This sanctuary has lions, tigers, cougars, bears, wolves, parrots, and other animals who used to be pets, but were rescued from inappropriate housing situations. They live in comfortable and safe surroundings, but this is not a zoo- it is built for the animals, not tourists. This a great place to visit and learn about animals, and see the consequences of selecting a wild animal for a pet.. Make sure you call in advance to find out tour times.
We stopped at this wildlife sanctuary. It is somewhat difficult to find since it is about a mile down a stone road. The pens are a little crude but these animals were abandoned, or kept illegally in someone's house a couple were even form animal acts. All of them would probably have been put to sleep if not for the man that started this place so keep that in mind.
Great place to see exotic animals that have found a home here because folks thought they could be "house pets". The animals used in the Black Hills Passion play were also housed here previously in the winter before the play ended. The folks who work here are mostly volunteers who love animals. If you have a chance to visit, don't miss it.
Love seeing the big cats up close and personal! You need an appointment, but it's well worth it. Some animals get to roam free, so there is some petting involved! Love it!
This animal sanctuary does no purchase or breed animals for display, they only rescue animals that owners can no longer care for. You can see that the entire staff has a love of animals. Our tour guide called each animal by name and told us why they came to the sanctuary. It was a really neat way to see big cats and bears up close. Make sure you check their website before you go as they only give tours on a limited schedule.
I love what Mike and his team have done here and they truly do care for these animals that needed it! It's a great chance to see the big cats, bears, wolves and many other animals up close and be grateful that someone devotes their time to give them the best home they can. It's not a large place but it does take a good deal of walking but the stops are often so it isn't that grueling. Definitely a must see in the Black Hills!
Unfortunately this place was closed when we came to visit ,we could still glimpse a few animals here and there . It's so great that there are places like this for these animals to go and live out their life . We will try on another visit ,I think it will be well worth the effort.
I had such a great experience here. The variety of wildlife they have here is amazing. Anything from peacocks to jaguars and bears - it was flourishing with animals. The tour guides are very down to earth and sweet. It is a welcoming place - there are animals walking around everywhere. I love it and I can't wait to go back. Plus, the price was quite fair.
I've gone here a couple different times. The first time was MUCH better because the guide wasn't rushing through and knew a lot more about the animals' backgrounds. That's one of the most interesting parts to me. We got to spend time visiting the birds the first time and I got to pet a buffalo. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! :)However, when I brought my in-laws there 2 or 3 years later it was made much less impressive due to the guide knowing little more than the names of the animals and generic facts about their species. He also seemed to be rushing through everything. It was a much less pleasant than our last tour. We didnt get to see the birds which was Very entertaining the fist time we went due to a cute "dancing" cockatoo. Also, I think the buffalo were off in the distance the second tour and not even mentioned. :( The guides are all volunteers so you really don't know what you're going to get. It's too bad they aren't all as knowledgeable as the guide on our first tour years back.Just a tip for people taking young children, be prepared with a stroller (I think they still allow them), cold beverages and a misting water bottle or you will be met with much complaining. It gets pretty darn hot there in the summer. It would be downright miserable without the preparations, really. All in all, I enjoyed going both times but I am more satisfied with a more knowledgeable tour guide. I'm glad that we are able to see and contribute to these animals' well-being!
This place appears small from the outside, but once you're inside you'll be surprised and the numbers and kinds of animals they house. They take in animals from stray dogs to bears, lions and tigers who are in need of a home. Mike who runs the place on donations has a heart of gold and does anything he can to keep the place running. Great opportunity to see huge tigers, lions, mountain lions, and black bears up close. A huge variety of other animals like lamas, camels, pigs, peacocks, etc.... very low-key place without pavement, just enclosures built in the forest which makes it very appealing and lots of volunteers making the place go.