Did you know that today, August 13, is International Wolf Day? It is a worldwide celebration designed to honor and raise awareness about the ecological importance of wolves and their crucial place in our world. It is a sad reality that for far too long wolves have been overly vilified in stories and legends as menacing, prowling creatures or even monstrous beasts to be avoided or conquered. In short, their overplayed bad wrap has made them targets of obscured thinking by the general public, even resulting in them being overhunted to near extinction with significantly reduced numbers in their population.
Fortunately, we’ve seen significant strides in conserving and maintaining existing wolf species worldwide in recent decades. Those of us living in the Mid-Atlantic don’t have far to travel if we want to see the triumphant efforts of caring, committed individuals dedicated to the cause of saving these misunderstood yet majestic creatures. We need only venture to the one and only Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Based in Lititz in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA provides the ultimate educational touring experience led by a team of the most passionate, devoted, and knowledgeable individuals.
A Bit of Background
Established by Bill and Barbara Darlington in 1980, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA remains strong in its commitment to rescuing and caring for gray wolves and wolfdogs alike. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, still privately owned and operated by the family and located within a vast woodland comprising more than 80 acres in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Initially, the Darlington Family began their Wolf Sanctuary operation as a private rescue. Over time, however, they have evolved to become an all-out educational facility that even provides tours and hosts special fundraising events. While they remain committed to providing the highest quality care to the rescue wolves that make their permanent homes here, they are also dedicated to making the public aware of the importance of keeping wolves in our world. Visitors to the Sanctuary are also endowed with hands-on, working knowledge about the devotion, commitment, and engagement essentials that go into resident wolf enrichment and seeing to their regular daily needs.
The Current Wolf Pack
In nearly four and a half decades the Wolf Sanctuary of PA has welcomed in plenty of wolves and wolfdogs. The current lineup comprises more than 50 residents, each with a unique backstory worth exploring. You can read about each one at their wolf family link here. To learn about those gone but not forgotten residents who touched countless hearts, visit their family legacy tribute link.
How to Visit
Folks working at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA love leading visitors on immersive touring and educational experiences on location at the facility. But it’s worth mentioning that they are not open to the public as a daily walk-in operation. Anyone looking to visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA may only do so by signing up for one of several scheduled events or guided touring opportunities in advance.
Guided Public Tours are generally offered to sign up for on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. These often run between an hour and an hour and a half.
Visitors also have the option to book Private Tours on Saturdays and Sundays. These span a two-hour minimum.
On the Saturday closest to the full moon cycle each month, the Sanctuary is known to host special Full Moon Fundraisers. These run for two and a half hours.
In celebration of Wolf Awareness Day in October, another observation designed to show honor and appreciation for wolves, the Sanctuary will be presenting a special fundraiser. The event will take place on October 26 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on location.
Coming up on December 7, there will be a special Christmas Caroling with the Wolves holiday fundraiser to consider as well. This event will run from noon to 2 p.m.
To learn more about all these events or to make a reservation, click on the events link here.
Rules and Considerations About Visiting
There are certain rules you must adhere to when visiting the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Because all tours and events take place in an outdoor setting and walking trails comprise natural terrain like rocks, grass, and dirt, guests are advised to wear proper walking shoes when attending any touring event. You will be doing a lot of walking and will even ascend a moderately steep hill halfway through the tour.
Events are held rain, snow, or shine. Only the most extreme weather conditions result in cancellations.
Certain actions and items are prohibited from being on the premises. Pets, for instance, may not accompany visitors owing to obvious safety concerns. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Alcohol may not be brought onto the grounds at all. Running is not allowed, again for obvious safety-related reasons. Video recording is also prohibited. While photographs may be taken, lenses must not exceed five inches long. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks cannot be brought in.
Supporting the Ongoing Mission
When you visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, you’re actively supporting the ongoing mission started by the Darlington Family. Not only do all the proceeds from tours benefit wolf conservation efforts, but so do purchases made at their onsite gift shop. They also make great souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
There are several additional steps you may take to help this notable nonprofit in the ongoing quest to carry out the incredible work they do. You may choose to symbolically adopt one of their resident wolves of wolfdogs, for instance. Learn more about wolf adoptions here.
They also have symbolic cat adoptions via their more recent resident rescue cat additions. These diligent, hard workers not only lend a paw in pest control but also serve as lovable companions to all those who work and volunteer here regularly. Learn more about rescue cat adoptions here.
The Sanctuary is always in need of various donated items as well. Visit their online wish list to see what’s currently in demand.
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a truly remarkable hidden gem worth venturing out to. They are located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543. To learn more about them and the great work they do, visit the website at www.wolfsanctuarypa.org.