Because the tours are limited, book way in advance if you want to visit. We are down for several months so we were finally able to book. We visited on Wednesday, and overall it was a great experience. I've always had an affinity for wolves and considered them my "totem" animal. Anyway, my wife and I finally had our opportunity and John, our guide, was informative and kept this 2+ hour tour interesting. Most of the animals were wolf-dog hybrids and because they had recently done DNA testing, the amount of wolf DNA per animal was on display. The first thing they did was bring out a hybrid who was a house pet before coming to Shy Wolf. Don't remember his name (terrible with names), but he had very long hair and a very good disposition. Don't remember his wolf DNA, but I would say he was mostly dog as I don't recall wolves with a coat that long. I say long hair, because he took a liking to me and I was covered with hair. The compound is in Golden Gate Estates in essentially a residential area. There is a new larger facility in the works, that looks like it will be a great place when completed. The tour takes you past the enclosures where you meet the hybrids, the wolves, coyotes, a couple of "Singing Dogs". They all have their stories and a few are adoptable if you are so inclined. Unfortunately, most of these animal's stories are sad because of humans. Either owned by people who died or were unable to care for them, and then were handed off and mistreated along the way before coming here. Some have forgiven us for our sins and are sociable to certain extents and others, while not aggressive, don't want to be touched or are extremely shy and keep away. They are all respected here and are allowed to be who they are while being cared for. Before you leave you are taken into one of the enclosures where you meet a couple of "Ambassador" hybrids that you can pet and take pictures with. I think it's a great place for education and highly recommend it. Especially if you like Wolves, and Wolf-dogs. They are a worthy operation and if you can't get here, or even if you can, please consider a donation. read more

I took my family to see wolves for a couple of their birthdays. I signed up for us to go between 2-3 months. It was a wonderful experience seeing and hearing how they have rehabilitated the wolves and wolfdogs. You walk through the property and see the different animals, hear the stories about them, and learn about the enrichment they do with them. Hearing how each of them bonds with one of the volunteers or employees just shows how amazing the dog family is, no matter if they are Apex predators or domestic dogs. read more

My boyfriends favorite animal Is a wolf. I had been trying to take us here for a visit for a while but it's so popular, it's always booked up. Thankfully I found on opening on our anniversary weekend and booked it like 6 months in advance. The experience was so fun. The volunteers were all so nice and knowledgeable and you could tell they really liked being there. We got to pet two wolves, a tortoise and a prairie dog. But we got to see so many more animals. A bunch of wolves and wild dogs, as well as a cougar, a bobcat and more. It was such a good experience. They are in the process of building and moving to a larger facility and we plan to visit again once they make the move. read more

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Shy Wolf Sanctuary is definitely worth it. It's worth both your time and it's worth the ticket price. This non-profit sanctuary is very well run. We learned so much on our visit, but it's not only educational. We loved seeing all of the amazing animals. We saw so many animals from wolves, wolf dogs, New Guinea singing dog, a prairie dog, an adorable fennec fox, plus a variety of tortise! Our guide Judy was so knowledgeable. She's going on her 16th year with Shy Wolf, and you can tell she loves what she does and all of the animals. We learned how truly vital this sanctuary is because so many people find out that their idea of owning a wolf as a pet is a VERY bad idea. That's when Shy Wolf is there to pick of the pieces for these beautiful animals who are mistreated in domestic setting by people who are ill prepared to care for the animals properly. You'll spend about an hour and a half or two at the most. One highlight is howling to the wolves and then they howl back. :) There are some cute gifts you can buy after your visit including paw-painted wolf art. I highly recommend a visit. You won't be sorry. read more

This a wonderful and educational place. The main stars, the wolves, are active and shy. (Hence the SHY Wolf Sanctuary) The tour involves walking throughout the sanctuary and stopping in a few different cages or stalls to sit and interact with the wolves IF they would like. The wolves tend to run around in a skittish manner. Some work their way closer than others. There is a guide that talks you through the sanctuary as you walk around. There were also a few other animals to view. Make sure to bring some money to donate and don't be a stingy person. They are doing really great work and all the money goes to a great cause. read more

