Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Jason Aldred

2023-10

The folks that work and volunteer at this Sanctuary are wonderful people. They've done incredible work to make sure their rescues are comfortable and happy. On top of all of that, they made my proposal plans go so smoothly. We even got a once in a lifetime chance to interact directly with Quinn the MidContent Wolfdog. An amazing older male who surprised all of us by being just incredibly calm and photo ready.

Danell Underwood

2023-06

I really enjoyed my visit and guided tour. Austin was my guide and he was able to tell me where each animal came from, why they were at the sanctuary and a little about their personalities. I've read some of the negative reviews but I found the animals to look happy and healthy. Several came right up to the fence by Austin when he called them. There were water tanks for them to get in to cool off, shade structures either already present or one was actively being constructed while I was there and also cave like den structures they could go into which would be cool in the heat. There were also trees providing shade to the animals.I stayed in the campground overnight. It was obvious they have been working to improve it. It appeared there was a new area for larger RVs with gravel on the road. The larger campground area is a dirt road and like lots of rural New Mexico I'm sure when it rains it would not be fun, but it was dry when I visited so was no problem. The sites had a fire ring and some had a bench to sit. There was also the cleanest port a potty I've ever seen in the campground. At night, I could hear the wolves howling which was super cool, too. Highly recommend starting the night if you can.Don't go expecting it to be like a zoo with a large budget for beautiful landscaping. The ground is uneven and the grass can be high so wear closed toe shoes. You're in New Mexico, rattlesnakes are a thing. This is a small sanctuary with limited funds and wolves are expensive to feed. They rely on volunteers to help. Go visit them! If you don't like what you see, volunteer or donate money to help out!

Ray Piesciuk

2024-04

What an outstanding place. We arrived right at opening (11:00am) so we could be on the 12:00 tour. They are pretty informal, but our guide, Katie, was ready to go right at noon. Right off the bat we could tell that she was passionate about the wolves. She gave us a great tour of the grounds and the background of the sanctuary and every one of the wolves that we could see. We asked a ton of questions and she was able to answer them all and added so much more great information. Katie went above and beyond for us.The animals are so well taken care of. They have huge enclosures, giving them plenty of room. This is NOT a zoo. The animals come first here!! Everything they do is for the care and comfort of the animals. Many have had tough lives, requiring rescue, so the staff always does what they can for them. What they lack in "touristy" attractions, they make up for in love and compassion.The road leading to the sanctuary from the east (via 53/Indian 120/Indian 125) is partially dirt. Thankfully when we went it was fairly dry. If there was rain or snow recently, you may want to check with them to see about road conditions. We don't suggest approaching from the west via 36 and Candy Kitchen Rd/Indian 33 - MUCH longer dirt road to travel in worse condition. Hopefully the road situation can be addressed by the governing bodies in the very near future. Most likely you will not get a cell signal there, but there is good signage directing you from 53.

Toni Miller

2023-09

What an incredible experience! We were only able to do the regular tour, but our tour guide, Austin, was amazing. We learned all about each of the animals in the lower section, their history, idiosyncrasies, diet, DNA composition, personalities. The love & care these animals receive are remarkable. Next time we are in the area, we will definitely do the VIP tour.

Vanessa N

2023-09

We did the feeding tour, it was a lot of fun! You can tell the wolves are well taken care of and the tour guide knew every name and back story. Definitely a memorable experience!

Allison Barbato

2019-05

This place was wonderfully done! Very professional and informative. The grounds we're really well maintained and the entire staff was knowledgeable, caring and answered all of our questions.This was great for kids too because the sanctuary was not so massive that the kids became bored. We did the whole thing in ~45min. We got to feed the wolves massive chunks of frozen meat that we tossed over the fences. At the end of the tour there was a gift shop with tons of t-shirts, mugs, calendars etc.Also huge perk: you get to pet a wolf at the end of the tour!!! Again this was also done in a professional way and the handler made sure the wolf (and the people) were comfortable/everything was done in a safe manner. I really, really enjoyed this place and highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about wolves!

S M

2019-05

It was late, an hour before closing so the tour was lacking in seeing much sadly. Our guide was wonderful though as seeing that it was her first tour. It's a testament to the stupidity of people obtaining these wonderful animals and then not knowing what to do with them. But thankfully it educates others to the plight and gives these animals a place to be.

Teresa Whitley

2024-02

DO NOT GO HERE IN THE OFF SEASON. THEY ARE NOT OPEN. THERE IS LOTS OF SNOW.I was really looking forward to a night here with the wolves and the website said the campground was always open and it was available on harvest hosts. I'd not been in this area before so I had no idea I'd run into snow.Anyway .. very kind people helped me out and I managed to make it down the road to another spot before dark.Thank you for your help and I'll be back at a better time of year!Also, the last 4 miles is washer board road.

