Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
Interactive map of Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
34°54′38″N 108°29′21″W / 34.910653°N 108.489201°W / 34.910653; -108.489201
Date opened1991[1]
LocationCandy Kitchen, New Mexico, United States
No. of animals60+[2]
Annual visitors15,000+[2]
Websitewildspiritwolfsanctuary.org

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary (WSWS) is an animal sanctuary in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico, United States, dedicated to rescuing and providing sanctuary for captive-bred wolves, wolfdogs, and other canids.[3] It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the largest canid sanctuary in all of North America.[4]

Across the road from the sanctuary is a campground also run by the WSWS, where both guided and self-guided tours are available.[5]

History

Originally called the Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch, WSWS was founded in 1991 by Jacque Evans.[6] Evans, a wolfdog owner herself, realized that few people could handle such high-maintenance pets. She decided to create a refuge for unwanted wolves and wolfdogs on her property in Candy Kitchen. She supported animal rescues and the ranch by selling her artwork.

In 1993, Barbara Berge, who was rescuing wolfdogs in Albuquerque, moved to Candy Kitchen and helped Jacque transform the rescue ranch into a non-profit organization.

In 2003, Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch was reorganized into the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, and Leyton Cougar became executive director.[6]

In August, 2020, Brittany McDonald became Executive Director[7] of Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, replacing out-going Director of Operations, Crystal Castellanos.[8]

Impact

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary operates with an “Animals Come First” attitude.

Wild Spirit teaches the public about the humane treatment of wild animals, about the relationships between people and other life through respectful, compassionate co-existence, and about humanity’s important role as having the choice to be a part of the change needed to see ecosystems heal and thrive.

Care is customized to each animal’s needs, desires, personality, and health. Wild Spirit understands that some animals will never want human attention, and we respect that wish by ensuring socialization is never forced.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary does not breed, sell, or exploit their rescues. All educational programs are offered on-site and are hands-off to reduce stress on the animals.[8]

wolf

Notes

  1. ↑ "History". wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org. WSWS. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  2. 1 2 "Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary Offers Unique Adventure". newmexico.org. New Mexico Tourism Department. February 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  3. ↑ Stanfield, Savanna (April 21, 2025). "This New Mexico Mountain Town With A Cute Name Is Full Of Equally Adorable Rescue Wolves". TheTravel. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Boyle, Molly (July 23, 2025). "Meet the Pack at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary". New Mexico Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  5. ↑ Haik, Tamara Blazquez (April 5, 2025). "New Mexico's Friendly Little Mountain Community Is Full Of Rescued Wolves And An Indescribable Charm". Islands. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Adventures & Experiences in New Mexico | Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary". New Mexico Nomad. November 21, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  7. ↑ Mencinger, Alaina (November 27, 2024). "New Mexico wolf sanctuary hopes to keep legacy of Colorado rescuer alive". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  8. 1 2 "About Us".
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