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This was my second time visiting, and it was still just as cool as I remember. If you're looking for a zoo, or amusement park-like atmosphere, this is not for you. It's a small business, located in a residential neighborhood, with volunteers making up the majority of the employees. After making reservations online, I arrived at 9 am for a two hour tour (a two hour tour). All the volunteers were busy cleaning the cages, raking the enclosures, and neatening everything up, and I felt like that care and attention were apparent throughout the visit. All of the animals are in cages. I think we only saw a couple of pure wolves; I know that most of the wolf-like animals we saw were wolf hybrids, or wolf dogs, bred with some portion of wolf in them. The sanctuary also has a bobcat, prairie dog, fox, raccoons, a puma, and coyotes. None of these animals could be successfully released back into the wild, so that's how they ended up here. We got to pet one through the cage, who seemed to love the attention, and we also got to go into the cage with the wolf dog Dancer and one other wolf hybrid. Dancer was so incredibly sweet and friendly - all she wanted to do was flop on my feet and roll over for belly rubs. We also went into another pen, which held a wolf-like dog, and an old coyote that seemed to like being petted in small amounts. There are no restrooms (just a porta-potty) or water fountains, so I recommend bringing a bottle of water, wearing bug spray, and having hand wipes handy. At the end of the tour, they provide an envelope for you to place a donation in - other than that, there is no charge. This is an incredibly interesting low-key form of entertainment, and I definitely recommend a visit. read more

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Best experience with Judy! The animals are treated with such love and care you can tell they are all a little spoiled. Worth the wait since you have to book months in advance, such a heartfelt experience read more

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center - This is Apollo so cute! - Animal Shelters Near Me

This was so interesting and informative. Alyson was very knowledgeable about all ty animals. What a delight to be able to pet the wolf dogs. This is worth the wait to get in! read more

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center - Dingo - Animal Shelters Near Me

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This was truly an enjoyable experience for all ages. Our tour guide, Debbie Loverde, was exceptional in explaining what was expected of our group. The sanctuary is well maintained and enlightening. We will return for a private tour. read more

Magical? Breathtaking? Awe inspiring? I can't quite find words. The volunteers - and there are so so many of them - are kind and patient and passionate about what they are doing. And just what are they doing? Not just rescuing wolves and other animals from abuse and neglect. They also do outreach with school groups, foster children, battered women, and military groups. They educate and thereby prevent continued decimation of some of the most remarkable creatures. My heartfelt thanks to the founders owners and volunteers!! These were moments and memories for which I could not be more grateful. read more

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Nothing short of spectacular. If you can get urself on the schedule, do it. It's basically a sanctuary of wolves and several 1/2 wolves and some big cats that you tour. Some of the cages you can actually go in and pet the wolves and some you just have to pass by. Some like dancer you simply cannot get enough of. The tour guide was so nice and very informative. Most of all this is a special place that takes on so many damaged but beautiful animals that scumbags have abused. It's truly one of a kind. Make the trip and leave a generous donation, it's just that cool. read more

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We had a wonderful time visiting all the animals at the sanctuary. This is a great locally run rescue and it's one we are happy to support. Absolutely recommend a visit. read more

Well worth the trip. Today was my second time visiting and I think it may be an annual tradition. It's based on appointment only and you may find yourself booking several months out. I had to wait almost 5 months to find an open slot. Deanna was my tour guide for the second time and she is extremely knowledgable beyond the scope of similar tours I have been on where people just memorize facts from the Internet. It's educational and interactive. Although some of the animals are classified 5s due to their temperament, there are a few closed in areas where you can love on the animals. Dancer is my favorite. The other thing is, they take there time and don't clock watch. The tour was supposed to end at 11 and we wrapped things up at approx 11:30 and it went super fast. Some of the animals got moved this go around (I did not see lemurs) but it wasn't deal breaker. If I lived closer to Naples, I would totally volunteer. The cost is free but donations are encouraged at the end of the guided tour. If you have a love for wolves and animals in general, I would highly recommend checking this place out. read more

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I adore this rescue! If I lived in Naples I would volunteer there as often as Nancy would allow. The first thing you notice is how much all of the volunteers are devoted to their rescues. Wolves, Wolf-dogs, cougars, rabbits, foxes, prairie dogs, and tortoises. Not to mention the resident dog and cat. They ask for a small donation if you join a group tour -- but if you can afford it, request a private tour (they ask $300 for your group). It is well worth it. A marvelous rescue -- the money is going to a worthy cause and you will have a tour at your pace with Nancy who is an amazing woman. We've been there 3 times (it's a 3 hour drive from Orlando). You MUST schedule your tour in advance as the rescue is currently at Nancy's home - but they are in the process of trying to move to a new location. We always stay in Cove Inn, Naples. A great hotel - but the restaurant outside of the restaurant is horrid - so don't eat there - the breakfast nook inside is small but good. read more

