I took my daughter here for her birthday last month. Colette and Mary answered my request promptly and ensured I had all the information I needed for my visit. Upon arrival we were greeted with howls from the pack and Colette and Mary standing by. We were invited in to a cozy cottage where we watched a brief documentary and were given a thorough presentation on rules and etiquette when introduced to the pack. We entered the first part of the encounter and were able to meet Takoda, Chenoa, Keme, and Ogen. I was nervous but quickly saw there was no need to be. These wolves were very sweet and in no way at any point during the entire encounter show any act of aggression whatsoever. It is obvious they are not "trained" for public display, rather they have this mutual respect relationship with their human family and trust them to be in close proximity with other humans and feel it is safe for the pack. I will say the wolves are spoiled by their humans and have the ability to be indoors and outdoors as they please and even have a special climate controlled room for themselves to acclimate to weather conditions much like that of being in the wild. They have their own pond and lots of land to run and play. After meeting the rest of the pack including Freedom, Cochise, Tehya, Kachina, and Wahkhan, I absolutely fell in love with them and the idea of #educatenoteradicate. It was cold and windy during our visit and Colette and Mary offered me their own jackets repeatedly to make sure I was comfortable and enjoyed my visit. We watched another video after and were given a brief tour of the barn. I can honestly say that I know 100% of my donation went to a great cause. Shadowland is not a tourist attraction or petting zoo. They run a full-fledged educational experience and you can see clearly it is not about making money. These wolves are VERY well cared for both physically and emotionally. I have a whole new appreciate for wolves and want to help share the knowledge I gained from Shadowland so others will join in educating others on the absolute necessity of these amazing creatures on our Earth when so many are trying to eradicate them unjustly and unfairly. If you visit I promise you will not be disappointed!
Review from Guidestar
We visited the Foundation for the first time with a group known as Animal Scouts. The thrills began when we approached the Freedom Ranch and honked, as directed. We were greeted with wolf howls, which spread a grin on my son's face from ear to ear.
We enjoyed an educational presentation about the history of wolves and current challenges related to recent legislation regarding states' rights re: the endangered species act. My son was very moved and inspired, and donated $20 of his own money and signed the pledge to share what he knows about wolves with anyone who will listen.
Meeting the wolves was a special event for all in our group. The roles we learned about in the presentation, from alpha to omega were clear. The wolves were well mannered and interacted appropriately with the visitors. It was an experience we will always remember, and we are happy organizations such as Shadowland exist to fight for preservation and promotion of these marvelous creatures.
Review from Guidestar
I came out to Shadowland one day in early 2012 to buy some firewood, and have been fan, friend, and donor to the foundation ever since. The experience with the wolves is amazing. Paul, Colleen, and Jennifer are extremely inviting and generous with their time, always accepting requests to come and visit with their terrific animals. Its one thing to see these magnificent creatures from the other side of a fence while the owners and volunteers talk about them. Its a whole different experience to be inside the enclosure with the wolves, with you getting to know each of them, and them getting to know you. Watching one large female wolf nuzzling my grand-daughter baby with its maternal, nurturing instinct, was a sight I'll never forget. I had long been a supporter of the reintroduction of wolves back into Yellowstone National Park, but Paul and Colleen have done a superb job of educating me, and the friends and families I've brought to Shadowland, on the critical role wolves play in Nature's ecosystem. They truly do care about the well-being of these unique animals, and sincerely want to share their knowledge and their passion with all who care to learn. It is a great experience to bring friends to the Lake Hughes location. Its free, it's educational, and the knowledge (and photos) you bring back are priceless.
Review from Guidestar
My last visit to the Shadowland Foundation was great! Jennifer and Colette not only made it an unforgettable experience but also made it very educational. I learned all about the wolves, what they do at the foundation and how they help them. I recommend anyone in the area to make some time to stop by and visit.
Review from Guidestar
My first visit to Shadowland Foundation was wonderful. I was given a brief on wolf protocol and then introduced to the pack. It was an experience that I will never forget. These wonderful creatures are very loving and friendly. I have recommended a visit to Shadowland to friends and family and I have only heard good things about the foundation. They have a visitor center there where you are greeted warmly and then you watch a short film about the wolves and what it means to keep these beautiful creatures protected. I highly endorse this nonprofit organization.
Review from Guidestar
Shadowland Foundation is a wonderful part of our local community. I am proud to have it so close to home! The children in my family have directly benefited from the programs offered by Shadowland Foundation and I have seen our community grow closer as they rally behind this great organization.
Review from Guidestar
Wolves are the most amazing and majestic of animals. They are so misunderstood and their survival is in jeopardy. I can think of nothing more important than educating people in an effort to understand and preserve the marvelous animals.
Review from Guidestar
I had never heard of Shadowland before I visited back in October of 2012. Some friends wanted to know if I wanted to see some wolves. Not knowing what to expect, I though I was going to be looking at a few wolves in cages, but when I arrived I was greeted by Paul and Colette and told I was actually going to have a chance to sit with and pet the wolves. After being checked out by the Alpha female and male, I was accepted into their pack. I went in to their area along with the other 10 people, some with very young children. I could not believe how the wolves took to all of us, especially the young children. I sat on a bench and each wolf at some time came up to greet me and allow me to pet them. After a while, they all lined up on a bench for us to give them treats and take pictures with. Both Paul and Colette explained to us what the Shadowland Foundation was about, and why it is their passion to share these beautiful animals with everyone. It was an amazing day, meeting animals that I really never knew much about before I visited them. They all were so well trained and behaved, and the love they had for the young children was truly amazing. I have told many people since that visit to go and see the wolves. If you love animals, this is something you just have to do!!!
Clark Carney Palmdale, CA
Review from Guidestar
My daughter loves wolves so when we discovered Shadowland Foundation we jumped at the chance to go see the wolves and to learn more about their plight in the wild. Collette and her husband are amazing people and very friendly and very knowlegeable. We went for a HOOOOWWWWWLoween event they had and all of the volunteers were amazing the wolves were amazing and it will be an experience my daughter and the rest of us will never forget!
Review from Guidestar