Deanna Crask

2023-11

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Cheryl Ware

2023-05

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Kelly B

2020-05

The work they are doing here is amazing. The educational experience during the tour is fantastic. All the animals are gorgeous and happy. They have a gift shop that helps support the animals.

Tawn Smith

2017-05

Incredible! - Our trip was a gift to our daughter for her 12th birthday- she is a budding artist and loves to draw pictures of wolves. It had snowed the day before we arrived on 3/1- so once off the paved roads, the muddy drive really required a 4 wheel drive in some parts (we didn't have one). The staff was kind enough to drive us to the lodge which is up a quarter mile, unpaved hill.The "Lodge" accommodations were very comfortable- wi-fi- full kitchen- TV- comfortable beds; we were all set as we brought a crock-pot and cooler to prepare meals. There really isn't a selection of places to go eat when the roads are so muddy and we couldn't travel off the sanctuary, so it was great that we had brought our own food with us to prepare and cook.The staff on property were very committed to their work and efforts to educate visitors. They were patient and fielded all sorts of our questions. This is a working environment and provides extensive property to house the wolves and other animals. We had a feeding tour, a 2 mile walk/hike with wolf pups, and educational encounter and a tour of the grounds. And wait till you hear the wolves howl- what a treat!The "lodge" is pet friendly and my mother's only negative comment is that it is hard to disguise the odor of pet urine in the carpet from previous pet visitors. Please keep in mind, that she has the nose of a hound. It also would have been nice to use the gas fireplace since we visited at a cold time of year ( early March), however, there was gas to the lodge which allowed for the furnace to operate. We were not without heat.Should you decide to visit Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, spend the extra money and be involved in all the encounters as you possibly can. You will not be disappointed, and you'll leave with so much more knowledge and appreciation for these beautiful animals and the amazing people that care for them day in and day out.We will be back for sure! Thanks to Crystal, Ramon, Maddie & Dave (our chauffeur) and all the others for making our stay, such a magical experience.

Becky Niose

2018-05

If you have a heart, put this wolf rescue on your Bucket List! Tour the sanctuary, meet incredible volunteers, learn all about wolves & other unique canids, peruse their Gift Shop in a hogan (Navajo-style building). You can even stay in their campground nextdoor & get to hear all the wolves at dawn.

Eric Simmons

2023-06

The tour is a little short but the animals are well taken care of, the staff knows the animals well and the gift shop had cool stuff.

Martin Reid

2019-05

One of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I think wolves are cool anyway, but there were foxes there as well along with other exotic creatures, and those were really neat, too. The staff was very knowledgeable and relaxed, and there was an air of peace throughout the whole facility. The gift shop is great for nature-y, wolf-related stuff (e.g. The Mountain t-shirts). I would go again in a heartbeat if I am around there again!

Lori Olivar-Gomez

2023-08

It's a nice drive-through zoo, and at the end, you can get out and walk through a section to see smaller animals. The price is $35 for each adult and $25 for each child. There is a 10% military discount(only for the person in the military, not for the car of people). For me, is a bit too pricey for an excursion that lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, you drive your own vehicle, thus using your own gas. I had been wanting to go through it since it opened, as I had gone through a similar zoo in Wyoming or one of the Dakota's(I can't remember)... so at least I check marked this one off the list.

michele mcdonagh

2023-06

We had the VIP tour with Austin, who was knowledgeable, a good listener and a great guy. The sanctuary is just that: a true sanctuary for these beautiful animals. It is obvious that they are all loved and taken care of with respect for each animals personality. Austin knew the back story of each wolf dog, which was impressive. Please support this amazing place by visiting or making a donation.

A C

2019-05

This is a nice place. Seems like they take care about this animals. But some wolf's looks sad been in captivity. I'm wondering if they want to be free.

Lenka Mikocziova (lemarka)

2020-05

Awesome place and dedication from people who work there as volunteers!!! The animals are beautiful and look really well taken care of. The tour was very good, educative , I would HIGHLY recommend everyone to stop by!!

Elena

2023-05

It is a very calming place and not very large so you can see the lower enclosures quickly. Or you can sit on the various benches to take a little more time to take it in.They have several wolf/wolf dogs (with various wolf content), singing new guinea dogs, dingos, foxes and coyotes (the coyotes are shy).Note that they may be camera shy or not be active/interactive as you want them to be, please do not be upset. They are lovely and sensitive animals, please respect them. I think that it being cold made it comfortable for them to be out and about, lounging, sunbathing etc so I was able to see most of the ones in the lower enclosures :)If you're lucky, you might get a group chorus from the children of the night! I went near the end of the day so they could really be singing for their supper!They have clean and WARM bathrooms :) Wear shoes that are good for outdoors. The ground could be snowy/muddy etc.Note that while GPS will get you there, you may not have any cell service when you are on site. It is a fairly simple route to backtrack thankfully. Before you head to them, you can text for directions, then use that to backtrack.There are lots of things you can buy in the shop and the lady in the gift shop was very nice! The Gift Shop is the short building that looks like it sank into the ground :) You must start and end here. Check out their website for the different tours, pricing and current hours.

