across numerous habitats.” “All ramps, walkways and decks are ADA, wheelchair and stroller accessible.”
“Guests arriving after the Walk Back time will not be allowed to enter the walkway and may not be able to experience all the Sanctuary has to offer, and for that reason, we recommend arriving 3-4 hours before this time.” “Plan to spend 3-4 hours along the walkway in order to see all we have to offer - and to return on time.” Another answer on the same page: “You should plan for 2-3 hours to experience the walkway, including the time it takes to reach the end and return to the Welcome Center.”
“No running or yelling. These things disturb or excite the animals unnecessarily.”
“Children must be with adults at all times. Small children must be in strollers, or have their hands held by adults.”
Asked whether service animals are allowed: “No, animals of every kind are prohibited from visiting the Sanctuary.” “No dogs are allowed anywhere on the property, and you are not allowed to park your car outside the Sanctuary's entrance and leave your dog in the car while you walk the quarter mile to the Sanctuary.”
“The wind is always a little stronger on the walkway than it is on the ground.” In winter, “wear coats that protect against cold and wind, hats, gloves and scarves.”
The rule on small children means a stroller or a held hand during the visit. If neither works for your kid, it's worth knowing before the long drive.
Ride-shares are a poor fit: the sanctuary says drivers will bring you but won't come back to pick you up.
Day pass: $50 adults 13 to 69, $20 seniors 70+, $30 children 3 to 12, free for 0 to 2. You usually pay at the sanctuary; tickets are also sold online, and online tickets are non-refundable and expire 365 days after purchase.
“The Sanctuary closes during extreme weather (deep/blowing snow, impassable roads, or extreme cold when the ice on the ramps and decks doesn't melt).” “It’s always a good idea to check if you are unsure, so call us at 303-536-0118.”
You can bring a picnic. There's a cafe in the Welcome Center and a snack bar at the south end, and the observation decks have picnic tables and chairs, with a rest area at the foot of the south ramp.
Wheelchairs can be rented, first come, first served, with no reservations: $10 for a powered wheelchair, $5 for a traditional one. You can also bring your own wheelchair, wagon or stroller.
The Education Center on top of the Tiger Roundhouse is enclosed and shows rescue videos. Restrooms are in the Welcome Center, the Education Center and near other buildings along the walkway.
Free tour books, signs and audio kiosks are along the walkway. Binoculars can be rented or bought.
Check your GPS, which may route you onto dirt roads. Phone 303-536-0118.
