Zoos and Wildlife Centers in Wyoming

Wyoming is one of only two states without a traditional zoo, but offers exceptional wildlife viewing experiences through sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and proximity to world-class facilities near Yellowstone. With over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species calling Wyoming home, the state provides unparalleled opportunities to observe animals in both natural and educational settings.

10+

Wildlife Sanctuaries

10

Fish Hatcheries

7,500

Elk at National Refuge

100+

Mammal Species

Did You Know? Wyoming and Vermont are the only two U.S. states without a traditional zoo. However, Wyoming offers exceptional alternatives through wildlife sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, and proximity to the AZA-accredited Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center near Yellowstone.

Featured Wildlife Attractions

Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary Unique

Location: 854 State Highway 270, Hartville, WY 82215

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

About: The only sanctuary in the United States that takes in non-primate research animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and sheep. Since its founding in 2006, Kindness Ranch has provided sanctuary to over one thousand animals on its 1,000-acre ranch nestled in the rolling hills of Hartville.

Distance: 3.5 hours north of Denver, 1.5 hours from Scottsbluff airport

Website: kindnessranch.org

Note: Not all areas accessible in inclement weather. Check conditions before winter/spring visits.

National Elk Refuge Top Rated

Location: 532 N Cache Street, Jackson, WY

Visitor Center Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About: Created in 1912 to protect habitat for one of the largest elk herds in North America. The refuge spans 24,700 acres and is home to an average of 7,500 elk each winter (up to 8,000 during peak seasons). Also hosts 1,000+ bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-December through early April for elk viewing

Special Experience: Horse-drawn sleigh rides through elk herds (45-60 minutes)

Website: National Elk Refuge

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center Near Wyoming

Location: West Yellowstone, MT (just outside Yellowstone's west entrance)

Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM (seasonal hours vary)

Admission: Adults $16.50, Seniors (61+) $15.50, Kids (5-12) $11.50, Under 5 Free. Valid for two consecutive days.

About: AZA-accredited nonprofit wildlife park featuring grizzly bears, gray wolves, and river otters that could not survive in the wild. The center is open 365 days a year (bears do not hibernate). Features naturalistic outdoor habitats, educational exhibits, and interpretive programs.

Website: grizzlydiscoveryctr.org

Teton Raptor Center Education

Location: Wilson, WY

About: Advances raptor conservation through education, research, and rehabilitation. The center cares for over 130 injured birds annually, including eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Offers educational programs and bird demonstrations.

Mission: Conservation biologists, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators work together to promote environmental health and raptor conservation.

Website: tetonwildlife.org

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation Centers

Animal Sanctuaries

  • Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary - Hartville (1,000 acres, research animals)
  • Wild Horse Preservation Society - Laramie (wild and feral horse sanctuary)
  • Rikers Place Rescue and Sanctuary - Saratoga (founded 2018)
  • Wild Roots Sanctuary - Lander (founded 2022)
  • Conservancy of the Phoenix - Mills (founded 1998)

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

  • Teton Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Wilson (injured wildlife treatment)
  • Cheyenne Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation - Cheyenne (outgrowth of Cheyenne Pet Clinic)
  • Northeast Wyoming N.E.W. Bird Rescue and Rehab - Gillette (migratory bird rescue)
  • Ironside Bird Rescue - Cody (founded 1990)
  • Ycross Bird Farm - Cheyenne (bird habitat and release)
  • Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation - Statewide volunteer opportunities
Support Wildlife Conservation: Wyoming has 10 wildlife sanctuaries and refuges employing 93 people and earning over $6 million annually in conservation efforts. Most centers accept donations and volunteers.

Fish Hatcheries with Visitor Centers

Wyoming operates 10 state fish hatcheries and 2 federal hatcheries open to the public daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. These facilities offer unique opportunities to view fish culture in progress and learn about aquatic conservation.

Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center Historic

Location: Story, WY (base of Bighorn Mountains)

Established: 1909 (Wyoming's oldest working fish hatchery)

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Highlights: Home to the only known captive broodstock of genetically pure golden trout in the nation. Newly remodeled visitor center with exhibits about fish, facility history, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Interactive: Bring quarters to purchase fish food for large lake trout in brood pond

Jackson National Fish Hatchery Family-Friendly

Location: 3.5 miles north of Jackson on Highway 89

Hours: Daily (hours vary seasonally)

Highlights: Baby trout in observation aquariums, indoor tanks, photographic displays of spawning and stocking. Small cabin with information on local animals, fishing, and aquatic invasive species.

Activities: Fishing available in Sleeping Indian Pond (license required). Basic fishing rods available to borrow.

Website: FWS Jackson Hatchery

All Wyoming State Fish Hatcheries

  • Auburn Fish Hatchery - Auburn
  • Boulder Fish Rearing Station - Boulder
  • Clark's Fork Fish Hatchery - Clark
  • Dan Speas Fish Hatchery - Casper
  • Daniel Fish Hatchery - Daniel
  • Dubois Fish Hatchery - Dubois
  • Ten Sleep Fish Hatchery - Ten Sleep
  • Tillett Springs Fish Rearing Station - Lovell
  • Wigwam Fish Rearing Station - Ten Sleep
  • Saratoga National Fish Hatchery - Saratoga (federal, established 1911, raises endangered Wyoming Toad)
Hatchery Hop Youth Challenge: Youth who visit four or more hatcheries and submit photos with hatchery signs earn a collectible certificate from Wyoming Game and Fish Department as part of the Youth Fishing Challenge.

