By Marty Banks I
If you’re perpetually on the prowl for exotic animal encoun- ters, if you roared with delight at Disney’s recent African Cats movie, or if you’re just looking for inspired activities, we suggest some seriously wild road trips. Colorado is home to three
long-time, respected animal sanctuaries, which provide refuge to wild animals that cannot be integrated into a natural environ- ment. Unlike zoos, sanctuaries are not founded for the benefi t of the viewing public. In fact, all three sanctuaries were started by indi- viduals who opened their doors to rescue one animal … and within days were inundated with requests to take more. The “captive wildlife crisis,” says
Katie Vandergrift at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, refers to wild animals being held outside of legally licensed facilities. And it’s no small issue. Vandergrift says that, as an example, there are more tigers in private ownership within the state of Texas than there are in the wild. And we’re not talking good
treatment. People can be stupid— they have kept wolves in college dorms, given tigers as gifts to 4-year-olds, and housed a pride of lions in a cage the size of a double bed. Suffi ce to say, the animals at these sanctuaries have found shel- ter from a very stormy past. All three Colorado sanctuar-
ies allow public visits to promote animal education and conserva- tion. They also use the modest entrance fees to help support the expensive operations.
trips
When The Brown Palace opened its doors in the heart of Denver, it was in a class by itself. Every year, it fi nds new ways to delight. Spa treatments drawn from the hotel’s own artesian spring. One of the West’s most extensive wine cellars. Water that falls like rain from the ceiling of black marble showers. No hotel captures the spirit of a city like the Brown. Let it capture you as well.
WIN A FREE STAY
BrownPalace.com/promos 321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 |
Save 10% on reservations with your AAA membership EnCompass September/October 2011 13
800-321-2599
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