Things To Do in DEN Airport Area
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Rates above the average for things to do near DEN Airport Area — one of 40 we've tracked here.
Things to Know
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is an ethical animal rescue facility featuring rescued big cats, wolves, and other wildlife in expansive natural habitats accessed via a 1.5-mile elevated walkway, located in Colorado.
Visitors consistently praise this sanctuary as a more ethical alternative to zoos, where rescued animals visibly thrive in large, naturalistic spaces and you can witness authentic animal behavior like pack dynamics and feeding interactions.
- ✓Brings binoculars (or rent for $10) — animals can be hard to spot from a distance and details are worth seeing
- ✓Plan for 5 hours to complete the full 3-mile round trip at a leisurely pace, especially if visiting in winter with earlier closing times
- ✓Staff and volunteers are genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about animal welfare
- ✓All animals are rescues (including tigers from Tiger King) unable to live in the wild, living with visible dignity and space
- ⚠The 1.5-mile each-way walk is long and requires significant time commitment; don't arrive late in the day or you'll have to rush
Based on Google reviews · AI summarized
What Visitors Say
Madelyn Danley
3 weeks ago
Absolutely amazing experience!! Far more ethical than a zoo, all staff were super informative and friendly. I cannot recommend enough. We were able to see tigers, lions, bears, jaguars, foxes, horses, water buffalo, a panther, and bobcats.
Katherine Lozano
4 weeks ago
This just became one of my favorite places on earth. I had never been to such a wonderful sanctuary where wild animals have so much space to relax and where they look so happy! It’s such a gift to see these majestic animals live with the dignity they deserve even if they have to be in captivity. All of the animals are rescues/unable to live in the wild. They even have a bunch of Tiger King tigers. And there are so many different animals — wolves (it was so interesting to watch the pack dynamics play out in their interactions!), lions, white tigers, orange tigers, lions, bears, foxes, and more. Just make sure to bring BINOCULARS or rent some for $10. And slow down so you can really enjoy the sights and don’t miss the animals, which can be a little hard to spot if you’re walking fast. The walkway is 1.5 miles each way (3 miles total), but give yourself ample time — I’d recommend about 5 hours. I arrived at 1pm and they close at 4:30pm because of the winter hours, and I wish I’d gotten there earlier because we had to rush on the way back. Keep in mind you’ll notice different things/animals on the way back too. I also want to add that the volunteers are super kind and helpful. You can tell they’re true animal lovers. I am very much looking forward to returning!
Jim Kuhr
4 weeks ago
I had heard about this place for years and we finally went today. What a fantastic place for helping these mistreated animals and giving them a safe place to spend the rest of their lives. The long walk was well worth it and we saw some really great animals. Keep up the good work !
Burgoyne Family
2 months ago
We love supporting the Wild Animal Sanctuary and have a small plaque on the elevated walkway, which we enjoy seeing each visit. We’ve visited several times, always bringing family to show them the incredible and unique experience the sanctuary offers. The walkway gives a great view of the animals in their large, natural habitats and lets them stay comfortable. You can really see the care and dedication that goes into rescuing and helping these animals thrive. It’s inspiring, moving, and a must-visit for anyone who loves animals and enjoys supporting a good cause. If you’re visiting Colorado, check it out or visit their website to see the work they do. Any donation helps these animals. This is a sanctuary, not a zoo, so you can enjoy seeing the animals without supporting institutions that keep them in small enclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wild Animal Sanctuary worth it in DEN Airport Area?
Visitors consistently praise this sanctuary as a more ethical alternative to zoos, where rescued animals visibly thrive in large, naturalistic spaces and you can witness authentic animal behavior like pack dynamics and feeding interactions. Known for: rescued wildlife thriving in massive natural habitats.
What do visitors love about The Wild Animal Sanctuary?
Brings binoculars (or rent for $10) — animals can be hard to spot from a distance and details are worth seeing Plan for 5 hours to complete the full 3-mile round trip at a leisurely pace, especially if visiting in winter with earlier closing times Staff and volunteers are genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about animal welfare All animals are rescues (including tigers from Tiger King) unable to live in the wild, living with visible dignity and space
Is there anything to know before visiting The Wild Animal Sanctuary?
The 1.5-mile each-way walk is long and requires significant time commitment; don't arrive late in the day or you'll have to rush
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