Craig Hertzler

2023-08

I opted for the VIP tour. This was a fun and interesting trip. The Dingos and New Guinea singing dogs were an unexpected and special treat. Enjoyed our host and seeing the wolf dogs. Plus, foxes and coyotes.

Heather Turner

2018-05

Wonderfully informative! Megan was our guide and not only demonstrated superb knowledge of the animals but also a genuine love for her job working amongst them. I thought I knew a lot about wolves but learned more than I imagined!!

Cathie Manville

2023-05

We heard howling very frequently. It was beautiful to listen to. We took the standard guided tour, with intern Arianne, who came all the way from Malta to spend a summer with the wolves. She was wonderful! So well informed about each animal, and wolves in general.We would like to go back, and take advantage of the specialty tours. All in all, it was an experience we won't soon forget. One thing to note...you will not be petting any of the animals. WSWS is all about the animals' health, physical and mental. They will not allow any behavior that could cause stress or injury. That's why we support this amazing non profit! We came home and sponsored 3 wolves between 4 of us!We camped for 2 nights. I'll be honest here...the camping area was extremely primitive. It's cool, we made it work. Just giving a heads up.

Jofre Rosero

2023-05

I had the pleasure of visiting this place. It was a great experience, seen such a beautiful and powerful being it humbles me. Aside from the enjoying this Santuary, we had really good Cuban food across the street. It was all worth it driving of from the i40.

Athena Huckaby

2018-05

I cannot even describe how moving and wonderful an experience this was. Really excellent people doing excellent work.

Karen Utley

2022-05

I fell in love with the wolves and the other beautiful creatures that live in Wild Spirit in Albuquerque, NM. CRYSTAL was my favorite ❤ staff. Her love for animals and she was very kind to me. All the staff were awesome really. But the wolves are amazing to see and hear them howling and singing us to sleep each night. As a child my parents had a wolf/dog that could not be touched. It was sad that he was chained his life. I love him still, and it was healing to see how he could have done better with people who understand the wolves are not pets. Wild Spirit has huge advantages for them to be safe and lots of space to run around. I felt so good being able to touch them great experience that I would love to repeat ❤

Claire S

2019-05

I visited the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in May 2018 while on a road trip and absolutely loved it! The tour was very thorough and left a lot of room for open conversation. We got the background story on every animal we saw and it was very eye-opening to see not only the results of the pet wolf industry, but also the challenges faced by rescues like Wild Spirit in giving these animals the lives they deserve. My absolute favorite part was spending the night at the campground listening to their beautiful chorus! What a magical experience! Absolutely a highlight of my trip! Please go support Wild Spirit in the good they are doing for these animals and for the world.

Valerie La Rue

2023-05

This was on my bucket list and finally made it. Brought lunch and ate in the courtyard. Had to wait out the rain but the guided tour was fantastic. Our girl really knew her stuff and it was good to get the backstory on these creatures. The red fox was the only one that stayed out of sight. Got to hear the wolves howl when the thunder rolled...hoping to come back next year for the behind the scenes tour.

nikki Peterson

2022-05

This is a wonderful place that provides a safe place for these beautiful animals to live out the rest of their life. Along with the wolves and wolf-dogs, there are also foxes, coyotes, Dingos and New Guinea singing dogs, as well as a couple of domestic dogs. The people who work there were all nice and there's a gift shop. I wasn't able to stay as long as I wanted but I hope to make it back and take the VIP tour.

Kimberlie Jones

2018-05

Wonderful and interestingly educational up close look at some beautiful wolves, dingos, singing dogs, wolf dogs, & maybe even a fox. These canines are full of personality and curiosity, often getting within two feet of you. Lots of extra opportunities to either feed or walk a wolf, look up those encounters for an added fee (make you reservations for those at least a few weeks in advance). The tour guides not only know a great deal about wild canines, they also know these beautiful animals personally! We had Ramone & he was awesome! Made us feel like we knew the residents too! It takes a while to get there, but it is worth the trip to this unassuming little place. Don't let the appearance of the property fool you--it is a non-profit after all, but what they lack in polished appearance, they more than make up for in getting to see and know their amazing wolves & other canines! This was our second trip here. I would never come to this part of New Mexico without a visit!