Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
4.5
About
Wolf Sanctuary of PA is dedicated to providing as near a natural life home to the wolves and wolf hybrids that live here. We hope to share educational information with our visitors and introduce you to the world of the wolf.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- drRBMVienna, Virginia80 contributionsIf you love Wolves this is a must place to visitWhat a FANTASTIC experience. The Wolf Sanctuary is a top notch sanctuary for wolves that have been in captivity and not fared well in their previous environment. The enclosures are large and the wolves are so well cared for through a ton of volunteers and donations or admission to the sanctuary. The animals receive regular vet check ups and get to live out their lives here. We were fortunate enough to stay at the B & B on the property and thus were able to partake not only in the public tour in the morning and the Full moon tour in the evening but were able to walk around the perimeter at our own pace and enjoy these magnificent creatures on our own. This is a must if you love wolves and appreciate the dedication of the owners and staffVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 2, 2023
- Dianne BVirginia4 contributionsHalloween Full Moon TourWe made our visit on full moon Saturday, October 28, 2023. It was a beautiful, warm evening for a stroll through the grounds of the sanctuary. There were numerous, knowledgeable volunteers stationed throughout to educate you about the animals living there. The animals were mainly scarce with the exception of a few howls heard at the beginning of the evening. A huge bon fire was aglow for anyone to roast hot dogs or make s'mores. I liked the fact that this was a fundraiser for the sanctuary as it is not customary to have evening tours. We enjoyed it immensely.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2023
- Dale BManassas, Virginia5 contributionsWonderfully heartwarming experience!My adult son and I visited the sanctuary and took a private tour. We both had an outstanding time. We saw and photographed nearly every wolf during our private tour. The sanctuary is very professionally run and managed which left us feeling like every rescued animal, wolf or wolf dog, was loved and well cared for. We will be back.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 22, 2023
- Glenn PSeaford, Delaware3 contributionsGreat time with the wolvesMy wife and I went on the full moon tour 25 Nov 23. We had a great time . Seeing those beautiful and majestic animals is awesome any time day or night. The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly . They will answer all your questions. Thank You for a great time and most of all ,Thank You for what you all do for these beautiful animals. Glenn and Lisa PVisited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 27, 2023
- Anita B2 contributionsA magnificent place to visit.Winter is definitely the time to go, as the sanctuary gives tours rain, snow or shine. Have been here once before in summer and you can see so much more with all the trees and bushes bare. Plus the wolves are more active and animated in winter. Several times during the almost 2 hour walk, there would be an outburst of howling wolves. It was truly magnificent. The place is just beautiful and the tour guides, mostly long time volunteers, are really knowledgeable. This is a not-miss place if you’re in the area.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 28, 2023
- Messina NGettysburg, Pennsylvania2 contributionsWonderful ExperienceWe saw wolves! In all their beauty. In all their playfulness. You could tell the tour guide really cares for the wolves and is very knowledgeable about their habits. It was a great way to spend an afternoon learning about and connecting to nature.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 31, 2023
- Wendy LHollidaysburg, Pennsylvania9 contributionsA wonderful tour and a howling!This is indeed an amazing place! If you love God’s creatures, you’ll be impressed and grateful for the staff that care so much for these beautiful animals. Our guide was a young woman who was so dedicated and knowledgeable; she told me that when a wolf finally allowed her to touch him, she felt it was “an honor”. Such are the volunteers who care for these rescued creatures! Just as our tour completed, the wolves set up a conversation of howls. So glad we got to hear that! If you go, say hello to Whiskey and Loci for me!!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- Melissa R3 contributionsGod's majestic creationThe Wolf Sanctuary was a beautiful, peaceful place. Our tour guide was an older gentleman who has worked with these wolves for many years and clearly has a love for them and a passion for what he does. He knows them by names and told us stories about them. I wish that we could have gotten a closer view of them. Only a few came up close to the gate. It would have been nice to see them fed. Bring binoculars for a better view and wear boots because it is very muddy.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- Angelika B1 contributionAnother great trip to Wolf SanctuarySuch an amazing experience. This is our 3rd trip and every time was a hit. We adopted our second wolf. Russ the tour guide was awesome, entertaining and so knowledgeable. Wolves were very active and engaged. Even the weather cooperated. We could have not asked for more.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 18, 2024
- DCRESIDENT486Washington DC, District of Columbia40 contributionsA Hidden GemWhat an informative visit. We were able to score one of the private tours and had Mandy as a guide for nearly 2 hours. She was amazing! With over 15 years of volunteer experience, she knew all the wolves by name and shared a wealth of details. The end of March was a perfect time to visit since the wolves were visible with no foliage, plus they were active in the cool temperatures. It was a leisurely walk around the beautiful grounds. You came away feeling positive about the care of these animals. If lucky, you will even hear one initiate a howl that dominoes to the others...so cool!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
984 reviews
Excellent
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128
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39
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21
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22
Jamie E
2 contributions
May 2021
My fiancé and I took a trip to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA as my belated Valentine's Day gift. My fiancé also got me a symbolic adoption of one of the wolves to go along with the trip. Our tour guide Russ was very knowledgeable and was great at answering any questions that anyone had on the tour. It was great to learn so much about wolf behavior and hear the stories about how the sanctuary came into possession of the wolves.
