YWS
Special Projects
Learn more about supporting our most exciting and critical upcoming projects
Wolf Habitat Expansion
Donate today to help us construct a new wolf habitat. Every gift makes a difference!
$25
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$1,000
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Project Plans
Unfortunately, our lone gray wolf Apache passed away this past November. Though this was a hard hit for staff and the community, we now have the opportunity to expand our wolf habitat to house a small pack of 3-4 individuals. The future “YWS Pack” will be a powerful addition to the sanctuary, our education programs, and our efforts to promote wildlife conservation. This is a big project with a big price tag, with fencing alone costing over $20,000. Every donation helps get us one step closer to giving non-releasable wolves a forever home. Our project objectives highlight the far-reaching impacts you are making with your donation:
- Contruction of a large wolf habitat for 3-4 gray wolves
- Provide engaging education opportunities for students that participate in our education programs from five surrounding counties
- Developing an influential role in advocating the conservation of a controversial species in the Northwest region
- Giving our children and future generations the rare chance to experience gray wolves up-close and personal
Planning Phases
1
2
3
Walkway Construction
Habitat Contruction
Landscaping
We will use 9-gauge chain link fencing that meets Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) regalutory standards. We will also put in underwire and additional lockouts to separate individuals for medical or training purposes. The habitat will almost TRIPLE in size!
The second phase will include landscaping the new habitat. We plan to add native foliage to the hillside as well as rock features, another den, and wooden platforms. We would also like to put in a water feature such as a small stream.
Adjacent to the habitat we plan on constructing a gravel or dirt nature path that takes guests alongside the wolf habitat to a viewing platform. This platform will not only give visitors a better chance to see our wolves but a great view of the entire sanctuary.
Migratory Bird Habitat
Donate today to help us construct a new habitat for our sandhill cranes and vultures.
Together we can finish this project before next winter!
$25
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$500
$1,000
Project Plans
The current sandhill crane and vulture habitats are not adapted to fit the behavioral or physiological needs of migratory species. Both enclosures lack an insulated indoor shelter that would provide enough warmth during harsh Montana winters. What this means is that we have to move Big Bird, Niles, Uncle Fester and Lurch into temporary enclosures in our barn over the entire winter season.
Our new migratory bird habitat will be a change for the better. We are planning to construct a "U" shaped structure that will be insulated and heated (potentially with solar power) for the winter months. Attached to this building will be two outdoor yards for our sandhill cranes and vultures. This will give our migratory birds a year-round habitat and the ability to go indoors and out depending on weather. Once again, this all-season habitat is a big project that doesn't come cheap. Your contributions will help us achieve the following:
- Construct heated indoor enclosures that meet Association of Zoos and Aquriums (AZA) regulatory standards
- Build two outdoor yards that will be suited for flighted and partially flighted birds.
- Landscape both yards to match the habitats cranes and vultures would occupy in the wild.
- Integrate migratory species into education programs year-round to teach children in our communities the importance of these species in the wild and in a changing climate
- Provide a high standard of care for all current and future migratory birds at YWS