Big Run Wolf Ranch

Sure they can pull out an animal and talk about it to excite kids. Is it good for a child to learn? Absolutely. Is it good to have a coyote frantically pacing in a tiny area nothing like how it’s natural habitat would be. The wolves are locked up in tiny areas too. It was really sad to see the animals caged in ways. How would you feel as a human to be caged to a small area all day? This is how they lived all day everyday. Seems like a scam. They get to take donations and at they rescue animals when they make money off the poor treatment of the animals.

This is my favorite place to go in the south suburbs. The kids learned so much, and the animals are beautiful.

The reviews I had read on this place made me optimistic, but I was very sad to learn the reality when I went to visit. My general impression is that this is a place to go and gawk at caged animals without any real concern for the animal’s mental and social well-​being. The enclosures are far too small and I saw too many wolves pacing, which is a clear sign of boredom/​distress. The most heartbreaking thing I saw was a coyote pacing frantically in a tiny enclosure that was maybe 10 feet by 5 feet. After about 15 minutes, I left, feeling depressed and terrible for these poor animals. I read on the website that some of these animals have been saved from being euthanized… but for what? To live our the rest of their existence in a prison-​like environment? I think a kinder option would be to allow these creatures to take their chances at a normal life out in the wilderness. The only optimism I have regarding this place is that their website notes they are trying to raise money for a larger space. I like to think that on days when they’re not open to the public, the animals are taken to a larger, kinder place where they can be animals and run and play, but I fear this isn’t the case.

We went here as a bucket list adventure for my niece who is 2 ½ and terminally ill. We have found it so hard for her to enjoy animals at the zoo because they do not build enclosures for handicapped children that cannot sit up. John really went out of his way to make sure she got up close and personal with all the animals. It was truly an event that we will remember.

Its great to see a place like this that care for and protect wildlife and endangered species. My 7 year old niece loved seeing the animals and petting the skunk!

What a fantastic day we had at the ranch today! We came in for a private tour and your $ 8.00 donation is worth every penny. Renee and her assistant Dave were personable, outgoing and fun! They have open houses all throughout the year, cannot wait to visit again.

Hmmm

Great place, and love what they’re doing to help save these beautiful animals! We went to one of their open house functions that they usually hold once a month (check their website for dates?) This was an excellent place to show kids and adults how the animals are cared for! I loved this! And who knew this was right a few miles away! They had wolves, coyotes, sled dogs, horses, ducks, porcupines, beavers, and if you’re lucky if he comes out a big black bear! A nominal charge of $ 4 a person, they take donations as well. They also serve food and very cute souvenirs for another nominal fee. You gotta check this place out!

This is a wildlife conservation organization that rescues wolves and other large predators before being euthanized. It’s a long trip to get there but worth it to see what they are doing to help these animals.
It’s a great educational experience for kids as well. We saw wolves, coyotes, a cougar, black bear, lynx and more. My son got to pet wolf pups (adorable), baby raccoons and a possum. They also have wild turkeys loose which are amazingly beautiful birds.
The facility opens once a month to the public. The rest of the time they offer educational classes for schools, cub & girl scouts, etc. They also do birthday parties.