One of the volunteers instructed us for 45 minutes about how to behave, when we enter the enclosures. Since wolves are pack animals, they have certain rules and behavioral patterns which need to be respected.
There are from 50 to 60 wolves in the sanctuary, depending on how many have been adopted. Most are pure wolves and others are wolf-dogs, from wolves bred to Malamutes or German Shepherds.
The wolves are divided in groups from 1 to 4, one being very docile and sociable, can be handled by visitors and are ready for adoption. Group 4, of which there are only very few, can only be handled safely by one or two highly trained volunteers, who are accepted by the pack.
All of the wolves were born in captivity and rescued from owners, who mistreated them or who could not cope with the wolf when grown to its adult size. Some of the wolves were in very poor shape when they were rescued. Most of them recovered and are now healthy and enjoy a good life at the Sanctuary.
Each wolf has a history and on the website
The Shy Wolf Sanctuary depends solely on volunteers and private donations to be able to offer a sanctuary to rescued animals from all over the Unites States.
We also saw other rescued animals, such as coyotes, foxes, Florida panthers, prairie dogs and Gopher tortoise.
After our 3 hour visit we all went to Senor Tequila a Mexican restaurant in Golden Gate for some good mexican food and camaraderie."
Kindest regards,
Gerry
