Keepers of the Wild

About Keepers of the Wild Nature Park

Keepers of the Wild Nature Park is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary at 13441 E Hwy 66 in Valentine, Arizona. Its website describes it as an accredited, 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary on 175 acres of canyon land along Historic Route 66, dedicated to protecting captive wildlife, with rescue, rehabilitation and care for neglected, abused and abandoned animals. The sanctuary describes its residents as living in natural habitats measured in acres rather than in exhibition-style enclosures.

The sanctuary is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its about page says it is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and holds current licensure from the USDA and Arizona Game and Fish. The site also displays a Charity Navigator four-star rating, a 2025 GlobalGiving designation, a 2024 Candid Platinum Seal and a Great Nonprofits award.

The sanctuary's about page states that it does not buy, sell, trade, lease, breed or allow public interaction with animals, with no exceptions.

History

According to the sanctuary's about page, Jonathan Kraft, a former Las Vegas illusionist, established the sanctuary in 1995 after concluding that a performer's life is no life for wild animals that belong in nature. The organization uses the tagline Saving Lives Since 1995. The staff page lists Jonathan Kraft as founder, president and executive director. It lists Lara Kraft as vice president, chairwoman and co-executive director, saying she joined in 2017 and became co-executive director in 2024. The page also says Jonathan Kraft has worked with law enforcement and animal welfare agencies on rescues and has received commendations from organizations including the Nevada Wildlife Federation and the Humane Society.

The sanctuary's stated goals are to establish ethical treatment standards through education and legislation, to educate the public about exotic wildlife, and to advocate against illegal breeding and the pet trade. The website describes the mission as protecting abused, neglected and abandoned captive wildlife while helping enforce humane treatment of all animals through education and public awareness.

Exhibits and habitats

The sanctuary is laid out as a canyon with winding paths through Southwestern foliage. Visitors can walk the paths at their own pace, with educational signs at each habitat and keepers stationed throughout the sanctuary to answer questions, according to the tours page. The site encourages photography throughout.

The sanctuary's FAQ says it is home to about 140 animals of 50 different species, all rescued or donated. The animals named across the website include tigers, lions, leopards, grizzly and black bears, wolves and primates, along with various bird species and Southwestern wildlife such as cougars, bobcats and coyotes. The photo gallery names one resident, Cody, a North American black bear, and shows a turkey vulture. The animal sponsorship page mentions primates and prairie dogs among the animals that can be sponsored.

The sanctuary also operates the Santiago Animal Clinic and Education Center on site, according to the about page.

Conservation and programs

Keepers of the Wild describes its work as rescue and lifelong care. According to its about page, each animal is surrendered by a private owner, legally confiscated and placed by a court or USDA order, or placed by Arizona Game and Fish.

The tours page lists three ways to see the sanctuary. Self-guided walking tours let guests move through the canyon paths at their own pace. Guided Safari Tours are keeper-hosted vehicle tours through the 175-acre canyon that run about an hour and fifteen minutes and include accounts of how animals were rescued. Guided Feeding Safari Tours follow the same format and let visitors watch big cats and carnivores at feeding time. The FAQ describes the Guided Safari Tour as an upgraded admission that includes general admission, and says tour seats can be reserved and tickets bought online. A tram option is available for guests who have difficulty climbing into taller vehicles.

Support programs listed on the website include donations, planned giving, legacy bench sponsorships, an animal sponsorship program, volunteering, an Amazon wish list and an online store. The site also lists weddings and parties as bookable events.

Planning your visit

As listed on the sanctuary's website, the park is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 am to 5 pm Arizona time, and is closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The sanctuary's phone number is 928-769-1800 and its email is info@keepersofthewild.org.

The FAQ says the park is wheelchair accessible. It also states that once visitors enter the sanctuary there are no refunds and no rain checks. Tickets and annual memberships are sold through the website, and current admission details are listed there. The FAQ lists cash, credit cards, debit cards and Apple Pay as accepted forms of payment.