Mission: Wolf - Westcliffe, Colorado

Stacey Frank

We had an amazing tour with Derrick. Very informative and fun. We then got to have a wolf talk with Mike and go interactive with a big beautiful wolf named Nashira 🙂 We had a blast and cant wait to go back.

Leah Parham

We have visited Mission Wolf multiple times, and we plan on many more visits. This past weekend, we had the honor of meeting some of the wolves! What a wonderful experience. The wolves are beautiful. And the team is always welcoming, knowledgeable, kind, and it is very clear that they make every effort to ensure the wolves are comfortable and well taken care of. Every time we visit, we learn something new. They truly meet their goal of "Education vs. Extinction." Thank you, Mission Wolf!!

Jenn Gray

I had a 3 hours drive in each direction and it was totally worth it! The crew in m:w are so knowledgeable and dedicated, and the wolves are amazing. My group was able to visit 3 enclosures, meet 5 wolves and wolf dogs and learn so much from Mike and Moira. We also toured the area, saw the green house and visited the gift shop. It is recommended that you consider donation, wolf sponsorship or just helping out around the property. They accept volunteers on a short and longer basis. My favorite part was meeting the wolves up and personal, and learning that “if you don’t like a wolf to lick your teeth- don’t go into the wolves enclosure”. The 13 mile dirt road leading to m:w is not too bad, but I wish I had a 4x4 instead of my little car (it might be worse in the winter). To summarize: an amazing experience!

Cami Smalley

What an experience! One that touched all of our hearts and what we learned here will permeate into every aspect of our lives. Thank you Kent, the staff and volunteers, past and present, for what you do here for the wolves and wolf dogs, and in return what those animals did for us today. We were “kissed’ by wolves! 🤩 Beyond that though, we learned about their behavior, their importance as guardians of the ecosystem, and that showing respect is reciprocated. 🤍
Thank you for you.

Clarisa

This place is horrible, you have the volunteers going there from other states to help with this place. They don't even have heat for them to lay down at night, they put them in a nasty dirty greenhouse. No indoor bathroom so you have to go outside in the cold to use it. No kitchen either with pots, pans or utensils so you have to spend from your own pocket. Get the people from Colorado to help you with the cause and we'll see how many people show up for this. Shame on all you people!! Good luck with your wolves!!!

Jfnd “Hi there” Fjfnrb

Wonderful place, This is just amazing place to go to the thing you learn when you volunteer I went for a summer trip but you don’t have to you can go anytime just go on the website for more info.

Greendragon 245

I wouldn't recommend volunteering here as a newcomer.

Volunteering at Mission:Wolf was a disheartening experience, especially for someone passionate about wolves and eager to contribute meaningfully.

I was right to feel wary of their website's messaging: foretelling what kind of experience I would have there and the experience I thought I would have.

Still, I gave the sanctuary a chance, hoping to find purpose and connection. What I encountered, however, was far from uplifting. Tasks were overwhelmingly unrelated to wolves—building structures, washing cars, and performing other farmhand-like chores. Living conditions were rough to the point of feeling dehumanizing: being asked not to shower for weeks, bringing your own food, cooking in freezing temperatures, and washing dishes outside with a hose in subzero weather.

The isolation and lack of basic comforts might have been bearable if there had been any meaningful connection to the wolves. I did my research. I knew what I was getting into. Instead, wolf interaction felt not just discouraged but nearly forbidden, leaving me bitter and questioning: Why am I here? Who am I doing this for? A volunteer even told me bluntly, “We don’t interact with the wolves much here.” Hearing that repeatedly from the start only served to demoralize me further.

Later, staff mentioned that if I wanted wolf interaction, I “could have just asked.” But that was not the impression I got during my time there. Instead, I felt as though wolf interaction was frowned upon, which only deepened my disillusionment. Volunteers sacrifice so much—time, energy, and comfort—only to be handed tasks that feel disconnected from the sanctuary’s mission. It left me questioning my purpose.

There was one brief moment of fulfillment: when I filled the pups’ water dish in their enclosure. That fleeting moment captured some of the magic I had hoped for—it made me feel proud, accomplished, and connected. But beyond that, it was hard to feel like I was part of the sanctuary’s purpose.

It felt as though they’ve taken the “wolf”—or should I say “woof”? :)—out of the phrase “wolf sanctuary.” For someone who arrived full of passion and a desire to belong to a community, it was incredibly disheartening.

I understand and respect Mission:Wolf’s mission to provide wolves with peace and privacy—it is not a petting zoo, nor should it be. But some level of interaction—whether direct interaction, observing, or assisting with their care—is essential. Such moments remind volunteers why they’re there and help sustain morale. Discouraging this connection entirely only drains enthusiasm and leaves volunteers feeling like outsiders.

After a week, I left feeling like a second-class citizen—disillusioned and heartbroken. A simple “thank you for your help” felt hollow, as it did nothing to resolve my feelings of being overlooked and unwelcome.

The website mentions being part of a community, but I never felt that connection. There really were no morale-boosting activities, no proactive communication, and no clear sense of how I could contribute meaningfully. Interactions with staff were distant and infrequent; they often seemed preoccupied, leaving volunteers to figure things out alone. This lack of guidance and engagement was particularly demoralizing. The sanctuary demands so much yet offers so little in return—be it wolf interaction, community building, or even a sense of belonging.

To any bright-eyed, passionate individuals considering volunteering: Don’t. Not until Mission:Wolf reevaluates how it treats new volunteers.

This is just my experience, but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone else. It seems they’re just looking for a farmhand or laborer.

SeventhSamurai72

A great mission with compassionate, salt-of-the-earth type people. Kent was extremely knowledgeable and impassioned about working with the wolves, and a truly gentle soul. A powerful experience in a beautiful Colorado setting, and an effort worth supporting. This is a memorable adventure absolutely worth embarking upon.