Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Since most days the bears are opting to stay inside (ours don't really hibernate but do get very lazy and do more torpor) I figured y'all should see the video of the one lady who got up for her Valentine's treat.

Simba with his valentine dinner.

Happy Valentine's day Fluffy. You are loved (although we would love you more if you would stick to digging in the designated areas ).

Macon, Henry, and Gwin enjoying Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day!! We are open today and tomorrow. P.S. Zoo keepers are AMAZING!

It is with a very sad heart that I report that Upper bear is no longer with us. Over the last few weeks she had gone down hill fast. Lots of vet care, work ups, and meds and there just wasn't much that could be done (she was estimated to be 20 something, which is old for a bear). The keepers have done an amazing job during this time to care for her. Over the last few weeks we had tried laser therapy, pain meds, steroids, etc to keep her comfortable. Hug your furry friends a l...ittle extra today. As some of you know the main reason Jonathan and I jumped in to YR was the bears. There was no where for "older, arthritic bears" to go. So they had no future. And obviously the bears are one of the areas we focused to improve as quickly as possible. Which gives me some comfort in that I do think she enjoyed her last year's in her new habitat with her new keeper's love and attention. See more

Come see us today!

On this wet day I am thankful for Liz, Logan, and an elf that pitches in. Zoo keeping in the cold rain is tough!! Merry Almost Christmas!

Good morning Momo. Come see us today.

Vultures are cool. They have this copycat game they play with the kids.

Racoons seem to be enjoying their temporary enclosure. We are open on weekends. Come see us!

When you have to eat upstairs so Donkey doesn't steal all your food.

New announcement post. Open Tuesday 12/22 (Santa 12-2), 12/23 (Santa 12-2). Closed 12/24 and 12/25 Merry Christmas!! Open 12/26 Saturday and 12/27 Sunday. Closed 12/28.... Open 12/29- 1/3!! Then we will just be open on select weekends thru February. This will allow more construction projects. Lots of lessons learned this year and we thank you so much for being such amazing guests as we learn and grow. See more

The racoons have moved temporarily since we are redoing their habitat. So far they appear to be enjoying it!

Watch out Christmas Pickle! We are open tomorrow and Wednesday. Come see us. And Santa will be in his YRWS office 12-2.

Fluffy solving his food puzzle.

Mr. Jingles used some Christmas magic and set up an office for Santa to finish some last minute work. So if you want to see Santa at work he will be in his office from noon to two Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. To keep everyone distanced we ask that people stay at the office door. Merry Christmas!!

Yesterday I missed bison day. And that's because I had grandiose ideas of putting together a collection of videos over the last two plus years. Time never allowed that. But I found this one from two years ago. Back before the new underground substrate that made the bison not always in muck. Before the scratching posts. And before their enclosure had doubled in size. We have come a long way and still have room to improve. Cool fact I read about the bison while researching yesterday is they can run 35 mph for 5 miles (horses do 40 but only for a mile). They are impressive creatures and we are thankful for our herd. Happy (late) bison day!

Simba. This is an empty sheep feed bag- given for smell enrichment. Simba apparently likes it.

Enrichment for all.

Announcements!! Starting Thursday the hours will be Thursday- Sunday 9-5 with last reservation at 3:30. Election 2020 sale is this Tuesday! We will be open with a spcial for the 2020 election of 2 for $20 (ages 2 and under still free).

Sweet ole girl.

Bringing some excitement for Tuesday. Open on a special day with special pricing. $10 for anyone 3 and up.

Quite a few me's here today. Bun and kid attached to me. Love it!

Love this team!!

No flooding and animals moving back to their homes. We WILL be open tomorrow. If you plan to come Saturday for trick or treating make reservations.

Turtle meeting to discuss clean up.

All animals are okay (although it did take some time to corral the wallabies and cavies since their fences came down). We will be closed today though.

All animals are moved to higher ground and safe. We will be closed tomorrow (Thursday) due to the forecasted storms. Stay dry!

I am so thankful to have this. Such an amazing show. https://www.pbs.org/video/sanctuary-4bla5w/