Philosophy, Policies

“Until he extends his circle
of compassion to all living things,
man will not himself find peace.”

Sanctuary vs. Euthanasia
Wolf believes each captive-bred wolf or wolf-dog has a unique and valuable spirit. These spirits have a right to live their lives in an environment that allows them to be as happy and well-adjusted as possible. Drawing a line between quality of life and no life is an extraordinarily difficult task that Wolf struggles with on a daily basis. Wolf accepts only those animals it is confident that it can provide with appropriate accommodations.

Animal Acquisition
Animals are accepted by priority of need. Animals that are in immediate jeopardy of being euthanized are accepted first. Animals that have longer-term accommodations currently available are considered based on suitability of the animal, the availability of current space and a first come, first taken basis. Wolf keeps animals in small packs of two to four individuals, usually made up of two males and one female. If, for example, there is a young male who needs a home, and we have an enclosure containing one male and one female, the new animal would most likely be a good candidate.

Breeding
Wolf believes strongly that wolves and wolf-dogs should not be bred as pets. Wolf also believes that breeding animals for research on wild behavior is inappropriate, as all chance of normal, wild behavior is lost when forced into a captive situation. Additionally, Wolf believes that animals bred for commercial photography facilities is also inappropriate.

Wolf sterilizes all of the animals accepted at the sanctuary through spay and neuter. Although vasectomy and tubal ligation are used by some sanctuaries, Wolf believes that the sexual rituals remaining are inappropriate to a captive existence. Wolf believes that it is necessary to build a close social relationship between animal and human, for the physical and emotional well-being of both. This would be nearly impossible if the sexual rituals were in force.

Euthanasia
Wolf is, literally, a no-kill facility. The only time that euthanasia is considered for an animal is when its physical condition has lowered the quality of its life to an unacceptable level. The directors, in conjunction with the advice of the Clinical Director, make that determination. A veterinarian, using IV Buthanasia, humanely euthanizes when that decision is made for the animal.

Disposition of Deceased Animals
Deceased animals will be respectfully buried. This burial may occur with or without cremation in advance.

Animal Placement
Wolf believes that wolves and wolf-dogs have unique needs that make disruptions to their routines difficult. Wolf also realizes that there are thousands of animals in need of placement. Therefore, Wolf believes that all of the animals received at the sanctuary are there as permanent residents. When qualified individuals approach Wolf to adopt an animal, Wolf will refer them to individuals looking to place an animal.

Education
Wolf believes that the current popularity of these animals as pets can only be stemmed through education. Wolf believes a nonjudgmental, fact-based approach to that education is the most effective means to raise the understanding of would-be owners. Additionally, the significance of a personal experience, connecting with the soul of these spirits through their eyes, will leave an indelible understanding of their value in nature. Balance is the key in Wolf ’s approach to education. Wolf respects the needs of each animal’s personality and temperament, while striving to provide a significant human learning experience. If there are any potential conflicts in this balance, we choose to exaggerate on behalf of the animal’s needs.

Wolf structures its programs to focus on wolves in captivity, based on the experiences of the sanctuary. What information is given on wolves in the wild is basic, and is meant only to give a basis for comparison. Wolf volunteers do not profess to be experts in wolf biology, and do not take a formal position on reintroduction.

Until further notice, Wolf will not be providing tours. Unfortunately, our county commissioners have decided that this practice is not acceptable.
Our policy on tours will remain on this page as an indication of our beliefs.

Wolf has established however, a method for individuals to visit the sanctuary in order to determine whether or not they would like to become a volunteer.
For details on this option, please click here.

Facility Tours
Wolf provides personalized guided tours on a prearranged schedule. Tours are limited to a maximum of two per day, with enough of an interval in-between to allow stress levels among the animals to remain low. The number of individuals on a tour will not exceed five, and are limited to individuals thirteen years of age or older.

Internships
Wolf interfaces with Colorado State University and Front Range Community College to provide internship opportunities. These programs are customized to accommodate the individual's major and the specific needs of the sanctuary. Other institutions have been accommodated on an individualized basis.