This place is awsome. Jonathan and caregivers go above and beond just caring for the animals proper diet, habitat for each animal. They speak loudly for inhumane treatment of animals they truly are an insperation for the preservation of our presious wildlife.
Happily I have never needed the services of the ALDF for a personal animal issue. But I have watched them grow and become more and more effective in their goal of seeking justice for animals! They are a wonderful organization and I support them.
This sanctuary is so special, I am so happy to hear of their new improvements and they have such amazing management. I highly recommend you stop by!
I try to visit yearly. Love the way the exotic animals have a large natural environment to live out their lives. I try to donate as much as I can. Every time I visit I see new improvements. Caryn and Al
We visited this Sanctuary on my first ever holiday to America in September 2014 from Australia.
I was absolutely amazed with the lovingness the people of this Wildlife Sanctuary put in to their animals. If you are travelling past make sure you DO stop in and see the wonderful work this place is doing for ALL different types of species BIG and small . They even had Australian animals looking so healthy!
I would love to upload photo's but I do not have them on this computer BUT if you ever wish to have a look I would be more than happy to send them
Keepers of the Wild gave me an amazing and unique experience! I went during the tiger feeding tour and learned all about the different species tigers, their stories, and their personalities, as well as several of the other animals at the sanctuary. I stopped by during a cross country drive from Atlanta to Los Angeles in 2014, and am dying to revisit after all the expansions they have made. I've been keeping up with Keepers through their awesome monthly newsletter to see the wonderful things they do and am planning to take a trip just to see them.
Been visiting since the location was on Route 93. Since I had lived in Africa for several years, I can appreciate how important it is for an animal to enjoy a healthy life style. None of the many animals that lived in or near my residence were EVER asked to perform. It was more than enough to watch their natural antics.
Of the many animal facilities, zoos,etc. that I've visited, Keepers is far and away the best. Tina and Johnathan do an EXCELLENT job.
We saw KOTW in the BIlly Connolly Route 66 show he did that aired here in the UK and loved the look of it. I also wanted to meet Anthony the lion but he had sadly passed by the time we got there.
We have been 3 times and even re arrange our trips sometimes just to there as my husband knows I am such a big softie for the big cats expecially Sebastian and Kaos as I love white tigers.
We have done the feeding tour every time we visited and it only gets better. The animals are so well looked after and loved you can see how happy they are.
We are coming again in May and I cannot wait.
This is a place you can visit time and time again and never be bored.
I would recommend KOTW to everyone it's a fantastic place or as you Americans say " it's totally AWESOME!!!!!!" You need to go. It's worth the 11hour flight just to go.
I first found Keepers of the Wild while on vacation with my cousin many years ago. We had been to Vegas and decided to go back home to Lake Havasu City by way of the Hover Dam, as a change of pace.
I saw this sign for Keepers and we decided to check it out, being the animal lovers we both were. That was a lucky day for us.
The original Keepers was much smaller than it is now, and Jonathon gave us two gals a personal tour. It was such a heart warming experience.
I could not believe how he interacted with those big cats like I do with my two little house cats.
It was not one bit different.
You could see they all just adored him and, he them.
He told us way back then how he was looking for a larger area and how he wanted the animals in his care to be able to run loose and not be stuck in cages.
Several years later Keepers of the Wild became what it is now.
I go at least once a year and it just grows and grows more each time I visit.
I've told so many people I know about Keepers and in turn they have told others.
If you love animals, you need to do yourself a big favor and make a visit. You'll come back for more, I'm sure.
It's not a zoo. It's nothing like a zoo. It's TEN times better. Check it out and see for yourself!
You can see how happy all the animals at Keepers are, because they are all smiling all the time, running and playing in natural settings.
I always say, Jonathon is the animal God on earth. Because when an animal ends up in his care they are in heaven until they reach the real thing.
I so admire him and Tina for all they do for those dear creatures.
