Operators of the 31-year-old, 720-acre Wild Animal Sanctuary near Keenesburg have constructed a "Mile Into the Wild" elevated walkway giving everyone a chance to view all of the animals up close and personal.
This amazing "Mile Into the Wild" elevated walkway and observation decks will be unveiled in spring 2012, taking visitors through 21 habitats, offering intimate views of sanctuary's 300 tigers, wolves, grizzly bears and lions. The new Lion House facility is home to 25 of the big cats rescued from traveling circuses in Bolivia.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and was established in 1980 by Pat Craig, who is its Executive Director. It is a non-profit organization and operates solely off of the donations. There is a $10 per person donation made as entrance when entering the park. The Sanctuary works closely with national, state and international law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide safe and humane wild animal rescue services. It also works with those zoos and wildlife facilities that are experiencing overcrowded conditions and need assistance.
The sanctuary also offers the ability to adopt an animal and watch their progress throughout the year.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary’s 'Mile Into the Wild Walkway' consists if a boardwalk, ranging from 22 feet to 40 feet above the ground, that first crosses one of the older lion habitats and then passes through black bear, wolf and tiger habitats on its way to the new lion house facility, according to sanctuary’s spokeswoman Katie Vandegrift. There’s a 4,000-square-foot observation deck above the enclosures in the lion house.
Excited about the Bolivian lions, Katie further stated "They are international stars; everyone wants to see them”.
Like many others, I can’t wait until the walkway opened so I can get a closer look at the amazing lions.
According to Sanctuary founder Pat Craig, this walkway will be a giant hit in 2012, and will see a major increase in people coming to enjoy the unprecedented views that it offers….
