Shy Wolf Sanctuary reaches new milestone in property expansion plans

(Naples, FL – June 5, 2020) — Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education and Experience Center along with community partner, Crown Management Services, has executed a contract for the purchase of 17+/- acres of land on the Northside of Golden Gate Boulevard West, between 1st ST NW and 3rd ST NW.

 

The land is part of a proposal to enhance two commercial zones in Golden Gate Estates, submitted by Crown Management Services and approved by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners on June 25, 2019. In the agreement, Crown Management Services would begin development of the 47-acre Randall Curve property while offering the sanctuary a new place to operate and expand services.  This collaboration addresses several needs within the community while minimizing commercial impact in residential estates areas.

 

“We are excited to be taking this next step toward expanding our campus. Crown Management Services has been incredibly supportive of Shy Wolf Sanctuary through this process, and we look forward to our continuing partnership as the sanctuary is designed and built,” said Deanna Deppen, executive director of Shy Wolf Sanctuary.

 

The contract was another step in a long process. Crown Management Services is still working through the rezoning needed to allow for Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s uses at the new location.

 

“Over the past year, we have learned much more about Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s mission and vision for its expanded campus. The organization brings so much compassion to the animals and people it serves through its rescue efforts and therapeutic animal encounters. We are proud to be a partner in bringing this vision to reality,” said Robert Crown, Crown Management Services.

 

As the Wilson 40-acres moves through rezoning, Shy Wolf Sanctuary has been honing its plans to build a world-class sanctuary and educational center that will be a place of hope and healing for all that enter the gates. Three key strategic priorities have been identified by Shy Wolf Sanctuary, which hopes to inspire even more visitors to take ongoing action to protect wildlife and the environment while spreading kindness and compassion throughout the greater community.

 

The organization’s strategic goals include:

 

Education

For more than 20 years, Shy Wolf Sanctuary has provided on-campus and off-campus educational programs about the rescue needs for surrendered and abused, captive-bred exotic and unreleasable wild animals.  Resident animals share their stories of hope and recovery while educating the community about their wild counterparts and preserving environments. With the new campus, the organization will broaden our programs to include:

  • Hands-on Science-based Field Trips
  • Additional off-campus Educational Programs
  • Expanded University partnerships and Internship Opportunities

 

Environmental Sustainability

Shy Wolf Sanctuary provides environmentally sustainable habitats that exceed government safety guidelines for the protection of resident animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. In addition to incorporating sustainable features such as solar technology, Florida-friendly landscaping, and water features, Shy Wolf Sanctuary seeks to incorporate immersive educational components such as wildlife overpasses incorporated into the habitats and visitors’ experience.

 

Therapeutic Sanctuary

Through the organization’s Healing Hearts program, Shy Wolf Sanctuary will build on its partnerships with organizations such as Youth Haven, The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and Southwest Florida Chapter of Home Base (Veterans support services). While creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment, Shy Wolf Sanctuary staff will collaborate with partner organizations to support the needs of Southwest Florida residents in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties.

 

For more information about infrastructure and how to get involved, visit: https://bit.ly/SWSFuture

 

About Shy Wolf Sanctuary

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education and Experience Center was founded in 1993. In January 2001, it was formalized as a nonprofit organization with the goal of educating people about captive-bred exotic and unreleasable wild animal rescue. To date, Shy Wolf has rescued over 1,260 animals and provided valuable educational experiences to tens of thousands of human visitors from around the world.

 

The organization is county, state and federally licensed and inspected by Collier County Domestic Animal Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture.  The organization is primarily volunteer-run and donor-supported. For more information, visit www.ShyWolfSanctuary.org.