Jonathon and Tina are amazing people who are dedicating their lives to caring for animals that are rescued. Their facility should be a training place for habitats all over the world. Keepers is located about a half hour east of Kingman Arizona on old route 66. Someone once stated that the morality of people should be judged by the way they treat their animals. Jonathon started with cats. Let him explain to you how Bam Bam the grizzly bear was rescued from death row and only a few months later was placing his face in the snow and then gleefully shaking the excess snow off that totally cute face. Then there are the wolves rescued from a famous fire which was a very difficult chore. Every animal at keepers has a story. Kudos to Jonathon and Tina.
Every time I visit my parents in AZ, Keepers of the Wild is a MUST see! The animals are obviously well cared for and thriving. Plus it's an excellent opportunity to take a stroll in AZ's beautiful landscape!
I can't think of anywhere else I would volunteer my time! The people who work here are amazing!! This is a beautifully run sanctary, that is run with 100% love and respect for the animals. I am hoping to come back and volunteer soon!!
Previous Stories
The most dedicated people are working and volunteering at Keepers Of The Wild. The animals here could not be cared for in a better way. The stories behind these beautiful creatures are heartbreaking. The staff at Keepers Of The Wild have done an amazing job rehabilitating the animals to their fullest capacity. If you are in Arizona, this is a sanctuary you won't want to miss visiting. I love the animals, and the wonderful humans who care for them with so much hard work and love.
I live in Northwestern Arizona and carry brochures from Keepers of the Wild in my car. I hand them out to everyone along with an invitation to visit this amazing facility. Keepers of the Wild is a haven for exotic and some not so exotic animals nestled in the Mohave desert on a rocky hill along Route 66 in Valentine Az. There are 22 tigers, a grizzly bear, bobcats, wolves, mountain lions, lynx , raccoons, wallabies, coyotes, emu, ostrich, deer, goats, tortoises, birds (predatory and exotic) and an assortment of primates including an 80 pound olive baboon named Billy. The enclosures are well designed, always clean and tidy and the animals have space to roam and play. The climate varies according to the time of year. The paths are well maintained and there are tree shaded areas with seating to allow visitors to take a break and visit the animals. The new gift shop area also has a patio and lots of souvenirs. Keepers of the Wild has an excellent web site with several videos including a virtual tour. When my grandchildren and I are planning a trip to Keepers we check the website for updates, new animals and events. This facility is well worth a visit and I always suggest the motorized guided tour for first timers. The facility guides share stories of many of the animals and their mistreatment and lives prior to finding this final home.
Keepers of the Wild is amazing and I'm grateful for the work they do providing a second chance to animals harmed by humans!
I have lived about 35 miles from Keeps of the Wild for eight years and have been out to visit the sanctuary about once a year. Each time I visit, I have seen the continuous improvements to the animal's habitats as they have had the money to expand and improve them.
The founders and staff are very dedicated and the animals are extremely well-cared for.
It is outrageous that there are still people and organizations that have exotic animals for pets or entertainment. As usual, once they weary of them or the animal is no longer useful to them, they discard like trash.
It is wonderful that Keepers of the Wild hears about these animals and rescues as many as they can handle. These animals then get to live out the rest of their lives in peace and within the best habitat that can be provided to them.
Keepers of the Wild is worthy of your donation.
I love visiting Keepers of the Wild. They are always acquiring new animals and giving them the chance in life a lot of them never had. They are healthy, happy and it shows by their care. The caretakers here truly love their animals and keep them in as close a native habit as possible. You won't be disappointed here.
I really enjoyed the visit. It is nice that a person can choose how they participate. Take a tour or just stroll around. They also have a very nice gift shop and picnic table area. Beautiful scenery and a wide variety of animals.
Keep up the good work!
When you get there they take you on a guided tour, and then you can walk along the paths on your own. I hate guided tours, but these are actually well done. You get to learn about THAT animal, and his or her story. Anyone who thinks they want a wild animal for a pet, should go here and hear their (the animals) side of the story. Go there. Make it possible.
