Pacific Northwest Wolf Sanctuary Offers New Opportunity to Observe Wolves in Silence

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Wolf Haven International Press Release

May 20, 2026

TENINO, WA – The globally recognized and award-winning wolf sanctuary known as Wolf Haven International has launched a new contemplative visit experience called Sanctuary as a Mindset. This groundbreaking program offers guests the opportunity to be in a quiet and relaxed sanctuary environment surrounded by wolves and a rich variety of living organisms who call Wolf Haven home, offering a space to connect – or reconnect – with their sense of place.

“I’m normally glued to screens,” said one of the participants of last year’s inaugural program. “I wanted to step out of that and immerse myself in something new.” Another participant shared that “it was an excellent reminder to do this more often. Set aside the time and space to sit in the natural world, absorb it, and appreciate my place in it.”

Established in 1982, Wolf Haven has been continuously evolving and upgrading its practices for over four decades, all with the intention of better achieving their mission: to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. “Our new program, Sanctuary as a Mindset, celebrates and nurtures our organization’s core values of respect, compassion, empathy, and coexistence,” says Sanctuary Director Pamela Maciel Cabañas.

*A drawing of Mexican wolf M1458 (Hodari) by participant Jeannie Hart*

The four-hour experience includes a brief introduction to the resident animals attendees will have the chance to see; a walk through the rare and restored Mima mound prairie, which includes a stop at Wolf Haven’s iconic 300-year-old “grandfather tree”; and two hours of silent time inside the wolf sanctuary itself. Participants in this program can expect to see up to six pairs of residents – including rescued wolves, wolfdogs, and coyotes, as well as endangered American Red Wolves and Mexican wolves. Guests are also welcome to read, write, draw, craft, or practice mindfulness while observing these beautiful animals… or also just simply enjoy a period of calm contemplation to truly experience “sanctuary.”

Following the program, participants are invited to reflect on their experience, which is when Larissa P. shared, “I’ve never been in a position to see any wolves. To say that it struck awe in my heart & spirit to have them succumb to curiosity and come near enough to be seen is a gross understatement.”

Accredited by both the American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), Wolf Haven has provided a lifetime home to over 325 animals at their sanctuary locations in Tenino, Washington and Bridger, Montana over the years. They also provide educational programs; support the restoration of wolves in historical ranges; and actively discourage wolves and wolfdogs from being owned as pets. In 2024, Wolf Haven became the honored recipient of the GFAS Outstanding Wildlife Sanctuary Award, chosen from over 200 sanctuaries worldwide for their exceptional sanctuary, education, and conservation work.

Reservations for Wolf Haven’s new Sanctuary as a Mindset program are limited. Many of the 2026 programs are fully booked, but several spots are still available for the program on September 27. Visit wolfhaven.org/events to reserve your space today. Program dates for 2027 will be announced soon.