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.
Open daily 9 am to sunset, except New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Entry stops 2 hours before closing; the site lists closing times by date.
“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.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Waits
“Most visitors stay three to four hours minimum, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like while we're open.” “we stop allowing entry into the Sanctuary 2 (two) hours prior to closing time.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Rules
“No running or yelling. These things disturb or excite the animals unnecessarily.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Rules
“Children must be with adults at all times. Small children must be in strollers, or have their hands held by adults.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Rules
“NO DOGS ALLOWED (including service dogs) on the property at any time, even in your car.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Temperature
“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.” wildanimalsanctuary.org
Late arrivals and weather, in the sanctuary's words
“There are no refunds or rain checks for people who arrive late - or who choose to enter when bad weather is imminent.”
Our note 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.
Our note Ride-shares are a poor fit: the sanctuary says drivers will bring you but won't come back to pick you up.
Three things to know
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.
“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).” “If the weather is bad, or forecast to be bad, always call before coming out.”
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.
Wagons, wheelchairs and power chairs can be rented, first come, first served. You sign a waiver and leave a set of car keys at the Welcome Center.
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.
What the sanctuary doesn't say
not stated how loud the animals are
not stated whether there is a quiet place to rest indoors besides the Education Center
not stated which days are least busy
not stated how long the walk back is from the far end
not stated what age counts as a small child for the stroller or hand-holding rule, or whether a rented wagon counts
You check in at the Welcome Center and watch a short orientation video about the rules. Then you walk up ramps onto the elevated walkway and observation decks above the animals' habitats. It's outdoors, and the wind is stronger up there than on the ground. Most visitors stay three to four hours, and entry stops two hours before closing. Restrooms are in the Welcome Center, the Education Center and along the walkway. You can bring a picnic. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
