This place is truly amazing! An incredible setting and staff who offer deep care, respect and love for wild animals who cannot be released back into nature. The tour with Eden was my first experience of not feeling sorry for our deep animal kin who can no longer be wild. Here, they are well cared for and deeply met in their own unique presence. I met and learned about so many of our animal kin who share life on earth. A life changing experience!

We had the pleasure of taking a 1015 private tour. We learned so much about the animals of the Yellowstone ecosystem from our wonderful guide, Victoria. Our kids loved the up close view of all the animals. Since its a nonprofit sanctuary, not a zoo, don’t expect fancy enclosures. But one can tell everyone there at the sanctuary cares about the animals. We highly recommend the experience.

My first visit to YWS—then known as Beartooth Nature Center—was more than 10 years ago. It was disappointing and depressing. The grounds were overgrown and ill-tended. The animals—those few that were visible—seemed lethargic, and mostly occupied enclosures that were little more than cages. Leap forward to present day—and a transformation that was nothing short of thrilling. Grounds were well tended. Enclosures were mostly expansive. Animals were mostly visible, even on a sunny summer day. Don’t be discouraged by city infrastructure construction as you approach YWS. Once you’re on the grounds of the sanctuary, you’ll be rewarded by your visit.