I go to Keepers if I am within a few hundred miles from it, and if I lived within a hundred miles I would volunteer all the time. All the animals where taken care of, and it is cool that they do not kill or breed there. I bought a shirt that said, "Keepers of the Wild: We love, we care, and we protect" Or something like that. I wore it out. Need to get back there and get another one, and see all their new animals and even better habitats.
Previous Stories
I read about Keepers of the Wild in The Smithsonian and so went on a tour of it with my wife over ten years ago. Since then we have volunteered there every couple of years. When you go for a tour you get to see a diverse collection of unwanted animals, ranging from lions to skunks, from a huge African Tortoise to a wolf pack; there are tigers, several monkeys, and even a cow, along with so many other animals. Each has a story: they were almost starved to death, they attacked their owner, they attacked multiple people, or a company just didn't want the tiger anymore. Hearing the stories can sometimes be sad; while others are quite funny or cheerful, like getting to hear of a rescue or event that led to that animal's very happy move to their new home.
Keepers of the Wild has a motto of: We love. We care. We protect. We are Keepers of the Wild. They never abuse the animals and offer a permanent place for them to live out their lives while giving one last performance--and that is to educate people about the dangers of owning such animals--and the dishonor of harming them.
It is worth checking out their website and planning a visit. My major complaint is that they are so far away. Other complaints I had I see have already been, or are being, fixed. Once upon a time the exotic bird habit was not as large, but they have since been working hard on that and they now have a bigger area. I suppose a place like this is a never ending project. Each time we get to go there we see so many new improvements as well as new animals, even though this place is a non-breading facility.
I had never heard of KOTW until my husband told me about it. On one of our trips to Arizona we took a trip to go see the many animals. It is heart breaking to find out what some of the beautiful animals have been through. It's wonderful to know that KOTW takes them in and gives them a wonderful place to stay for the rest of their lives. The facility is beautiful and the animals are very well taken care of. I plan on visiting again. I encourage anyone who has not visited to take the time to visit KOTW to see what wonderful work they are doing for all the animals.
When I found out I was going to be in Arizona last year I made sure to schedule a trip to Keepers of the Wild as I had heard about them on a documentary. What a wonderful place for the animals to live and the staff are the most enthusiastic I have ever seen. Much better than any city/state run zoo, and I felt much more confident that the animals had a better life than at a regular zoo. I will make sure that every time I'm in Arizona I will find the time to visit again, and getting their newsletter helps to keep me feeling involved. Wonderful place!
Driving home from a Las Vegas run we opted to take the scenic route and it led us by Keepers of the Wild, a place I'd never heard of despite having lived 40 years in Arizona. We had no idea what to expect but thought we'd give it a look-see. We ended up spending far longer than we anticipated and left amazed and impressed at the Keepers' mission, its facilities, and its people. My family and I were blown away when we heard what happens to wild animals, how they face a grim fate when no longer cute, and how this sanctum sanctorum in the middle of the desert was making a difference despite all odds. We returned home and told all of our friends and family about this amazing place. My family wants to become a sponsor of a few animals as we feel this isn't just a zoo, or an animal rescue shelter, but a place that has a message that truly should be heard by the general public.
WAY better than any zoo! I was so pleasantly surprised with my experience at Keepers of the Wild. All the animals appear really content and healthy. Not a single animal was pacing or demonstrating any neurotic behavior - the type of thing I typically see in even highly rated zoos. Every time I go to a zoo, I usually end up leaving both enriched yet really, really sad. Keepers of the Wild was such a delight. I took the feeding time tour and learned more about the animals than I ever have at a zoological park. Not to mention it was really fun to see that animals get fed. Will definitely go back.
I absolutely love the work the Keepers of the Wild do. Feeding time is a great time to learn more about their rescue work. Absolutely one of the best places I've ever been.
