Volunteer Packet

To provide permanent, safe sanctuary to abused and abandoned captive-bred wolves and wolfdogs.

To educate the public on the wild wolf, the complexities of wolfdog ownership, and the excellent care and treatment of all animals domestic or wild.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is dedicated to providing permanent sanctuary to captive-bred wolves and wolf-dogs, promoting education to the public on the wild wolf, responsible wolf-dog ownership, and the excellent care of all animals.

In October of 2003, Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch went through reorganization and became Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

Candy Kitchen became incorporated in 1994 and recieved 501 C3 IRS status in 1995. Candy Kitchen is now recognized as one of the most experienced sanctuaries for wolves and wolf-dogs in the country. In July of 2000, Candy Kitchen was accepted as a member of The Associations of Sanctuaries, a highly regarded animal welfare accreditation organization.

Licensed as an exhibitor by the USDA since 1995, Wild Spirit currently houses 74 animals from across the United States. All of our rescues are kept in compatible pairs or groups of three in large enclosures with shelters and ponds in a natural environment. Abused animals are nursed back to physical and mental health. All animals are spayed or neutered and recieve annual innoculations. Wild Spirit currently cannot take any more animals due to lack of space. Funding comes through grants, private donations, membership drives, animal sponsorships, public appearances, lectures and various fund-raisers.

At the heart of Wild Spirit is a corps of dedicated men and women who devote their time in caring for our rescues and working on various projects at the Sanctuary.

Our sanctuary has been featured in and on, The Albuquerque Journal; The New Mexican; The Albuquerque Tribune; The LA Times; The Denver Post; The Chicago Tribune; Spirit Magazine; New Mexico Magazine; National PBS; Animal Planet Network's “Wild Rescues”; Fox TV, Outdoor Life Network; CNN; Finnish and German TV; CBS and ABC.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary believes that through our educational programs we can essentially spread the word that "Wild Animals Are Not Pets". A balanced presentation of predator-prey relationships and a holistic view of the wolf's place on the earth are important to this process. We take abassador wolves and wolf-dogs to schools and different public venues throughout the Southwest. Wild Spirit educates the public about wild wolves, and the dilemmas of captive-bred wolves and wolf-dogs sold for profit to the general public.

Jacque Evans, Founder

Leyton Cougar, Director

Captive-bred wolves and wolfdogs have become the fad pet of the decade. The wolf is a powerful symbol for wilderness and balance of nature. Now, this majestic being sadly resides in cages and on chains in backyards across America. Crossing the wolf with the domestic dog creates an animal that is neither truly wild nor truly domestic, thus creating an animal with very specific and special needs in care and containment.

Sold by unscrupulous breeders to uneducated owners, many of these magnificent animals find their way into homes of people who have neither the knowledge nor resources to give them what they need. Because of liability issues, animal shelters and agencies routinely euthanize suspected wolves or wolf dog crosses unless a suitable refuge can be found.

The independent, intelligent, playful, predatory wolf nature is not for the casual pet owner. Yet many well intended but misinformed people acquire them with the notion that they are just dogs. Then they discover they cannot control or contain these animals. This tends to lead to frustration, abuse and ultimately, abandonment.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary receives many phone calls and e-mails each week seeking refuge for unwanted animals. We have the experience and the land to house the 74 rescues we have, but not the financial resources needed to expand. Because of our current limited funding, we have to turn away hundreds of animals each year knowing full well what their fate might be.

Part of our mission is to educate the public on key issues: the uniqueness of the wild wolf, the environment, a balanced ecology, and the optimal care and treatment of all animals wild and domestic. Facilities like WSWS around the country are a living example of the “throwaway” mentality the general population has about animals. Wild Spirit has all animals that arrive here for rescue spayed or neutered. Injured animals are given veterinary care and close human observation and interaction before being placed in compatible pairs or groups of three in large enclosures with shelters and ponds in a natural environment depending on the animals' needs or disposition.

The name Wild Spirit was carefully selected to emphasize what sets the wolf apart from a domestic dog. These animals have a natural wild spirit, which cannot be tamed or trained. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary offers an alternative to euthanasia for the wolf-dog and the wolf, animals of grace, intelligence and mystery; a symbol of what is wild and free, yet forced to live in captivity in a world obsessed with possessing a part of it.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary needs adult volunteers to help care for our 72 rescued wolves and wolfdogs. The Ranch provides permanent sanctuary for captive-bred abandoned, abused and misplaced wolves and wolfdogs. With a few exceptions, all animals are kept in compatible pairs and groups in different size enclosures depending on the group’s needs. Most of the animals at WSWS can be visited in their enclosures, so there is plenty of opportunity for interaction and observation of wolf behavior.

We are located in the Zuni Mountains of west central New Mexico, nine miles from the Navajo reservation community of Pine Hill. It is a beautiful but remote location. Living conditions at WSWS are somewhat primitive, with small log structures for housing. These do not have electricity or plumbing. We have a well-equipped kitchen, outhouses and a shower facility for staff and volunteers.

The community of Pine Hill has a laundromat, modest food market, gas pumps, post office, medical and dental clinics. We are 63 miles southeast of the town of Gallup, and 60 miles southwest of the town of Grants. These two towns offer the standard conveniences of any large town. The city of Albuquerque is 140 miles northeast of Candy Kitchen and is the largest and closest real city.

WSWS has three types of volunteer programs. Weekend volunteers just come out for one or more weekends, must camp out, and be self-sufficient. Short-term volunteers stay for a week to 30 days, are required to camp out and be self-sufficient, although some food may be provided.

Long term volunteers stay at least 60-90 days or more. They may camp out, but WSWS will provide food. We will also provide primitive housing if available. Volunteers with special dietary needs must provide their own food.

There is plenty of room to park an RV if a volunteer has one. Water and dump are available on our property, but not as full hookups. The Ranch must limit generator use, due to noise and air quality concerns.

Short-term volunteers are needed for small special projects usually related to landscaping and fencing jobs. Long term volunteers will often learn to work with some of the easier-to-deal-with animals. Duties may include feeding and cleaning of animals’ enclosures, participation in walking programs, building human habitats, landscaping and sometimes light office work. They may also conduct tours of the sanctuary and work in the gift shop.

Both kinds of volunteers may be required to do manual labor, such as carrying food and water to pens, post-hole digging and fence building. Working hours vary, depending on current Ranch and volunteer needs. Part time hours may be available on a case-by-case basis.

The Ranch also has a small book and video library on wolves that volunteers can use for study purposes.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary's Website!
The Volunteer Application

Please fill out the application as soon as you can and mail it to us along with a copy of your driver's license or photo I.D. Thanks!