The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is celebrating their 40th year anniversary this month. The Wolf Sanctuary has spent the past 40 years dedicated to the conservation of wolves and debunking the misconceptions regarding wolves.
The Wolf Sanctuary was officially founded by Bill and Barbara Darlington in 1980 after the change in Pennsylvania law, stating you had to apply for a license and permit to own a wolf or a wolf-dog. The first wolves on the refuge, however, arrived in 1976, Yukon-Wolf and April-Wolfett. The Game Commission got in contact with the Darlingtons after confiscating numerous wolves and wolf-dogs, thus creating The Wolf Sanctuary.
In 1998, the Darlingtons’ daughter Dawn returned to Lititz to restore the 1760s ironmaster’s house, residing on the property. After the restoration was completed, Dawn Darlington felt drawn to the wolves and wanted to raise awareness of the sanctuary and the animals who lived on it. She decided to provide tours to educate others and became partners with the local visitors’ center and chamber of commerce to bring in the visitors. Many have since joined on the journey, as dedicated staff and volunteers, to help provide for the wolves and wolf-dogs.
The Wolf Sanctuary is located in Lititz, just under a half hour drive from the Elizabethtown College campus. It’s a great idea for a day trip, but remember that all tours and events require a reservation. There are four different types of tours you can go on, including the Guided Public Tours, the Full Moon Fundraiser, Private tours and Professional Photography sessions. If you plan on going for a tour, it is recommended that you wear good walking shoes and dress according to the weather. The tours are held rain, snow or shine, and extreme weather cancellations will be posted on their Facebook page. For more information on times, prices and guidelines, visit their website (https://wolfsanctuarypa.org).
If you are interested, the Speedwell Forge Bed & Breakfast is located on the same property. It has three beautiful and fully refurbished rooms, with a minimum two night stay. It does range on the more expensive side, but it is an unforgettable experience to fall asleep to the howling of wolves.
If you’re wondering about how you can help the cause, there are multiple ways you can support the Wolf Sanctuary. Just by visiting the Wolf Sanctuary, you are directly benefiting the wolves! All tour fees go towards providing for the wolves. Purchasing something from the gift shop also helps to provide for the animals. Other ways to donate are by symbolically adopting a wolf or shelter cat, or becoming a member to receive exclusive benefits. One of the best ways to donate, however, is by visiting their website and donating just $5 a month.
If you are interested in doing more, you could volunteer! Volunteers are typically needed on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and are especially appreciated on Special Event or Full Moon weekends. Volunteers must be trained for two days before being put on the schedule at an as-needed basis. If you wish to volunteer, you must visit a tour at least once before volunteering and be 18 or older. More information is provided on their website.
The Wolf Sanctuary website has a page where you can get to know the wolves and wolf-dogs before visiting! Each picture has a caption describing what they are like and how they came to the sanctuary. Visit the site to learn more about the wolves currently living on the property, and those who have passed away. Be sure to look out for Running Bear, Watonie, Achilles and Yellow Feather, who were rescued from Elizabethtown!
