As an animal and nature lover, the opportunity to see these amazing animals who are obviously loved by Steve and Mario was one of the highlights of my Alaska trip. I went because it was described as a rescue center to help the animals. The work they do and life they live is amazing and I learned many interesting things. Their respect for the wildlife and the environment was apparent in all they did and said. I purchased two DVDs that have been fun to watch and informative. If you really want to see some natural habitat, please go on this tour.
Read the best reviews and you have it all! Our 52 day trailer trip form Toronto to Alaska had its highlight here in Haines. Thanks Steve and Mario four allowing my wife and I to pet 3 moose [she kissed on e not me], feed a marten and porcupine, tug a caribou on leash and be entertained by two experts. They do have a message about rescue, nutrition and grounding which puts one into a thinking mode. Our number one excursion which included rafting, floating, bison and bears, catching salmon and seeing both peaks at Denali.
We visited as part of a shore excursion from a Holland America cruise. Most of the other folks in our group on the ship had not even noticed this was an option because they were focused on outdoor adventure. However, upon comparing notes at the end of the day, we believe we made the better choice. Inspiring. Beautiful. Educational. Where else are you going to see this many wild animals and learn about them at the same time. There is a reason this is the No. 1 rated attraction in Haines.
What ever you do in Haines don't miss this. We arrived by Ship and just hired a car across the road from the port then drove 40 mins and on the way we drove through an Eagle Sanctuary and saw heaps of Bald Headed Eagles on the way. Steve Kroschel is so nice and so was the other guy that was there the day we went. If you want to see some amazing animals this is the place to go. From the moment we arrived Steve and his mate made our visit very entertaining, it was so much better than I imagined it to be. Both Steve and his mate love animals and are trying to educate people into how to look after Animals and also the Environment. We saw animals here that we would never see anywhere else, we saw a Lynx Cat, Wolverine, Arctic Fox, Falcon, Buzzard, Martin, Weasel, Porcupine, Red Fox, Moose, Grizzly, Mink and learnt so much about Animals and the Environment. This was definitly a highlight of my trip to Alaska. Thanks Steve you Rock : )
Out in the boonies outside of Haines the walk around with the "tour guide" "friend" goes up some hills and over bumpy ground but not a problem. Seeing these animals - moose, mountain lion, mink, caribou, a bear and many many others was a thrill. You are in their environment and are able to pet some, like the porcupine, while you learn about the importance each of these species has in the balance of the world and how we can be sensitive to their needs and protection. I was with three family members and we all loved the whole experience . I fully recommend this if you are in the area.
Steve and Mario are absolutely hilarious and informative. They have such a passion for their animals. I really dont want to dpoil any of it by giving details. My wife kelly and I went on our honeymoon and it was the best experience of our entire cruise. We even got lucky enough to only have 4 other people there on our tour! Top notch all the way. And buy the dvds!
While I was in Haines photographing Eagles, I had the opportunity to connect with Steve and photograph some of his Alaskan animals. This was an extraordinary experience! Steve is a very kind and caring person and it very apparant how much he loves these animals. This turned out to be the highlight of my adventure to Alaska and hope that I can return some day. Steve is a must visit venue.- Todd
I never imagined that there was a place like this anywhere...Steve and Mario taught us so many things about animals that we never knew. If I could live my life over again, I would come here always and try to learn all that I could from them. They are angels ,who would do anything to make sure their furry and feathered friends are well mannered and well cared for. Oh that I could learn it all from them...I would be in "heaven'!!!!! I did NOT want to leave!!! THANKYOU Steve Kroschel, for being so very amazingly kind!!!!! Joanne E.
We were on a group tour here in July 2014. We were told to "just go!" By our tour directors. I am so glad we did. Steve and Mario and, of course, the animals are my new favorite wild men. You will be glad you went.
For me this was one of the highlights of my trip to Alaska. Mario is so passionate about his animals and their welfare. They are his life and he's living the dream that many animal lovers have but don't have the guts to pursue.He and Steve are a breath of fresh air in a world where our animals are often neglected, abused or taken advantage of.This is an ideal way to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Alaska is a way not possible in the wild and in an environment where you know they are well cared for and loved.