PHOTOBOOTH
PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY LARSON BAIRD
wild animals
in our backyard LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS In case there are not enough activities in this state to occupy the approaching summer months, consider a visit to one of the United States’ oldest and most exotic attractions. A few miles from the highway at the end of dusty County Road 53 in Keenesburg is the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center’s Wild Animal Sanctuary. This unique center specializes in the rescue of large carnivores and has been in operation for over 31 years. It has only been open for public viewing for the last nine years for the sake of the animals. The animals at this specific refuge have been rescued from various situations from all over the world. Due to massive zoo closures, there was an unmanageable surplus of exotic animals of all sorts. Unfortunately, some of them were exploited as roadside attractions or kept as personal pets in horrific conditions. Regardless of what these animals have experienced, the staff at the Sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitation and providing a healthy environment. The design of the sanctuary provides a more natural alternative to the small enclosures, one might see at a zoo. The wild lions, tigers, bears, and other creatures have free reign in large areas specifically sectioned off for them. Following a brief introduction and instruction about the operations of the refuge, visitors are led up a ramp to a specifically designed main compound that houses some of the newest arrivals to the Wild Animal Sanctuary. After a nice respite at a patio overlooking the African lions, an elevated walkway continues around
the 720-acre sanctuary and stretches off into the distance. The visitors experience mimics that of a wild animal entering the care of the refuge. The wide-open expanses at the end of the walkway are the largest and enable the most freedom for the carnivores. Because of the unfortunate and unnatural environments from which these beautiful specimens came from, these expanses will be where they live out the rest of their lives. This orientation allows the animals to control how much interaction they want with humans or other animals of their kind. The walkway, named “A Mile into the Wild” currently ends at an enormous white tent structure that is the newest addition to this ever-expanding project. Twenty-five Bolivian lions that were confiscated from a total of eight different circuses were in desperate need of a new home. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Animal Defenders International, and even Bob Barker—who donated a generous amount to construction costs—the lions were able to make the 5,000-mile journey here to Colorado to live in a newly constructed 1,500 square-foot enclosure and 80-acre conjoining roaming area. For a minimal entrance donation of $10, this magnificent monument of human compassion and cooperation is worth every minute of time. It is the education of the public and continuing support that keeps this place and the wonders it holds alive.
wild animal sanctuary 1946 County Road 53, Keensburg Mon.–Sun. 9a.m.–4p.m.