"At the Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) in Keenesburg, Colorado, over 450 rescued animals are given a second shot of life, many which had fallen victim to what the sanctuary calls the “captive animal crisis.” Lions, tigers, bears, and a whole menagerie of other carnivores (plus a handful of non meat eaters) call the 720-acre facility home, making it the world’s largest nonprofit animal sanctuary," the Atlas Obscura reports.

"The animals are given the healthcare and space they need. The large enclosures feature swimming pools and underground dens that maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year, and the animals are fed according to their natural eating habits. 

"Visitors to the sanctuary can view the animals from above on the 1.5-mile-long elevated “Mile Into The Wild” walkway that stretches around to the sanctuary’s main open enclosures. The platform, which World Records deemed the world’s longest footbridge in 2016, ensures that both the visitors and animals feel safe and comfortable."

"Spanning 789 acres of natural habitats, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is unlike any zoo or animal rescue you have ever visited, as the animals are not confined to cages or small exhibits but have the ability to roam freely within a natural habitat," the Only In Your State reports.

"In terms of rescued animals, the Wild Animal Sanctuary has a little of everything, including lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), wolves, leopards, and other large carnivores.

"In addition to the animals themselves, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is also home to an impressive gift shop, plus a restaurant, ice cream shop, unique photo ops, and much more."

"Located near Keenesburg, Colorado, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the largest nonprofit carnivore sanctuary in the World, with nearly 750 rescued Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves, Leopards and other carnivores living in large acreage natural habitats.

"Established in 1980, the Sanctuary operates two locations with more than 10,000 acres for abused, abandoned and confiscated carnivores and specializes in rehabilitating captive wildlife so they can be released into natural habitats where they can roam freely and live with others of their own kind," the official website says.



"The Wild Animal Sanctuary currently operates four facilities within the United States. Three of our Sanctuaries are located within Colorado - while our fourth one is located in Texas. Each of our facilities have incredibly unique programs that rescue animals from horrific captive situations and rehabilitate them so they can live and roam freely within large natural habitats with others of their own kind.​

"We care for more than 750 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves, Jaguars, Cheetahs, Leopards, Mtn. Lions, Camels, Mustangs and many other species of animals!"

"With over 9,000 acres of sanctuary lands an hour outside of Denver, The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg is an attraction travelers can’t miss. It’s not only a place to spot big cats but is also thoroughly invested in the captive-wild-animal crisis and helps animals around the world, operating with a mission of saving animals from less-than-ideal situations and rehabilitating them.

"A typical visit might last 4 to 6 hours, spent walking the 1.5-mile walkway, stopping for lunch at the visitor’s center and learning about the wonderful creatures that call the sanctuary home. Here’s a closer look at why you and your family should add The Wild Animal Sanctuary to your northeast Colorado itinerary," the The Official Site of Colorado Tourism says.

"Nearly 650 animals roam large-acreage, natural habitats and make Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary a must-see for animal lovers. The sanctuary is the oldest in the country, with over 40 years of experience. And while the center is open year-round, there are certain times of the day that are better to see the animals in action. In the summer it’s best to arrive in the late afternoon, as the animals nap during the hottest parts of the day. Come winter, you’re more likely to see animals up and about throughout the day."

"The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 1,214-acre (491 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) nonprofit organization and a state and federally licensed zoological facility.

"Created in 1980, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is situated on grassland northeast of Denver, and has helped over 1,000 animals since it first opened. By early 2022, home to more than 550 animals, and 192 staff and volunteers to take care, the group announced the purchase of a major addition, a 9,004-acre ranch near Springfield, Colorado.

"The stated mission of the sanctuary is "to rescue captive large Carnivores who have been abused, abandoned, illegally kept or exploited; to create for them a wonderful life for as long as they live; and to educate about the causes and solutions to the Captive Wildlife Crisis." The sanctuary states that there are many large carnivores living outside the zoo system in the United States, including 4000 or so tigers living as pets in Texas alone, and many of these come from the black market trade in exotic animals." (Wikipedia)

"The Wild Animal Sanctuary houses lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cougars, wolves, and other exotic and large carnivores. The sanctuary lies on vast, rolling grasslands, comprising more than 700 acres in Keenesburg, Colorado. Since 1980, has nonprofit company has rescued nearly 1000 animals from all over the US and Mexico," the Uncover Colorado reports.

"Tucked away in the plains northeast of Denver, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a refuge for big animals. The 720 sanctuary features hundreds of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other large carnivores rescued from around the world.

"It’s a great place to visit year-round, where you can see the animals in wide open more natural settings, than at a zoo. An elevated walkway, now the “World’s Longest Footbridge” at over 1.5 miles, overlooks the complex. Sometimes you’re able to get fairly close to the wildlife. Keenesburg is located about an hour from Denver."

"Great place to see the wonderful work these people are doing. Bring binoculars or you can rent them. Along eh way there are recorded messages about the animals in the enclosure below, I recommend listening."

"This is one of the coolest things you will ever see. These animals were taken from horrible situations and given great homes!
I plan to support this organization with future trips and some donations.Th ey put all the money to good use."

"My granddaughter originally did not want to go since she does not like zoos. But this is no zoo! The animals have large spaces in which to live, and the Wild Animal Sanctuary provides a lot of education to guests about the animals in their care. Despite the heat, we saw many animals and all of us, including my granddaughter, were delighted and enthralled. The metal sculptures were also incredible. I was amazed at how reasonable prices were for food, water, and gift items. We especially enjoyed the Denver Pops!"

"The animals have a large open space to roam with a close-to-natural habitat. We saw artic wolves, lions, tigers, camels and bears. Rent a pair of binoculars (definite recommendation) or bring your own, for a great experience. It is an open elevated walkway, so wear hats / get umbrellas. There are a few stops on the way to sit and rest. Definitely recommend including this in your Denver itinerary."