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5 Things to Know about Central Florida's hidden wolf sanctuary – Spectrum News 13
Oct
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ORLANDO, Fla. — We are deep into the spooky season, but some local howls aren’t coming from animatronic monsters—they are coming from real wolves right here in Central Florida. So we went On The Town to look past the Hollywood stereotypes and find the heartwarming reality.
Here are 5 things to know about the In Harmony with Nature Wolf Sanctuary:
1. Breaking the "Big Bad Wolf" stereotype. Hollywood has spent decades cementing the terrifying myth of bloodthirsty werewolves. Sanctuary President Kim Kapes says these beautiful animals simply get a "bad rap," and that the reality inside the habitat is actually harmonious and peaceful.
2. They howl at fire engines, not just the moon. If you hear the pack sounding off, it might not be a spooky midnight ritual. Kapes notes that their howling is often triggered by passing fire engine sirens, as the wolves love to resonate and match their frequencies to the sirens in a "cacophony of harmony."
3. It is a lifelong refuge for the vulnerable. The sanctuary is currently home to 22 wolves and wolf dogs. These animals were rescued from cases of hoarding, neglect, abuse, or transferred from private owners who could no longer care for them. Because they are captive-bred, they lack the skills to survive in the wild.
4. Feline friends are welcome too. Wolves aren’t the only animals finding peace on the property. The non-profit, volunteer-run haven also features dedicated housing for domesticated cats.
5. You can get involved, but don’t just walk up. To protect the peace, privacy, and safety of the animals, the sanctuary does not offer public walk-up tours. However, they are always looking for help. You don’t have to be a wolf expert to join their on-site volunteer program, which needs help with everything from landscaping to daily care.