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Best interactive animal sanctuary & education center in the US bar none. Received kisses from a wolf dog inside his den. Pet & interact with dozens of different animal species. Husband & wife owners, Kent & Nancy Smith, live on premises and they couldn't be more dedicated as are the many volunteers that love and care for each resident. I hope that I come back as an animal in my second life so that I could live with them at their sanctuary. This place is NOT to be MISSED if you get to SW FL. Everyone I have taken is moved by the experience even if you don't like seeing caged animals. read more

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The Shy Wolf Sanctuary is not "closed". It is still an operational animal rescue. Please visit their website and give them a call for more information. If you come to FL, anywhere within a 3 hr drive from Naples, I HIGHLY recommend calling the sanctuary to find out more information on when you can visit. These are all wolvws, wolf dogs and other exotic type animals that have all been born and breed into captivity. At the sanctuary they rescue abused, neglected and abandoned animals. They nurse the animals back to health and the majority stay at the sanctuary to live out the rest of their lives in a loving peaceful home. The Shy Wolf Sanctuary is very dedicated to educating the public and especially the youth. read more

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This place is incredible. You can feel the love and care that the owner, workers and volunteers have for the wolves and other critters here. Nancy Smith the owner is incredibly sweet, passionate, and wise. It's beautiful to see what pure love she has. The wolves are gorgeous, there is a raccoon, prairie dogs, a panther who apparently is attracted to cheap perfume lol. A couple of tips: 1- arrive ON time! 2- if you can go when it's cooler, the wolves will be more active. It was insanely humid and I almost passed out (not kidding). 3- bring a giant bottle of water! (See #2) 4- no walk-ins accepted, must reserve spot online 5- admission is a donation that goes to support the animals. Don't be a cheap skate! 6- respect the staff. I was incredibly annoyed by one lady who kept interrupting the owner. Also you will be able the howl with the wolves! Cool place and you must go if visiting Naples/ Fort Myers area. Can't wait to go back. read more

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This place is absolutely amazing!! Patty was our tour guide and she was so much fun and was very knowledgeable! We learned so many new things and being able to interact with some of the wolves was icing on the cake! I highly recommend going and everyone working/volunteering there were so awesome! All positive attitudes and fun to be around! read more

Breath Taking, spectacular, tear jerking. Judy gave us a tour! You can really tell how much everyone cares about every single animal in their care. She was extraordinarily knowledgeable of every animal and you could truly see the connection she has with them. The dedication they show is behind words. If you are ever in the area they will give you an unforgettable experience. read more

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My opinion here's is probably really slanted due to my love of dogs and most things animal, as well as my professional history in the vet industry, but I find it difficult to believe that anyone would not find this place amazing. Back in May, I was thinking about what do for my Gf for her bday. The usual dinner, show, night out, gifts, is so familiar that you have to really find something life changing to make that kind of night memorable. We're big GOT fans as well... so During a creative moment (aka pooping at work) I thought "wouldn't it be cool to actually pet/play with dire wolves?!?!" A quick google search later, and I'm on the Shy wolf website. The pics are amazing, and barely do the place justice. I got to the reservation page and after clicking through from June until December.... I called and emailed. Every fucking day was booked. I figured the site (being a non profit) may still be under maintenance or something. Nope... they got back to me and were booked out till March. So I booked... and we did dinner and show or something on her birthday. This past week however, our reservation came up, and off we went. It's a hidden place, and Parking is tight, but this is also in a residential area. You get there and are part of a small group. You're read some ground rules, and begin your tour. The guide is insanely knowledgeable with the animals, and their histories. There's so much more to say here, but im pressed for time. We pets wolves, they're majestic AF. Also, they're dusty too. And you will receive the most amazing, and uncoerced, welcome and goodbye- they all start to howl. read more

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We had an amazing time here! We got lucky and were able to go in the same week that we booked our reservations which happened to be on our birthdays. It was meant to be! We loved the tour and our guide Paula was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I was amazed at how well the animals are being cared for here. You can tell the volunteers love what they do and it was very nice to see. I'm glad places like this exist :) read more

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center - Animal Shelters Near Me

Amazing place, informative and caring staff. Would recommend to anyone because this was the best birthday present ever. Just make sure you book now, the waitlist is very long. They are planning on moving to a new space once they have the funds. I wish them all the best and I can't wait to go back! read more

