MEET THE RESIDENTS

                    

"Food donations for the animals are always welcome and much appreciated. But we do kindly request that visitors PLEASE DO NOT feed the animals at Wolf Run. Many of them are on special or restricted diets, and we need to be aware of and monitor everything they consume. So for their welfare, please refrain from feeding anything to the animals. Thank You" PLEASE READ OUR RULES BELOW BEFORE VISITING, THANK YOU.

PLEASE READ OUR SIMPLE RULES AND POLICIES BELOW BEFORE VISITING. THANK YOU.

SINGA: African lioness, Female, 8 years old. Singa, an eight year old African lioness, was being used as a “picture cat” in a road side zoo. Posing with a baby lion in  your lap is a lucrative business until the cat begins to grow and becomes dangerous. She reached a size that made her un-handlable as well as unwanted. Unable to sell Singa, they kept her in an outdoor pen where she was covered in ticks and malnourished. Because of a lack of nutrition, one of Singa’s legs didn’t develop properly and she has a permanent limp.  Despite her disability, Singa loves to play, nap in the sun and is very happy with her companion, Serandi.

SERANDI: African lion, Male, 5 years old.  Serandi is a 5 year old African lion. After the loss of two of Wolf Run’s beloved lions, Singa, our lioness needed a new friend.  His breeders were preparing him for a life as a cat in the movies but when their son was suddenly killed they decided that they could no longer dedicate themselves to the rigorous schedule that his training would require. Serandi, named for his predecessors, Dandi-lion and Serengeti, was donated to Wolf Run. He likes to play with his toys and is constantly planning new surprise attacks on Singa! Serandi loves attention and talks to everyone through the cage in his deep lion voice!  Serandi is a male and does not have a mane because he was neutered as a young adult. 

 

 

 

KENYA: South American Cougar. Kenya, a South American mountain lion, was raised in a garage in Indiana. She was spayed, de-clawed, and had all four of her canines removed in an attempt to force her into being a domestic animal. Her previous owner raised her on canned cat food, leaving her blind in one eye from malnutrition. Kenya's previous owner brought her to Wolf Run, claiming she was depressed and needed a new place to live.  At five years old (full grown), Kenya was only 27 pounds. Today, she’s a healthy 70 pounds.  SQUEEKERS: North American Cougar, Male, 8 years old. Squeekers was being kept in a road side petting zoo in Florida. He was kept in a cage with several tigers, where he was picked on and mistreated. After expressing his concerns to the owner of the petting zoo and being ignored, a young man decided it was a good idea to steal him. Squeekers rode around for weeks in this guy’s SUV until the man discovered Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge, and relinquished Squeekers to us. He has been living happily with his friend, Gizzy, ever since! Squeekers is very playful! He loves to play with the scrubby brush that we use to clean his water bucket and to play and spend time with Gizzy! He also loves to have his neck scratched and drink the volunteers’ bottled water! Indigenous to Kentucky.

 

 

 

CLOUD: Wolf hybrid, Male. Cloud is from a litter of four wolf-hybrids (Lotus, Chief, and Half), born right before a man dropped off the pups and their mother, Natasha at the front gate.  Their mother died from a bowel obstruction, after ingesting a foreign object prior to coming to Wolf Run.  She left behind four pups that have come to spend the rest of their lives with their adoptive parents at Wolf Run! Cloud is currently suffering from an unknown medical problem, leaving him completely off balance. His drunken gait has baffled local vets so we are seeking help from a specialist. Although Cloud’s symptoms are severe, they are stabilized and his condition has not worsened. He is still very happy and loving and pain free.

GIZZY: South American Cougar, Female, 11 years old. Gizzy was raised as a pet. She was surrendered to Wolf Run after her owner’s wife discovered she was pregnant. The owner’s thought it would be best for Gizzy to be where she could be loved properly and best for the baby to be out of reach of a jealous mountain lion. Gizzy resides with Squeekers, who she has to constantly keep in line. She loves a good chin scratch and to take naps in her igloo house! Nothing makes her happier than raw chicken, though!

