The Wild Animal Sanctuary

In August travelled to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. The biggest of its kind in North America. Home to over 400 rescued animals, all of which have come from a background of abuse or neglect. The sanctuary specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for large predators - many of which came from zoos and circuses, as illegal pets or use in the entertainment industry. We walked along what's called the 'mile in the sky' where an elevated walkway has been built that overlooks numerous animal enclosures, high enough that we are almost entirely ignored by the wildlife and our presence doesn't stress them out, but we're able get a bird's eye view of them along the way. The entire 720 acre sanctuary is non-profit and runs on the donations from visitors and help from volunteers. We spent several hours in awe of the amazing animals - lions, tigers, bears, cougars, leopards, wolves etc. But what really struck me, and still, as I write this, affects me deeply - was reading the donor plaques that lined the walkway. Hundreds of families and individuals have given generously to sponsor a few feet of walkway in an effort to help save the animals from harm and allow them to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Quotes from famous philosophers, vegetarians and activists line the path reminding us why this work is so important. I left with a renewed faith and sense of purpose. The world is filled with people who care. Animals are not ours to enslave and exploit for our personal gain or pleasure. We know this. They all deserve to be free from harm. http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/