My boyfriend and I LOVED every minute of it! We came back for the second time on our yearly trip from chicago! Amazing animals and amazing knowledgeable guides! VERY Sweet woman who has started this sanctuary OVER 30 years ago! Some of our wolfy favs are Dancer**, Chatty, Amaya, Luna, Jasper, Loki, and many more! This is an interactive education center! You learn a ton about many of their different animals! Around 65 in total and even get to pet some REAL high percentage wolf dogs! (There are full rescued wolves as well) This place if definatly an animal person HEAVEN! Thank you SO much Shy Wolf! Until next year!!! read more

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Amazing place!!! They take great care of the wolves and wolf dogs. Great place to support read more

This is a MUST if you're in SW Florida. I visited in July 2014 and loved it. The employees (all of whom rely on donations) will tell stories about the animals they keep here which include wolves, wolf dogs, and other animals to include a Florida Panther and bobcat. This place is simply outstanding. Not only do their employees truly care about these animals and their well-being but they let you see these animals up close and personal and in the process, you'll leave having a great appreciation for what this sanctuary does. It's a great educational experience for all ages. You can actually pet selected wolves if you choose and when you sit in the fenced in areas visiting the wolves, you'll hear about the wolves personalities, their stories, and more. Admittedly I was slightly apprehensive about being in such close proximity with the wolves, but in a matter of minutes I was just fascinated with these animals that are beautiful, smart, and most importantly, in a much better place now, thanks to this sanctuary. I agree with other postings - skip the zoo and visit this sanctuary instead. And make sure to provide a small donation when you leave. It's the least we can do to help this sanctuary protect, feed, and care for these precious animals. Many of these animals were previously in abusive homes or were neglected. Case-in-point, the Florida Panther who was rescued by the Sanctuary was beaten by its owner with a metal rod on numerous occasions. Thanks to the Sanctuary, this animal is now in a much better home, one which recognizes that these animals are not household pets and simply cannot be compelled or beaten into being one. I don't think they allow you to just show-up so check out of their website or call a few days in advance. read more

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Absolutely had an amazing time here. The educational program is about 2.5 hours long and Evonne (I think that's how you spell it) was a wonderful guide. We saw wolves, panthers, coyotes, a lemur, foxes, a gopher tortoise, prairie dogs and a raccoon. The volunteers are all so dedicated to this place, it is so well maintained. The sanctuary does not breed animals and is responsible for protecting them all. You need to MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE before you visit the sanctuary- no excuses. Also, bring a nice donation (we did $40/person) because that's how they keep the animals well fed and in good health. Also, funding goes to maintaining enclosures. There is a porta-potty out front if you need to use the bathroom. read more

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center - Animal Shelters Near Me

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Absolutely amazing! Our guide Ashley was very knowledgeable and everyone genuinely cared for all the animals on property. We were so honored to be able to share in this experience. Thank you for all that you do for God's creatures. read more

This is a super cool place! I have been there two different times. Interacting with Wolves and getting to be so close to them (literally in their cage) is a truly unique experience. The only con is that they spend a lot of time at the start talking, which is slightly boring, but I understand that they are just informing you of various things. Def make a trip out there if you are in the area! read more

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Great experience! Brought my boyfriend over since he loves wolves and I knew he would enjoy the educational and interactive components-- the tour guides were friendly and very knowledgeable about the animals. Not just wolves, either! They house a bobcat, a lemur, two foxes, and prairie dogs, among others. Per the wolves and learned a ton about what it takes to take the animals in and how the sanctuary works. We had a great experience and are very tempted to even return to volunteer! This is such a great sanctuary and visitors can easily see that everyone working for them is passionate about their job. read more

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We loved our visit! Had found SWS last year when searching around and made reservations for our visit about a year in advance. The sanctuary is located on a personal property behind the house. Our tour started out with background information from our guide = Steven = who did an amazing job. We learned so much about wolves, wolf-dogs, foxes, coyotes, Florida panthers, bobcats and even prairie dogs and yes got to see all of those up close! The plan is to build a larger sanctuary on land north of Naples to provide homes for more animals. read more

tried to visit and reached out to them because the website was not working. Once we finally got a response it was very rude and disrespectful. We were just asking if it was possible to visit and their response was inconsiderate and in a manner that made it seem like they were yelling at us for asking to visit. Very poor customer service. read more

