Voted
Best of Kentucky 2026
Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge Named Best of Kentucky 2026
For more than four decades, Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge has been dedicated to giving animals a second chance. What began as a promise to help wildlife in need has grown into a mission of rescue, rehabilitation, release, and lifelong sanctuary for animals who have nowhere else to go.
Today, we are humbled and honored to announce that Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge has been voted Best of Kentucky 2026.
This recognition belongs to far more than our organization. It belongs to every volunteer who has carried feed buckets through the rain, repaired fences in the heat, sat beside a sick animal through the night, staffed events, answered calls, and given their hearts to wildlife.
It belongs to every donor who chose to believe that a neglected wolf-dog, an injured fox, an orphaned coyote, or a frightened wild animal deserved another chance.
It belongs to every supporter who shared a post, attended an event, purchased a wolf selfie, told a friend about our work, or simply cheered us on from afar.
Most of all, this award belongs to the animals.
The shy ones who learned to trust again.
The injured ones who healed.
The orphaned ones who grew strong enough to return to the wild.
The sanctuary residents who remind us every day that compassion changes lives.
Being named Best of Kentucky is not a finish line. It is a reminder that kindness matters, that wildlife matters, and that together we are creating a future where every animal is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for standing beside us. Thank you for helping us give wildlife a voice.
We are deeply grateful, incredibly honored, and more committed than ever to the work ahead.
Best of Kentucky 2026
Because of you. Because of them. Because every life matters.
Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge
Rescue • Rehabilitate • Release • The Promise of Lifelong Sanctuary
Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge is Kentucky’s oldest sanctuary of its kind, and for more than four decades, it has been a place of second chances. For animals who have nowhere else to turn, Wolf Run provides lifelong sanctuary, expert care, and dignity for the rest of their lives. We rescue wild animals from the pet trade, entertainment industry, private ownership, and failed rehabilitation efforts when returning to the wild is no longer possible.
In April 2026, we will proudly celebrate 41 years of saving lives. Wolf Run is operated by a 100% volunteer staff, with no payroll—which means every dollar donated goes directly toward food, medical care, habitat maintenance, and daily needs for the animals in our care. Your generosity doesn’t support overhead; it supports lives.
Our Mission
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Habitats For Happiness
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Unwanted Exotic Pets
Spotlight
on Special Needs Animals
Wildlife rehabilitation at Wolf Run goes the extra mile. Special-needs animals, like this blind whitetail doe, cannot survive in the wild and require lifelong care. At Wolf Run, these animals are given permanent sanctuary, allowing residents like Starla to thrive—she has called Wolf Run home for 16 years.
It Takes A Village!