I was a volunteer years ago. Before I took my first tour of the facility, I was skeptical that this was a roadside attraction. When I asked my questions to find out the truth, I was rewarded with answers and a new awareness beyond my expectations. I heard story after story of rescues and adoptions unlike my wildest dreams. It is worth your time to hear and read these stories for yourself. I am an avid naturalist and believe animals should remain untouched and in their own native habitats. The truth is that some of these animals stories can also be our teachers to serve this purpose. These animals at Keepers of the Wild have shown me that there is a beautiful consciousness within them that connects us all in a harmonious energy. They have achieved this balance with the staff that cares for there lives and the visitors that take the time to visit and hear each animals journey. I can truly say that I witnessed pure love and dignity for the spirit if each animal there. Well done everyone for your strength during this journey of hope and transformation. It was such a pleasure having walked part of the road with you. May your efforts be blessed to flowing over as you continue your work with these magnificent creatures.
I love to visit Keepers of the Wild. Every time I have a pleasant experience. I love Cassie the tiger. The grounds always seem well kept, and the animals look healthy. The atmosphere is friendly and I just love to sit and watch the animals. Thanks Keepers for helping animals.
Being a volunteer @ Keepers of the Wild was one of the highlights of my life. Keepers is the only thing I miss about living in Vegas. These animals are so loved and respected. Jonathan and Tina are devoted to the care and well being of these incredible creatures. It's a comfort to know someone truly cares about these animals others saw fit to abuse and exploit. Getting to see and interact up close with a Tiger or Lion is a wonderful experience everyone should have. I miss all of them.
Amanda Forte
Keepers is by far my favorite sanctuary. I've done work with them in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Jonathon and Tina are doing a wonderful thing helping animals all over the world by giving them a permanent home. You guys are awesome.
I have visited Keepers of the Wild several times now. The first two times was with my sons class as a field trip. It is amazing how they have grown. It is a fantastic place to visit. Jonathan Kraft is a wonderful man and sincerely dedicated to these animals. I took the guided tour with Tina. It is clear they have a great respect for these animals. The tour was great and very informative.
They get a lot of visitors making their way down Route 66. We had a couple from Australia with our group. They were shocked at some of the laws in some states that allow exotic animals as pets.
I think the most eye opening info is that have a lion and several tigers that were "photo op" animals. Some states allow you to have your pics takes with cubs. When they get too big, they are usually destroyed. Keepers have been able to offer a home to some of these animals and for that I thank them!
I started working for KOTW in March 2001 when they were located in Las Vegas. It was my childhood dream come true, literally. I have never had so many fun memories in a lifetime put together than i do working for Jonathan and Tina. Watching these two move these animals from the Las Vegas facility, which was very small but they made it work, to White Hills Az was amazing. The animal had larger cages, more room to play, it was a good home. We would get to stay the night in a trailer at the end of the property and would wake up in the morning to the sounds of the lions talking. Like I said, memories for a lifetime! Then KOTW found an amazing final home for their animals., Valentine AZ. I have unfortunately only been able to make this long drive twice. I miss the sanctuary, I think about it everyday! My dream is to one day work there full time, course i'd have to hit the Loto first so i could move hahaha! This is why its called a dream. But if you remember in the first part of my story, KOTW made my childhood dreams come true so you never know what could happen!!! Thank you Jonathan and Tina, I am grateful to you more than you'll ever know!!!!!
My best friend and I, along with a couple of friends, flew to Laughlin for my birthday in April this year. We wanted to do something besides just sit in the casinos and lose money. I did some research on area attractions and found Keepers of the Wild. We drove the hour or so from Laughlin and arrived in the middle of a very hot day. It wasn't feeding time so we went ahead and paid the (VERY reasonable) fee to just take ourselves through. We walked around and saw all the beautiful animals and just had a marvelous time with the 4 of us. When we got back it was going to be the late feeding so we paid the (again ridiculously reasonable) fee for the guided tour. What an amazing experience. As animal lovers the opportunity to hear the stories of these animals and the man who started the place was awesome. We took 100s of pictures and I happened to have my phones video camera on when two of the cats got in a small scuffle. The gentleman on tour made us laugh as he told them to "calm themselves". That showed me what an amazing relationship the workers at the facility have with these animals. The place was clean and well kept, the animals all looked healthy and as happy as they can be. The variety of animals was also impressive. Although they have many tigers the monkeys, emus, birds, raccoons, wolves and other big cats made for an amazing birthday experience for me.