After the main tour had ended, my fiancé and I approached Russ and inquired about Shawnee, the wolf dog that I had the adoption for. Without hesitation, Russ took us over to the gift shop and we spoke to another worker (I did not get her name), but she was very nice and contacted another worker. Within minutes Russ took us to see Shawnee. Russ also told us about the other wolves they had along the way to meet Shawnee. Russ even went above and beyond to cover the extra $5 for the cost of my fiancé to see Shawnee. This was a very generous action on Russ' part. Apparently the main person on the adoption is covered and any extra guests are $5 each.
Even though it was a cold rainy day, Russ did not seem to want to hurry any part of the tour along and spoke to us with respect and was very down to earth.
The sanctuary does have a small gift shop as well and lastly what I found to be a stunning tribute was inside that gift shop. The names, photos and a small amount of fur of each deceased wolf are displayed in custom photo frames.
Overall this was a very good experience even though the weather did not cooperate too well, I would definitely go back for another visit.
After the main tour had ended, my fiancé and I approached Russ and inquired about Shawnee, the wolf dog that I had the adoption for. Without hesitation, Russ took us over to the gift shop and we spoke to another worker (I did not get her name), but she was very nice and contacted another worker. Within minutes Russ took us to see Shawnee. Russ also told us about the other wolves they had along the way to meet Shawnee. Russ even went above and beyond to cover the extra $5 for the cost of my fiancé to see Shawnee. This was a very generous action on Russ' part. Apparently the main person on the adoption is covered and any extra guests are $5 each.
Even though it was a cold rainy day, Russ did not seem to want to hurry any part of the tour along and spoke to us with respect and was very down to earth.
The sanctuary does have a small gift shop as well and lastly what I found to be a stunning tribute was inside that gift shop. The names, photos and a small amount of fur of each deceased wolf are displayed in custom photo frames.
Overall this was a very good experience even though the weather did not cooperate too well, I would definitely go back for another visit.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sylvia S
Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States148 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
I would recommend going towards winter when all the leaves are off the trees and the vegetation has died from frost because then you will see the wolves plus they are more active in cooler weather .if you go in summer like we did the wolves lay under all the bushes to stay cool and you don't get to see as many . But I can't complain because we still had a wonderful time , and ask for michele she is amazing . So informative, such a great sense of humor and all around great tour guide .she got the wolves to howl which was awesome to hear . Im going back in the winter to do the private tour because the regular tour only shows you some of the wolves but the private more expensive tour you get to walk around to all of the wolves . You can tell the people who volunteer here love what they do !!
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanyonUpdate
Philadelphia, PA7 contributions
Dec 2020
The best part of the tour was when the wolves all howled in unison after our fabulous tour guide, Melinda, prompted them! Do not miss a chance to visit this wolf sanctuary and help preserve these majestic creatures. It was absolutely a wonderful and informative experience. I recommend going in colder weather as the trees are bare so it is easier to see these beauties and they are more active when it is colder. Our tour guide, Melinda, was fantastic - full of good information and has truly developed a love and rapport with the wolves. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Would love to go again, especially for the full moon experience. Please go and help support this worthy organization!
