Planning Commission Hearing

Likewise, over 55 individuals, in support of Wolf, showed up for the Planning Commission Hearing on the 19th of September. We are extremely grateful for this amazing show of support, and likewise believe it will send a very clear message to the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners.

Unfortunately, due to delays in the evenings agenda, our proposal was postponed and will not be heard until October 17th. I apologize for the fire drill and encourage anyone who has not sent a letter, to please do so.

Planning Commission        or        by email:
c/o Planning Dept.                 planningoncall@larimer.org
P.O. Box 1190
Fort Collins, CO 80521

For More Information (click)

Thank You

The response to our appeal for funding to build the new enclosures at the Sanctuary for the WideAwake Pack, has been very good. We appreciate your concern and support for this undertaking. We know the goal we have chosen is not the easiest in the world, but one that we are confident is in the animal’s best interest and one that we will continue to pursue until we achieve it.

We are still somewhat short of the goal to make all of this happen, but believe strongly that it will all come together when it is supposed to. Until then we will keep plugging away.

The construction is going well, but likewise is somewhat short of our original goals. We are looking for any help or ideas you may have on how to speed up both the fundraising and the construction.

Please email or call Frank with any ideas - 970.416.9531 [

Shania - Captive Wildlife Crisis

Close To Home

Over the past few months, Wolf has been trying to help a struggling sanctuary in the Kiowa area by giving them our excess meat and dogfood. On Sunday, August XX, Pat and Brandy (one of our excellent volunteers) left for the 3+ hour trip with a full truck of food for the lions, tigers, bears, wolves, coyotes and foxes in the facilities care. Upon arrival, they were shocked to learn the place was completely out of dry food! Wolf had arrived just in time. The caretakers were very appreciative, and took Pat and Brandy around to see the animals. Unfortunately, they were horrified by what they found. One of the lionesses, Shania, was lying in her cage, very obviously ill. The caretakers explained she had been vomiting for two weeks, was not eating and had stopped having bowel movements. However, they were unable to get a vet to do a house call, and had no way of transporting her. Pat and Brandy realized this animal was very close to death, and knew they had to help her. Immediately after leaving, they called Wolf about the situation. How can we transport a 375 lb. lion? This is not our area of expertise. A call was made to Pat Craig of the Wild Animal Sanctuary. He quickly agreed to transport Shania to CSU Vet Teaching Hospital the very next day. Arrangements were then made with CSU, as you can’t just walk in the front door with a lion. Everything was taken care of before Pat and Brandy returned to Wolf.

Shania’s transport went perfectly. She was tranquilized in the cage, and carried into the building on a tarp, as there were no kennels large enough for her. Two police officers with assault rifles stood next to her, justin case she was to wake up, with orders to shoot to kill. During the exam, every doctor, student, and staff member in the hospital came to visit her, while Wolf and Wild Animal Sanctuary volunteers waited nervously outside. Initial exams indicated an intestinal blockage or perforation, so emergency surgery was required. There was no blockage, but many areas of the intestines were flaccid and not working properly. She made it through surgery with no issues, but did not want to wake up from the anesthesia. Since CSU has no place for big cats to stay over night, Pat Craig decided to bring her to his sanctuary for her extensive aftercare. But the bill had to be paid, and Shania’s facility could not afford the bill. Therefore, Frank and Pat Wendland, founders of Wolf, personally paid for her care. Although saving a lion is not in Wolf’s Mission, the Wendland's could not ignore her need.

Shania woke up the next day, and began improving with the help of steroids. The final surgery results finally came and showed the real issue, inflammatory bowel disease. This is most likely caused by a bad diet too high in fat. Pat Craig continued caring for her until she seemed healthy enough to return home to her companion animal. Her caretaker was informed to feed her a very low fat diet and continue the steroid injections.

As of this writing, Wolf received the update on her condition. We are terribly sorry to report that Shania did not make it through her illness. We are happy to have given this magnificent animal a chance at recovery, but disappointed it had to end this way. Her beautiful spirit and commanding presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. [