| Date opened | 1991[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Candy Kitchen, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | ~ |
| Number of animals | 60+[2] |
| Annual visitors | 15,000+[2] |
| Website | http://wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org |
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary (WSWS) is an animal sanctuary in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico dedicated to rescuing and providing sanctuary for captive-bred wolves and wolfdogs. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Across the road from the sanctuary is a campground also run by the WSWS. Visitors who stay at the campground on the weekend can help feed the animals, joining volunteers as they give the wolves breakfast.[3]
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Originally called the Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch, WSWS was founded in 1991 by Jacque Evans. Evans, a wolf-dog owner herself, realized that few people could handle such high-maintenance pets. She decided to create a refuge for unwanted wolves and wolfdogs on her property in Candy Kitchen. She supported animal rescues and the ranch by selling her artwork.[1]
In 1993, Barbara Berge, who was rescuing wolfdogs in Albuquerque, moved to Candy Kitchen and helped Jacque transform the rescue ranch into a non-profit organization.[1]
In 2003, Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch was reorganized into the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, and Leyton Couger became Executive director.[1]
Wild Spirit has three primary goals/missions: education, sanctuary, and rescue:[4]
Visitors can take guided tours of the sanctuary to see the animals. Tours range in length from 45 minutes to about 90 minutes. They start on the patio of the main log cabin and are about 1/4 miles round trip.[7] The sanctuary also offers tours specifically for photography, where visitors are allowed inside an average of four of the enclosures (with a guide) over a period of 1-2 hours.[8] Private group tours are also available.[6]
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