The Wild Animal Sanctuary was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1980, and has been operating for more than 38 years. The refuge is open to supporters daily, and is run by staff and volunteers. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is one of only a handful of true sanctuaries for abused and abandoned great cats and bears in the United States, where the animals are not bred, sold, or otherwise commercially exploited in any way. The Sanctuary is located on the plains northeast of the Denver Metro area, and also operates a second location in southeastern Colorado. Comprising 9,793 acres and sheltering more than 470 lions, tigers, bears, leopards, mountain lions, wolves and other large carnivores, it is the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, as well as the only sanctuary providing large acreage (5 to 100 acres each) species-specific habitats for its rescued animals.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1980, and has been operating for more than 38 years. The refuge is open to supporters daily, and is run by staff and volunteers. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is one of only a handful of true sanctuaries for abused and abandoned great cats and bears in the United States, where the animals are not bred, sold, or otherwise commercially exploited in any way. The Sanctuary is located on the plains northeast of the Denver Metro area, and also operates a second location in southeastern Colorado. Comprising 9,793 acres and sheltering more than 470 lions, tigers, bears, leopards, mountain lions, wolves and other large carnivores, it is the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, as well as the only sanctuary providing large acreage (5 to 100 acres each) species-specific habitats for its rescued animals.
Program names and associated costs are listed for the top programs as reported on the charity's most recently filed Form 990. The top programs displayed will include the largest three programs, or those programs covering at least 60% of the charity's total expenses, whichever comes first.
Program Name
Amount Spent
% of Program Expenses
Animal Care
$8,967,569
70.0%
Public Education
$3,138,600
24.5%
Animal Rescue
$707,931
5.5%
Ratings History The Wild Animal Sanctuary has received 8 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator.
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).