Written December 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Philadelphia, United States12 contributions
May 2020
My wife and I had a private tour with Melinda yesterday. I had been to the sanctary before on a crowded day and loved it, but wanted a more personal experience. The tour consisted of walking the grounds and seeing all the packs (2 to 6 wolves per pack). Melinda gave us basic facts on wolves, the stories behind how the wolves got to the sanctuary, and she interacted with them as she talked to us. She even was able to ge them all to howl at once (yes all of them). The tour was exaclty what I knew it woould be: a great diversion with some science, history, love, compassion and education. We obviously could not pet the wolves, or interact with them, but we were there to learn about the sanctuary and the noble efforts these volunteers put forth. At no time did she purport to be an animal expert, zoologist, wolf biologist, etc. She simply told us the story of the wolves, their habits and interactions with each other, and how they arrived at the sanctuary.
I have read some of the negative reviews. If you want a presentation into the science of wolves, etc. seek out a zoologist or read a book. If you want to get out in the air and learn about people who dedicate their free time to caring for wolves previously destined for death or a life of misery, visit the sanctuary. It is worth the trip whether as part of a general admission or a private tour.
I have read some of the negative reviews. If you want a presentation into the science of wolves, etc. seek out a zoologist or read a book. If you want to get out in the air and learn about people who dedicate their free time to caring for wolves previously destined for death or a life of misery, visit the sanctuary. It is worth the trip whether as part of a general admission or a private tour.
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JE B
8 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Good people and cause. We knew a bit about wolves so since the tour was heavy on guide monologuing it was less interesting to us. Walking was light & we stopped by 4 enclosures overall. Since it’s winter we did see 8-10 wolves/wolf-dogs (wolf / domestic dog breeding) but summer foliage could certainly reduce that probability. This is a sanctuary or rescue , not a zoo or a natural environment. As such you won’t see wolves in large packs. Many of the animals are rescued from homes/private owners. They separate them mostly in pairs to reduce conflict and they do not allow breeding. If you are interested in wildlife or preservation you’ll connect with the mission and staff as they are respectful and passionate. The property and general area around Speedwell is worth a 1/2 day trip for sure.
Written January 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emailgfx@gmail.com
Baltimore, MD49 contributions
Jan 2020
The Tuesday & Thursday tours are guided while Saturday is a self-tour. Strongly recommend the guided tour as the guide has many stories to tell about backgrounds and behaviors of specific wolves and groups of wolves. Also recommend winter tour as the grass and weeds have died down and most of the some 50 wolves are visible at some point in the tour. During summer weeds grow up in the enclosures causing some obscured views.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine M
11 contributions
Oct 2020
This was a wonderful tour! Very informational. I learned a lot of information about wolves that I didn't previously know. Some things to consider before taking the tour: The trail is covered in gravel and has some hills that would make it difficult to navigate if you have trouble walking. Definitely would not recommend this tour to someone who uses a wheelchair or walker. The day I went my group was the first tour group out and the other tour group caught up to us which made it difficult to hear my tour guide because I could hear two tour guides talking at the same time. But other than that it was a wonderful experience.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting and support of the wolves and wolf dogs that live here. We can't thank you enough for sharing your experience and appreciation for the tour. We are sorry to hear the tour guides were talking over each other and we will certainly mention this in the next meeting of guides and staff so that they can keep this in mind when doing the tours. This information is truly helpful. Thank you again for all your support. We can't do this without help from generous caring folks like you. Please come visit again. Stay well and informed. Blessings, Dawn
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ariel6010
Amberg, Germany13 contributions
Apr 2021
I too felt it to be an uncomfortable visit... but because the place is not well maintained and falling apart. Although the volunteer was a bit knowledgable about the names of the wolves, she was unprofessional telling stories that were probably intended to be confidential and not meant to be repeated. If the grounds and animals had been in better condition and the building housing the gift shop ready for public view... then I would reconsider my review... but this was not the case. Sadly, my $95 for the tour was going to do little good for the operation much less the animals.