I drove 23 hours from College Station, Texas, with a group of 14 students from Texas A&M University to volunteer at Keepers of the Wild. We sacrificed our "spring break" as a service project. It was an amazing experience for all of us. The owners, staff and volunteers worked their hearts out for the benefit of the animals. The facilty, habitats, and cages were cleaned to insure good health for the residents. Feeding time, twice a day, worked like a well oiled machine. The animals are know by their names, dietary needs and personalities. Each animal has a story and if it wasn't for Jonathan Kraft, they wouldn't have the opportunity to live their lives in this most humane way. If you love animals and can help, this Nonprofit organization deserves your help. Donate time, materials, supplies or MONEY! I fell in love with a hybrid wolf, Moondance. I am his sponsor and you can have your choice of an animal to sponsor. Check out the web page and learn more about Keepers of the Wild.
Keepers of the Wild is an outstanding organization that is truly dedicated to helping animals in need, as they have demonstrated with their infinite animal rescues. I started volunteering at this wonderful exotic animal sanctuary when I was a teenager back in 2003. Currently I am a living my dream career working with exotic animals and marine mammals while promoting environmental conservation and education, and I owe credit to Keepers of the Wild for allowing me the great opportunity to learn from them and gain invaluable experience helping care for their numerous rescued animals. Keepers has an amazing volunteer program that will offer you extensive experience while you give back to the community. As any true non-profit, they rely on generous donations and I can assure that this is absolutely a legitimate organization worthy of support!
I have a friend who has direct connection with this wonderful organization. He did a video with the latest cub, Anthony. This organization helps animals out of the kindness and generosity of their hearts. In addition to hearing first hand from my friend, I have been following them on facebook and see all the work they do, selflessly for the good of these poor animals.
I can't say enough about Keepers and all the good they do. I have sponsored animals there over the years and I even flew over from CA so I could visit in person. If you can donate time, money or supplies please do because it all goes to the animals. I can't wait to visit again!!
Since 1997 I have volunteered with, worked with , and supported Keepers of the Wild. They are truly an inspiration. Not only do they provide a safe and loving forever home for exotics animals of all types but they provide the public with an educational adventure. I guarantee that your experience at Keepers of the Wild will be unforgetable.
If you are planning to visit a ZOO, this is not the place for you.
These animals are beautiful! Well cared for and loving life in their natural state.
A truly great experience will be had at Keepers of the Wild.
Tip if you visit: the guided safari tour is a must to learn about these amazing creatures and their wonderful caregivers!
I live in Kingman, AZ - approximately 30 miles from the Keepers of the Wild sanctuary. My husband and I visited this exotic animal sanctuary several times - taking out family members when they came to visit. I noticed how all the animals were well cared for and seemed happy. The enclosures were large and had shade/water for the animals. As a result of these observations, I began volunteering. All staff, including the director and co-director are always pleasant and helpful. They have always provided me with any documents I need for grant applications in a timely manner. This is a very worthy non-profit organization that struggles to do everything they can for these abandoned/neglected/abused animals on the small budget they have. All of their donations are from individuals and a few small grants from foundations.
Review from Guidestar
keepersofthewild 05/26/2011
Hi Kristy!! Thank you so much for the great review! We are working on getting our online store up and going. If you would like to purchase anything you saw in our gift shop you may give us a call at 928-769-1800 x21. and we would be glad to mail any gifts directly to you!! We are glad you enjoyed the park and hope to see you again in the future!
keepersofthewild 05/26/2011
Hi Kristy!! Thank you so much for the great review! We are working on getting our online store up and going. If you would like to purchase anything you saw in our gift shop you may give us a call at 928-769-1800 x21. and we would be glad to mail any gifts directly to you!! We are glad you enjoyed the park and hope to see you again in the future!