Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary continues to operate as a permanent residence for Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild;
• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary continues to serve Red Lodge and surrounding area residents along with tourists in the area with an opportunity to view wildlife that they may not be able to see in the wild;
• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary continues education programs for children and adults visiting the facility regarding the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem;
• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary’s animal residents will have enhanced safety and security of food supplies.
• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary grounds will be enhanced to provide our visitors and resident wildlife with improved safety, accessibility, and aesthetics.
• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary will become more visible in its efforts to support the maintaining the environment.

YWS’ strategies for realizing our goals are to follow our strategic plan that integrates all aspects of the Sanctuary into our fundamental priorities. Having a clear plan and prescribed use of resources ensures that the funds we go obtain will go toward humane care and habitats for our wildlife residents while allowing us to utilize their stories of survival as an educational message about wildlife, conservation, the GYE, and man’s need for environmental stewardship.

YWS is fortunate to have a diverse board of directors who are fully engaged as volunteers and donors to the programs of the Sanctuary. Their varied expertise enhances the board’s ability to address the complicated issues that come with animal care and education, not to mention stabilizing revenues.

The staff hired by the Sanctuary has a unique blend of education, experience, and compassion for the animals, the students, and the environment. Their comradery is a strength that facilitates cross-training and depth of capabilities even with a small staff. Their enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring.

The Red Lodge community is a phenomenal base for the Sanctuary. The community continues to support our efforts with donations and attendance. Red Lodge is considered the playground for Billings, Montana, a city of over 100,000.

We count being in existence for 40 years as a major accomplishment. The fact that we have grown in our ability to care for wildlife and coordination a strong education program about the ecosystem is a feather in our cap. Over the past two years, we have turned from being a casual volunteer based to a strategic organization with defined goals. Through this planning, fortifying of staff resources, and diversification of the board, we have realized significant growth. These steps have begun a forward path for our journey.

While this has been underway, we have initiated procedures and policies that increase our effectiveness and focus on the well-being of both animals and humans alike.

Within the next year, we intend to launch a major building campaign in conjunction with our 40th anniversary. This campaign will fund new bear and cat habitats that are greatly needed.