Long before the first visitors arrive at Shy Wolf Sanctuary, the day is already well underway.
Caring for our rescued wolves, wolfdogs, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and other residents is a 365-day-a-year commitment. Each morning, our animal care team and dedicated volunteers begin their rounds, checking on every resident and preparing for the day ahead.
One of the biggest daily responsibilities is diet preparation. Our residents consume approximately 560 pounds of raw meat each week, with diets tailored to their individual needs. For senior residents like Bogie, our 15-year-old wolfdog (pictured here), those needs can change with age and require additional attention from the people who know him best.
Morning care also includes medications and supplements, fresh water, cleaning enclosures, inspecting habitats, and observing each animal for even subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or health. Enrichment is another important part of the day. Scent trails, hidden treats, puzzle feeders, pools, boxes, and other activities encourage our residents to explore, forage, problem-solve, and engage in natural behaviors. We are constantly brainstorming new and safe ideas to keep the animals mentally stimulated and challenged in positive ways.
By the time visitors begin touring the sanctuary, hours of work have already taken place behind the scenes and it continues throughout the day.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary is a nonprofit, donor-funded rescue organization, and this daily care is made possible through the generosity of our community. Every donation helps provide the food, medications, veterinary care, enrichment, and safe habitats residents like Bogie depend on every day.
To learn more, support our residents, or schedule a visit, visit shywolfsanctuary.org.
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