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable during your visit. Please allow us to clarify a few of your concerns. We strive to ensure that our wolves receive the highest quality care and enrichment. Here at the sanctuary, the wolves always come first. Our residents receive regular veterinary check-ups and any health concerns are immediately addressed and treated. We have caretakers on the property 7 days per week keeping an eye on everyone to notice if there are any health or behavioral changes. This time of year, the wolves are shedding out their winter coats, so large tufts of fur might be seen along their sides or back or on the ground. We brush any animals who are comfortable with being touched, and if any matted fur or shedding issues arise on any of the animals that we are unable to touch, we are sure to brush them out during their veterinary exam. The wolves also receive regular vaccines, heartworm and tick preventatives, and we strive to prevent any pests using natural fly deterrents such as citronella spray and fly bags. We also ensure that all of our residents have at least one companion to live with and if any of them are alone, we work hard to find a suitable companion for them. Their enclosures are spacious ranging from 1-3 acres in size and the majority of our fencing is high quality steel welded fencing and any older fencing is replaced whenever needed. All of the enclosures are natural woodland habitat. The grounds are mowed and landscaped regularly and the terrain is nearly entirely natural aside from stone gravel areas where cars are parked. All tour funds as well as proceeds from our gift shop go directly towards helping the wolves. Our gift shop is currently open to visitors two at a time due to covid19 restrictions. I do apologize if this was not made clear during your visit. If you have specific questions or concerns about any of the animals in our care or about the grounds or about anything you heard from your guide during your visit we would appreciate your feedback and we encourage you to send us an email at wolfsanctuary@gmail.com.
Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia P
Tobyhanna7 contributions
Jan 2020
We have been to the wolf sanctuary a couple of times and thoroughly enjoy it. It's very educational, especially for teenagers. We've come to realize that each guide may tell the story differently, but always informative. Once they got one wolf howling, they all joined in. You can not beat the price for 1-2 hours of educational fun.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
4 contributions
Jun 2021
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is an absolute gem! We visited for a Saturday morning tour on a very warm and sticky day in June. I was so pleased to see that the heat didn't prevent the wolves from coming out of their dens. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. All around a fantastic experience. I already have several family members who saw my post on FB and want to go there should they come visit. I will definitely be back to see the majestic wolves!
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Best time of the year to go see the wolves?
Written January 21, 2023
Zhanae H
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Do you get to pet the wolves are interact with them in any way?
Written April 14, 2022
No, you view them from behind a fence, but some of them are very close to where you are able to stand. They range in wildness, so no petting allowed. Some are feral wolves, some are hybrid dog-wolves.
Written April 14, 2022
Yes, it would be a great experience. The guides are great with kids.
Written February 22, 2020
Thanks for your review of the wolf sanctuary. I have never been, but my son loves wolves. I am a slow walker. How much walking is involved and are folks able to walk at a slow pace, or is it more fast paced?
Is one time of year better than another?
Is a particular time of day better than another?
Thanks so much.
Tiffani
Written April 12, 2019
There is not too much walking but it is hilly.. I was not able to do the "night tour" due to heavy rain so I dont know how much walking there is on the tour.
Written July 19, 2019
Hello,
Does anyone know of any day yours from Washington DC to the sanctuary? I’m nervous driving up there by myself.
Written February 27, 2019
I would doubt any kind of public transportation. I would contact the sanctuary as suggested above. Also contact tour companies in the DC area and suggest that they try running one. There are several interesting places to visit in the area. I went to the turkey hill experience the same day i went to the sanctuary one time. Another time I went to the Harley Davidson factory in York, the sturges pretzel factory in lit its, the Wilbur bud factory (now gone but I think they still have a store), in lititz, and the wolf sanctuary. The sanctuary has full moon evening openings once a month.
Written February 27, 2019
Hello,
Does anyone know of any day yours from Washington DC to the sanctuary? I’m nervous driving up there by myself.
Written February 27, 2019
As a local resident I can attest that both of the previous respondents are accurate in their assessment. Weekends only unless you call to arrange an alternate time and I agree it is not a bus-friendly location roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours north of DC.
Written March 28, 2019
Cuál es el costo de entrada y horario?
Written February 12, 2019
Sorry I didn’t see this until now and I only speak English.
Written March 3, 2019
How can I find out the available dates for the B&B?
Written September 6, 2018
You would have to call or check their website.
Written December 29, 2018
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