 

 

STEVIE, Wolf, Male. Stevie was found tied to a tree after his owners moved off and left him. Near death, he was taken in by someone that also could not care for him, and he found his way to Wolf Run just in the nick of time . Nearly dead, this boy is a true survivor. Special thanks to Chad, Ron, and Dr. Kirk Snyder. All instrumental in saving this babies life. Stevie is one of our newest residents, and we are thankful every day that he is with us. Now that he is healthy and has put weight back on, he is able to enjoy his days with his new friends, and thanks to Wolf Run, Stevie will never again have to worry about being tied up or going hungry, and he now receives all the love and attention he deserves.

CHIEF, Wolf, Male. Chief is from a litter of four (Lotus, Cloud and Half), born right before a man dropped off the pups and their mother, Natasha at the front gate.  Their mother died from a bowel obstruction, after ingesting a foreign object prior to coming to Wolf Run.  She left behind four pups that have come to spend the rest of their lives with their adoptive parents at Wolf Run!

 

 

JAX, Wolf, Male. Jax and his young pup Jade, were being held in a KY shelter, scheduled to be euthanized. But thanks to Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge, he and Jade are now safe with us. Why they arrived, Jax would just slink to the floor and roll over. He is submissive and kind, He is very shy yet reaches out to us for comfort, love and help, all of which he now receives with us. Now Jax can also spend the rest of his life in happiness, and with his daughter, Jade, here at Wolf Run.

JADE, Wolf pup, Female. Just look at this gorgeous baby girl! She's the spitting image of her father, Jax! She is very afraid and the help from Wolf Run came just in time for her and her father, Jax. Thanks to Wolf Run, Jade will get to spend the rest of her days at Wolf Run, alongside her father Jax.

 

 

 

RAZZ: Wolf hybrid, Male. Razz was born March 21st, 2008 . He was bought at an exotic animal auction in Ohio and brought illegally to Kentucky. When his previous owner’s mother discovered Raz, she immediately surrendered him to Wolf Run, realizing the trouble she may face if she kept him.

NIBBLES, McKenzie Valley Wolf Dog. Nibbles is a high percentage McKenzie Valley wolf dog. His owner passed away suddenly. At 125 lbs. and only 7 months old, this big puppy's life changed drastically. Nibbles was to be shot and killed. He was rescued by Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge which he now calls home. Nibbles was only being what God made him. No rules, no commands, no person can control a free, wild spirit.

 

CAPTAIN JACK: Red Fox, Male, 6 months old. Captain Jack (Lil Foxy), a six-month old Red Fox, was found on the roadside with multiple injuries. He was taken to the Campbellsville, Kentucky Animal Shelter. Thanks to donations, Wolf Run was able to save him from being euthanized. Lil' Foxy had too many injuries to be released back into the wild, and remained at Wolf Run during his recovery. He’s suffered a broken back in two places and a broken leg, both of which quickly began to heal. He  grew stronger and was recently able to be released back into the wild to live the life this sweet fox was meant to live. UPDATE: I'VE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RELEASED BACK TO THE WILD-THANKS TO WOLF RUN FOR SAVING MY LIFE SO I COULD TO LIVE THE LIFE I WAS MEANT TO.

KAYSEE, Vervet Monkey, Male, 12 years old. Kaysee, a 12 year old Vervet Guenon Monkey, was sent to Wolf Run to be raised when his mother passed away and his owner was hospitalized. Kaysee was bottle raised and has lived his life with us at Wolf Run. Kaysee loves Cheerios and fresh fruit and vegetables. He has a wonderful life, playing non stop, watching movies and relaxing on hot days in his air conditioned house.

 

TARA, Coatimundi, Female. Tara recently joined the Wolf Run pack, and she has been quite the addition. She entertains us as she plays and climbs, and she loves to investigate new things. Tara is part of the Raccoon family, as well as the Wolf Run family. Come visit Tara today!

