Wild Animal Sanctuary Doubles Its Size Through Generous Land Gift

KEENESBURG, Colo., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the help of a generous benefactor, The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) recently added 400 acres to its facility located Northeast of Denver, CO.  The gift elevates the Sanctuary's acreage to 720, making it the largest free-roaming carnivore sanctuary in the western hemisphere.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110613/DC19135)  

The million dollar acquisition was made possible through the purchase and donation of land by a supporter who stepped forward in strong support of the Sanctuary's "Wild Open Spaces" campaign.  The campaign enables the Sanctuary to continue providing natural habitats for newly rescued Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores that were confiscated from illegal or abusive situations.

When asked about the importance of the deal, Sanctuary Executive Director Pat Craig stated, "Adding more acreage for habitats and natural buffers is critical to our overall mission.  It's the key element enabling us to provide unprecedented freedom and quality of life to the animals we rescue. We are extremely grateful to have received such an amazing and openly generous gift, and we look forward to being able to utilize the land so more rehabilitated Lions, Tigers & Bears can enjoy the freedom they deserve!"

The Sanctuary currently has more than 20 large acreage habitats covering 320 acres, and plans to utilize the new land for some of its current residents, as well as future rescues.  Lists of recently rescued animals taking advantage of the Sanctuary's Wild Open Space Campaign include 25 African Lions rescued from Bolivia.

Craig goes on to say, "The other benefit of adding more land is that children and adults alike will gain unparalleled access to viewing large carnivores living freely. As more people contribute to our 'Mile Into The Wild' walkway project, we will be able to expand our network of elevated catwalks and decks over new habitats - which will greatly increase our educational capacity."

About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center, Inc., DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary is now a 720-acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado, near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 290 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other large carnivores and provides lifelong care for its rescued animals. The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features a unique system of observation decks and walkways that visitors utilize to see the animals in natural habitats.

SOURCE The Wild Animal Sanctuary