GUFFEY, Colo. — A popular wolf sanctuary and rehabilitation facility in Park County will close its doors in early January.
The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation posted on its Facebook page Monday that the owners and operators, Mark and Catherine Johnson, were "feeling their age," which made caring for the wolves and wolf dogs more difficult for them. They said they made the announcement with "very mixed emotions."
The sanctuary's last day is January 5.
"It’s been rough because, like I said, I’ve been doing this for 23 years. They are my kids," siad Mark Johnson.
All of the animals will be transferred to a nonprofit called Mattersville in Sedalia to assist with their programs. Mattersville works to provide a home for dogs when their military owners are deployed.
The wolves will continue to interact with people in the same way in this new location.
Mattersville will offer tours, so you can still visit the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation canines, the foundation said.
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation will post more information on its Facebook page as they work to move the animals.
"We thank all of you who have visited or volunteered over the 23 years Mark has been working with wolves and have been so supportive of all the work he has done. You are in our hearts forever," the foundation wrote on Facebook.
If you're interested in volunteering with the transition and beyond, email info@mattersvillevets.org.