You’re probably familiar with Colorado wildlife, from mountain lions and black bears to deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose, mountain goats and other furry creatures that share our beautiful state.

But tigers?

Yes, tigers. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path this summer, check out The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg at 2999 County Road 53, a wildlife refuge and educational facility 30 miles from Denver on the eastern plains. Believe it or not, this low-profile, Keenesburg nonprofit, home to more than 450 large animals, is the nation’s largest and oldest carnivore sanctuary, and the site of the longest elevated (1.5 mile) footbridge in the world. It’s one of the few places where visitors can witness prides of African lions and other large carnivores living out their lives freely in sprawling open space.

In addition to “lions, tigers and bears,” the sanctuary is home to jaguars, wolves, leopards, coati-mundi alpacas, porcupines, ostriches, emus, a camel, and many other animals.

While we Denverites are fortunate to have this unique resource so close to home, it’s the animals themselves who are the true beneficiaries. Most of them were rescued by law enforcement officials from illegal and often abusive captivity in homes, garages, barns and backyards. If animals arrive at the sanctuary injured or sick, they are rehabilitated.

To better address the growing captive wildlife crisis, the sanctuary recently acquired an additional 9,004-acres of contiguous land in Las Animas and Baca counties in southern Colorado, known as “The Refuge.” This scenic, forested expanse is home to more than 450 animals but unfortunately isn’t open to the public because it’s remoteness makes it “nearly impossible” to access.

The 789-acre Keenesburg sanctuary is open to visitors from 9 a.m. until sunset daily except for July 4^th, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Strollers, binoculars and motorized wheelchairs are available for rent when you arrive at the check-in kiosks. It takes 3-6 hours to tour the entire facility, and it’s best to visit in the late afternoon or in the evening because the big cats tend to sleep during the day. Please note that dogs are not allowed. Admission to the sanctuary stops two hours before closing time, but it’s recommended that you arrive at least four hours prior. Uber and taxis are not advised, as they will drop you off but not pick you up.

The cost of being open to the public for facilities such as zoos and sanctuaries is higher than the cost typically charged for admission. Unlike zoos, however, the sanctuary does not receive government subsidies to close the gap between operating costs and entry fees, and so the sanctuary entry fees are a bit higher than might be typical at a zoo.

General entry is considered an “evaluation visit” for those who might want to become supporters, and is $30 for adults and $15 for children 3-12. Children under 3 are free, as are seniors 70 and over who are interested in becoming supporters. Other seniors need to pay the general fees. An additional donation of unspecified amount to support animal care is also requested.

“Active supporters,” those who have donated at least $200 within the past year, or as little as $18 per month, are eligible to visit free of charge and can bring up to 5 guests each time. People can also qualify in other ways, such as through in-kind contributions, making a pledge, or “adopting” an animal. Be sure to contact the sanctuary at 303-536-0118 or information@wildanimalsanctuary.org