They take such good care of these animals that would otherwise have no place to live. Very clean. I learned a lot about wolves, wolf dogs, fox, and finally saw a Florida panther up close! Our guide, Paula did a great job, too! read more

I went to this place today (5/29/17) and this place was amazing. To be honest I didn't know what to expect because it's not advertised due to them being in a residential neighborhood. But it was very fun to learn about the wolves, raccoons, bobcats, wolf dogs, and all of their animals. My only request is I hope they have more areas where you can interact with the animals. read more

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Booked a tour last year because they get booked out FAST! A wolf sanctuary that started by accident that can helps the animals they can. Went on a tour with some family today, and it went beyond our expectations! We got to see raccoons, foxes, wolves and so much more! It was wonderful to hear about every animal at the sanctuary and how they manage everything with a lot of amazing volunteers. It was amazing to hear the wolves howling to talk to each other (it was before feeding when they got very talkative!) One of the best surprises was to meet two New Guinea Singing Dog, one of the rarest breeds in the world! They don't charge an entrance fee, but do take dontations instead that go right back into the grounds and taking care of the animals. We got to meet and pet some of the wolfdogs that were friendlier, and we're all still shocked that we got so close to such amazing and beautiful animals. Super fun if you're a fan of dogs, wolves or just animals in general. We're hoping to return next year, totally worth a visit! read more

I booked a reservation with shy wolf April of 2017 for my visit on March 9th 2018. They book up extremely fast and I wanted to do something special for my birthday, so I had it planned to go on my birthday. I live in Miami so I left around 6:30 am to make it for the 9 am guided tour. We ran about 15 mins late due to unforeseen traffic, but got there just in time shortly after wavers were signed. I must say the property was not as large as I expected and it is in a residential area. The tour consisted of around 10 people and the cages were very close to each other. Some point and some cages it was hard to hear the tour guide because it was like a narrow hall way and we would have to wait till the tour moved on so we could get a good look to see inside the cages and get a good look. The tour guide Ashley was awesome and informative. Answered any questions to the best of her knowledge and let us take our time if we particularly liked a certain animal that we wanted a bit extra interactions with. It did not feel rushed in anyway. I was sad to see what confined spaces these large exotic animals had. They are currently on only 2 acres of land. What made me extremely happy to hear is that they are in the process of moving somewhere with approximately 32 acres so they would have a lot more room to roam. We at one point got to "howl" with the wolves which was pretty cool. Once the group started all the other wolves chimed in. Only reason I deducted a star was because at the beginning it was hard to hear the information and see some of the animals because of the close confined hall way that separated us and couldn't see some of the animals until the group moved on. Also it made me sad that they are in small confined areas but I know that will be changing very soon. I love that it nonprofit organization and everything is ran by donations. Also they are so booked it took nearly a year to make a reservation. Hopefully when they expand they will be able to take on more people for tours and not have to wait a year. Before we left we purchased a shirt each and were happy with everything. They told us they are already am completely booked through 2019. It's a once in a life time experience, everyone should go and it's nice to see they are animals that were neglected and now are very much taken care of. read more

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Shy Wolf sanctuary is amazing! To start off, the grounds are beautiful and very well maintained. There are lots of volunteers helping and looking after the animals. The enclosures are big and well groomed. Nothing smelled. The animals looked cared for and content. We were educated by a very knowledgeable and sweet guide who took us around the grounds and told us about each animal. They did not only have wolves. The panther, Cimmiron, and Australian Singing dog, Melbourne, were probably two of my favorite during this visit. Not to mention how cool it was to pet wolves. Dancer was super sweet and her howling was quite impressive. My family and I are grateful you opened up your home to us during this visit. We would love to come again in the near future. read more

What an amazing and educational experience. You get up close and personal with wolves and wolf dogs. We had to make our reservation a year in advance because they only do 1 group of 12 people a day. My son who is obsessed with dogs was in his glory. read more

Love this place,beyond our expectations,great experience,very knowledgeable guides,very well maintained,A+

I totally enjoyed my visit to Shy Wolf. Our guide, Theresa, could not have been better. I can't wait to go again. What a wonderful experience. We've been trying to get tickets for quite a while. It was well worth the wait. read more

for something different than the normal zoo in naples... try a tour of the shy wolf sanctuary... nancy and her staff(volunteers mostly) take care of several wolves and other animals that are abandoned or mistreated.. read more