BETA MARIE, Stump-tailed Macaque, 50 years old. Beta Marie, an approximately 50 year old Stump-tailed Macaque, was surrendered to Wolf Run by her deceased owner’s family, along with a Sicilian Donkey. Beta Marie was traded for liquor by her previous owners at a local liquor store and taken home. She lived there for many years until her owner passed away and she came to Wolf Run. Beta spends most of her time keeping an eye on Kaysee, watching movies, and napping.  She’s quite the little old lady! She is blind in one eye and a little wrinkled, but she’s still kickin’!

 

MADDIE, Wallaby. Maddie is our resident Wallaby. She came to Wolf Run after surviving a horrific experience. Maddie's mob was attacked by a pack of dogs. 9 members of her wallaby family died. Maddie was the only survivor. Her owner was devastated. She no longer felt that she could keep Maddie safe and wanted her new home to be with us at Wolf Run. Wallabies are members of the macro-pod family, meaning big-footed, and are very closely related to kangaroos, sometimes even being referred to as lesser kangaroos. 

APACHE (Big Boy), Bobcat, Male, 4 years old. Apache was being kept legally as a pet by the parents of two wildlife biologists. After deciding to move to another state, Apache was surrendered to Wolf Run because it’s illegal to carry indigenous species across state lines without a permit.  Apache is new to Wolf Run and is still somewhat timid. He loves to be scratched on the head and to sniff everyone! He likes beef the best, and hides his food under his favorite blanket! Indigenous to Kentucky.

 

BOB, Wildcat, Male, 5 years old. Bob was raised in an apartment as a pet. His owner surrendered him to Wolf Run, realizing that the cute Bobcat kitten was growing into a dangerous Bobcat. Bob is very energetic and loves to play with his favorite companion, Apache. Wildcats such as Bob are Indigenous to Kentucky.

SNOWBALL, Fallow Deer, Female, 9 years old. Snowball, was confiscated as an illegal pet. Originally from New Zealand, Snowball sticks out among the deer with her beautiful white coat. She’s not an albino, but is often mistaken as one. She’s very loving and spends most of her time following Piglet and lounging around. She loves to lick the volunteers’ faces, clothing, and hands!

 

BANDIT, MOCCASSIN & SHAWNEE, Wolf hybrids. Bandit, a 7 year old wolf hybrid, was living on a golf course in Louisville. Bandit has a permanent limp due to someone hitting him with a golf club. A concerned citizen called Louisville Metro to report a wolf living on the golf course.  He was captured and taken to the local animal shelter and then brought to Wolf Run.  Today he lives happily with Shawnee and Moccasin. Shawnee, a 9 year old wolf hybrid, was accepted from the Humane Society after being confiscated as an illegal pet. She now happily resides with Bandit and Moccasin. Shawnee loves the water and knows basic commands. Moccasin, a 6 year old wolf hybrid, was surrendered as an unwanted pet to us.  

LOTUS, Wolf, Female. Lotus is from a litter of four (her brothers are Chief, Cloud and Half), born right before a man dropped off the pups and their mother, Natasha at the front gate.  Their mother died from a bowel obstruction, after ingesting a foreign object prior to coming to Wolf Run.  She left behind four pups that have come to spend the rest of their lives with their adoptive parents at Wolf Run! Lotus is quite the lover too, she is always willing to smile to visitors-come by and visit Lotus today!

 

BOONE, Wolf hybrid, Male, 7 years old. Boone came from a shelter in Kenton County, Ky. Thanks to the town and it's volunteers for bringing Boone's story to attention, he found refuge at Wolf Run. Full of personality and energy, our boy has stolen the hearts of many and made lifelong friends with everyone he meets! Boone is a seven year old male wolf dog.

HOLLY, Coy-Dog, Female. Holly is our resident coyote/dog hybrid. Holly was confiscated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife when they found she was being kept as an illegal pet. Thanks to Wolf Run, Holly had a safe and loving place to go. Holly loves people and attention, she is always happy to see the visitors to Wolf Run. She is currently the only coyote we have at Wolf Run, but we are proud to have Holly as part of our Wolf Run family! 

