Wildlife West Nature Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Wildlife West Nature Park stands out as a unique non-profit animal rescue sanctuary dedicated to caring for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. It offers a deeply educational and emotional experience, providing visitors with close encounters with diverse rescued species (including wolves, mountain lions, jaguars, elk, deer, foxes, owls, and eagles) and sharing the individual, touching stories of how each animal came to reside there. The park emphasizes animal welfare, with all entry fees directly supporting the creatures, making it more than just an attraction but a conservation effort.
Key Highlights
- ✓Operates as a rescue sanctuary for birds and animals unable to return to the wild.
- ✓Offers opportunities for close animal encounters, such as howling with wolves and getting very close to mountain lions in the Cat House.
- ✓Each exhibit includes interesting and touching stories about how the animals were rescued and came to live at the park.
- ✓Features a fully paved trail system, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs.
- ✓Showcases a diverse array of animals, including elk, deer, jaguars, foxes, owls, eagles, wolves, and mountain lions.
- ✓Staff are highly dedicated, clearly cherishing and prioritizing the well-being of the animals.
- ✓Has a 'Wild West' theme and hosts community events throughout the year.
- ✓Animals are often happy and excited to see visitors, some even have names.
Standout Features
- ⭐The park's mission as a non-profit animal rescue sanctuary.
- ⭐Fully paved trail system, enhancing accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.
- ⭐Personalized stories for each rescued animal, adding an emotional and educational layer to the visit.
- ⭐The 'Cat House' which allows visitors to go right up to mountain lions.
- ⭐Unique interactive opportunities such as howling with the wolves.
- ⭐Easy accessibility, located just off the highway.
- ⭐A 'Wild West' theme adds to the atmosphere.
- ⭐Hosts community events annually.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Plan to spend several hours at the park to fully appreciate all the animals and their stories, as it is easy to spend an extended period there.
- →Consider visiting on a beautiful fall day, as one reviewer found it particularly wonderful.
- →It is highly recommended as a worthwhile day trip, especially if traveling from Albuquerque.
- →Be mindful of specific animal behaviors; one reviewer noted to 'beware of bobcat it will try to pee on you'.
- →Pay attention to specific park instructions, such as 'no puffin' (the meaning of which is not clarified in reviews but suggests specific rules).
- →If you enjoy nature walks, ensure you allocate time for the 'nature trail walk' as one reviewer regretted missing it.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No specific negative concerns regarding the facility or operations were reported by parents in these reviews. One reviewer mentioned a specific animal behavior to 'beware of bobcat it will try to pee on you'.
Price & Value
The park is described as 'worth every dollar,' with reviewers emphasizing that all proceeds go directly to the animals, highlighting its non-profit commitment and the impactful use of visitor funds. No specific entry fees were mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Features a 'fully paved trail system, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs'.
- •The paved walkway was specifically enjoyed by reviewers, indicating ease of navigation.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding outside food, concessions, or specific food policies was mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Described as 'just off the highway and easy to get to,' suggesting convenient and accessible parking, although specific details on number of spots or cost are not provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No information regarding crowd levels, busy times, or quiet periods was mentioned in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •A specific warning was given regarding a bobcat's behavior: 'beware of bobcat it will try to pee on you'. No other general safety features (e.g., staff monitoring, first aid stations) were explicitly detailed.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific times or situations to avoid were mentioned in the provided reviews.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Individual Membership
$35.00/yrDuration: One year
Membership for one individual.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for one year
Family Membership
$50.00/yrDuration: One year
Family membership offering park admission and guest passes.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for one year
- •5 free guest passes
Family Membership
$100.00/yrDuration: One year
Family membership offering park admission and extended guest passes.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for one year
- •10 free guest passes
Family Membership with Gift Shop Discount
$200.00/yrDuration: One year
Family membership with gift shop discount.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for one year
- •10 free guest passes
- •5% discount at WLW’s gift shop for one year
Family Membership with Kiosk Recognition
$500.00/yrDuration: One year
Family membership with gift shop discount and recognition.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for one year
- •10 free guest passes
- •5% discount at WLW’s gift shop for one year
- •Name posted in WLW Recognition Kiosk
Individual Lifetime Membership
$1000.00Duration: Lifetime
Lifetime membership for one individual with premium benefits.
Includes:
- •Free park admission for life of member
- •10 free guest passes
- •10% discount at WLW’s gift shop for life
- •Name posted in WLW Recognition Kiosk and chosen animal habitat
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Mud Runs
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: fun runs involving mud.
Dirty Dashes
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: obstacle or themed dashes.
Corporate Team-Building
Available by arrangement
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: activities designed for corporate teams.
Falcon and Blacksmith Shows
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: shows featuring falcons and blacksmith demonstrations.
Theater Performances
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: live theatrical shows.
Music and Art Festivals
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: festivals combining music and art.
Jam Sessions
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: informal musical gatherings.
Hay Rides
Historically held, specific dates vary
Varies / Contact for info
Past event type: recreational rides on hay wagons.
📅Booking Policy
- • Guided tours available by appointment.
- • Staff will work with you to make your special event truly unique for park rentals.
🚗Parking Information
- • Large bus and RV friendly parking lots
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Laura Scott
5 months agoWhat a wonderful rescue sanctuary for birds and animals who can no longer return to the wild. Very lovely facility, they have a Wild West theme and hold some community events throughout the year. So many interesting stories of how the animals came to live here. They all have names and are happy to see you. We thoroughly enjoyed the paved walkway, we didn't get a chance to do the nature trail walk but will come back another time. We had a great time, it's just off the highway and easy to get to.
Paul Kvederis
a month agoWent to visit this wildlife park with my friend and had a very fun time here. Was able to howl with the wolfs and got to be pretty close to all the aninals. This is worth every dollar plus it all goes to the animals here and remember no puffin!!! Oh and beware of bobcat it will try to pee on you. 😅
Justin Syme
a month agoGreat experience. Will definitely go back. All the animals are rescued and many are excited to see visitors.
Jesse Adamczyk
7 months agoVisited the park on a beautiful fall day and it was wonderful! My wife and I spent several hours viewing all of the different animals. The Cat House is awesome because you can go right up to the mountain lions! Well worth the visit, highly recommend making the trip from Albuquerque.
luzanda penton
10 months agoVisiting Wildlife West Nature Park was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression. This non-profit animal rescue is a sanctuary where every creature is evidently cherished and well cared for. One of the standout features was the fully paved trail system, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs. Each exhibit not only showcased a diverse array of animals—from majestic elk and deer to elusive jaguars and foxes, as well as fascinating bird species like owls and eagles—but also shared the touching stories of how each animal came to reside at the sanctuary. It was heartwarming to see the dedication of the staff, who clearly love and prioritize the well-being of these animals. My visit was enriched by the opportunity to learn about each species and their unique backgrounds. Every corner of the park exuded a sense of care and respect for wildlife, making it clear that Wildlife West Nature Park is more than just a visit—it's an educational and emotional experience. I left wanting to spend more time among these remarkable creatures and look forward to returning. This place truly captured my heart.