Learn about the animals that these incredible sanctuaries have saved.
Animal sanctuaries are magical places. They provide a home for animals in need, whether they are sick or cannot be released to the wild for other reasons. Sanctuaries provide a safe space for animals to flourish. With summer just around the corner, you may be putting together a list of places to visit when you have downtime. Visiting animal sanctuaries is a great way to spend your time while supporting non-profit organizations.
It’s important to note that not every sanctuary may have good intentions. Rest assured that the places recommended here are highly vetted, and you will feel good about visiting the animals in their care.
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Location: 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale
If you want to visit a truly magical animal sanctuary, look no further than the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. This organization focuses on rehabilitation and release. While they prioritize returning animals to the wild, some animals in their care are not fit to be released back to their native habitat. Instead, they stay with the organization, and you can visit them at their sanctuary. They offer several tours, including twilight and full-moon tours, during which you can see animals that are more active at night.
There are many native Arizona wildlife species you can meet when you visit the sanctuary. Catalina is an adorable bobcat who was taken in as a kitten by a well-meaning community member, but they kept her in their care for too long. A few weeks of human interaction can cause an animal to become dependent on their care. This meant that Catalina could not be returned to the wild. Instead, she lives at the sanctuary where she is beloved by her caretakers and guests alike.
Other animals you will meet at the sanctuary include mountain lions Felix and Zia, Heavenly the black bear, Ziggy the coyote, and Chi the caotimundi, just to name a few!
Tour costs start at $35 per person over age 13, but they change depending on the type of tour you’d like to take. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday.
Keepers of the Wild Nature Park
Location: 13441 AZ-66, Valentine
Are you a fan of big cats? Have you always dreamed of getting up close and personal with tigers and lions? At Keeps of the Wild Nature Park, you can ethically observe animals that call the sanctuary home. Highly accredited, this sanctuary provides excellent care for its animals. Located on 175 acres, all of the animals in the park’s care were rescued from private owners. That’s right, many of the lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, foxes, and more were likely viewed as pets. Although they cannot be returned to the wild, Keepers of the Wild provide a home that mirrors their native habitat.
When you visit Keepers of the Wild, you’ll encounter more than just lions and tigers. They provide homes to a variety of species. This includes monkeys, coatimundis, lemurs, bears, tropical birds, and more. Fall in love with an animal you meet? You can help care for them through their animal sponsorship program.
The park is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can choose from a guided safari tour or a general admission experience. Safari tours offer a guided tour of the wildlife park, with tickets priced at $36.40 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under 3 are free. The self-guided tour costs $26 for adults, $15.60 for children ages 4 to 12, and is free for children under 3.
Ironwood Pig Sanctuary
Location: 34656 E Crystal Visions Rd, Marana
There are negative stereotypes about pigs. Some people view them as dirty, but they are actually among the top five smartest animals. In fact, they are likely smarter than your dog, and maybe even your toddler! A visit to Ironwood Pig Sanctuary will teach you everything you need to know about these sweet and intelligent animals.
This sanctuary takes in potbelly pigs who have experienced abuse and neglect, or are otherwise unwanted. This beautiful desert home allows the pigs space to roam and live out their days with love and care. The grounds are divided into 30 different yards, providing homes for over 600 pigs. Fall in love with a pig? You can either sponsor them at the sanctuary or pursue the adoption of a pig of your own. Yes, some of these lovable and affectionate beings are available for adoption. You can speak with on-site staff about the options, or visit the website for more information.
Some of the friendly faces you’ll meet on your visit are OG, a stray that was found on Orange Grove Boulevard, hence his perfect name. Or, Conner and Daisy, who were rescued from different circumstances but met at the sanctuary and fell in love. They’ve become a bonded pair who spend every day together.
Tours of Ironwood Pig Sanctuary are every Saturday from October through the end of April, as the dangerous summer heat can be a risk factor. You must register in advance for the tour, and they provide a golf cart for anyone who may need assistance around the sanctuary.
The Oasis Sanctuary
Location: 5411 N Teran Rd, Benson
Exotic birds are wonderful creatures. Parrots are highly intelligent, with species like the African grey capable of learning 1,000 words. While they can make wonderful companions, they are not a pet for the faint of heart. They’re messy and loud, with the ability to make noises reaching over 130 decibels. If kept in an apartment, that can become an issue quickly. This is where places like The Oasis Sanctuary come in—they provide permanent care and rehabilitation to parrots in need. Founded in 1997, The Oasis Sanctuary is highly accredited, and a special place to see these birds up close and personal.
What makes The Oasis Sanctuary stand out is that they offer free-flight facilities for its birds. This means they are not kept in cages all day. They are currently closed for renovations, but once they reopen, you’ll meet birds like Ariel and Augie, beautiful macaws, cocatoos Sydnee and Tangi, and Zeus and Zilla, incredible Afrigan greys.
By visiting these sanctuaries, you are not only experiencing the animals but also helping fund their care.