BRAILLE, White Tailed Deer, Male, 10 years old. Braille was found near Land Between the Lakes, just standing in the woods. He was born blind and suffers from congenital cataracts. When Braille was being neutered, something went wrong and he now has several cauliflower shaped antlers growing out of his head. As sad as his story is, he has no problem getting around the handicap deer habitat with the guidance of his three-legged friend, Carhart. Braille may be blind, but he can smell his way to carrots when they’re nearby!

LILY, Sicilian Donkey, Female, 7 years old. Lily was born at Wolf Run after her mother was donated to Wolf Run by her deceased owner’s family. Lily spends all of her time eating and making beautiful donkey songs that can be heard all around the refuge. Lily and her best friend, Peanut, enjoy roaming around the refuge and teasing the big, scary lions.

MUNEY, Muntjac Deer. Muney is a Muntjac deer that came to Wolf Run in the summer of 2008. The word 'muntjac' means barking deer, because they emit a barking sound to warn others of predators and to identify individuals. They originate from southern China and Taiwan. Muntjac deer have upper canine teeth which are elongated into tusks that curve outward.

GENORA, Genora is a white domestic rabbit.  She came from a local feed store and was being sold as an Easter pet.  As onlookers were selecting their children’s Easter bunnies, Genora laid listlessly at the bottom of her cage. Due to her lifeless condition she was unable to be sold and ended up in the hands of a Wolf Run employee and was nursed back to health and is now living a long happy life at Wolf Run.

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge is open to the public Saturdays from 12pm-5pm.

Admission is $5 per person, free admission for children under age 2.

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge is located at 7376 Old Danville Road,  Nicholasville, KY 40356  Click here  for directions.

Click here to email us!   

Kentucky State Regulations as they Pertain to Wolves and Wolf dogs

"Pursuant to KRS 150.183 and 301 KAR 2:081, wolves cannot be imported, transported, possessed or sold, except for certain educational, scientific, or research purposes approved by the commissioner." KRS Chap. 65, § 3 reads: "(1) A county, city, urban-county, or charter county may regulate or prohibit the holding of wildlife that have been identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources as inherently dangerous to human health and safety. (1) The department has declared the following species of wildlife to be inherently dangerous to human health and safety and shall establish procedures for denying a transportation permit for said wildlife ... wolf or wolf hybrids over 25% wolf." This law took effect in July 1998. Informally, it was explained that it is basically up to the local government, not the DFWR, to decide if they will allow or prohibit possession of such animals within their jurisdiction but if a person applied for a permit to import a wolf or wolf hybrid into an illegal county or municipality, DFWR would deny the permit.

To check other areas: http://www.wolfdogalliance.org/legislation/statelaws.html

WE KINDLY REQUEST THE FOLLOWING BY OUR VISITORS:

ALL children must be accompanied by an adult.
Be respectful of the wildlife! We want to keep a nice quiet atmosphere for our animals. So please-no running or loud noises.
KEEP OFF ALL FENCES! DO NOT TOUCH ANY FENCE!
DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO CHASE AFTER ANY ANIMAL!
NO SMOKING ON PREMISES!
NO PETS OF ANY KIND INCLUDING INJURED OR ORPHANED WILDLIFE! Ask for assistance for one of our volunteers.

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge and Educational Facility, Inc. is a 501(c)3 NO KILL facility which began its lifesaving efforts in 1993. The facility, located in Nicholasville, KY, was enacted to help innocent animals find a world that was safe, free from abuse and a permanent sanctuary for those that could not be released back into the wild. Wolf Run has grown into a state and USDA licensed educational facility that houses Kentucky native wildlife as well as African lions to South American cougars, from Wolves and Coyotes to our native Whitetail deer. We work to offer each of them an existence that closely mimics their natural habitats.