Wildlife Viewing Centers and Museums

Wyoming State Museum FREE

Location: Cheyenne, WY

Established: 1895

Admission: Free

Exhibits: "Wyoming Wildscapes" exhibit showcases Wyoming's landscapes and animals. Features paleontology, wildlife dioramas, and natural history. Interactive "Hands-on Habitat" space for kids to crawl through prairie dog holes, touch animal pelts and skulls.

Website: wyomuseum.wyo.gov

National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center

Location: Dubois, WY

About: Educational center dedicated to Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep conservation and wildlife stewardship. Hands-on exhibits perfect for kids interested in learning about local wildlife.

Focus: Promoting active stewardship of wildlife and wildlands through education

Weidner Wildlife Museum

Location: Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs, WY

Established: September 2002

Collection: Nearly 125 species of wildlife collected worldwide, donated by Rock Springs residents Roger A. and Jeanne A. Weidner over several decades

Bear River State Park Visitor Center

Location: Evanston, WY

Exhibits: Wildlife interpretive displays featuring Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bison, golden eagles, great-horned owls, raccoon, river otter, American badger, Alaskan wolf, grizzly bear, black bears, red fox, Cooper's hawks, and trumpeter swans

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Facilities

Regional Visitor Centers

  • Casper Regional Office and Visitor Center - 3030 Energy Lane, Suite 100, Casper, WY 82604, Phone: (307) 473-3400
  • Sheridan Regional Office and Visitor Center - 700 Valley View Drive, Sheridan, WY 82801, Phone: (307) 672-7418

Wildlife Research Center at Sybille

Semi-natural enclosures east of research facility contain elk, deer, and bighorn sheep viewable from Highway 34. Best viewing: early morning hours. The Tom Thorne/Beth Williams Wildlife Habitat Management Area offers fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Resources

Wildlife Viewing Tour Guide: Available from Wyoming Game and Fish Department featuring 50+ tours with maps, tips, and species locations throughout Wyoming

8 Regional Offices: Serving all areas of Wyoming for wildlife information and hunting/fishing licenses

Website: wgfd.wyo.gov

National Wildlife Refuges in Wyoming

  • National Elk Refuge - Jackson (24,700 acres, 7,500 elk, 1,000+ bison)
  • Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge - North of Green River (36 miles along river banks, 220 bird species)
  • Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Near Laramie (Central flyway stopover, 146 bird species, 2.6-mile easy trail)

Best National Parks for Wildlife Viewing

Yellowstone National Park

Best Locations:

  • Lamar Valley - Best overall wildlife viewing (wolves, grizzly bears, bison, raptors)
  • Hayden Valley - Premier destination for bison, bears, wolves, waterfowl
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - Elk, bison, often bears
  • Blacktail Deer Plateau - Large pronghorn antelope herds

Best Times: Dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active

Safety: Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from all other wildlife

Grand Teton National Park

Wildlife: Black bears, grizzly bears, moose, elk, coyotes, bison, wolves, mule deer, river otters, bald eagles

Habitat Diversity: Jagged mountains, vast meadows, stunning lakes provide diverse ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife

Viewing Tips: Mountain and prairie drives offer safe viewing from vehicles, ideal for families with small children or those with physical limitations

Planning Your Wildlife Viewing Experience

Best Times to Visit

  • Winter (Dec-Apr): Elk at National Elk Refuge, bison on lowlands
  • Spring (Mar-May): Newborn animals, migrating birds
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak activity in national parks
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): Elk rutting season, migration begins

Safety Guidelines

  • Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves
  • Stay 25 yards from elk, bison, other wildlife
  • Never feed wild animals
  • View from vehicles when possible
  • Make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife
  • Carry bear spray in bear country

Family-Friendly Tips

  • Book guided wildlife tours for best viewing and education
  • Visit fish hatcheries for close-up, safe experiences
  • Bring binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses
  • Early morning (dawn) offers best wildlife activity
  • Free admission at Wyoming State Museum
Wildlife Viewing Etiquette: Treat all animals with respect and caution. While they look cute, wildlife can be dangerous if approached too closely. Always maintain safe distances and never attempt to touch or feed wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wyoming and Vermont are the only two U.S. states without a zoo. Wyoming had several small zoos earlier in its history, including the Pioneer Park Zoo in Sheridan, but these closed decades ago. The main reason there isn't a zoo today is that there hasn't been a sustained effort or funding to establish one. However, Wyoming compensates with exceptional wildlife sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, national wildlife refuges, and proximity to the AZA-accredited Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center near Yellowstone.

The National Elk Refuge in Jackson is one of the best family-friendly wildlife destinations, offering horse-drawn sleigh rides through herds of 7,500 elk from mid-December through early April. For year-round indoor experiences, visit the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne (free admission) with its "Hands-on Habitat" exhibit where kids can crawl through prairie dog holes and touch animal pelts. Fish hatcheries like Story Fish Hatchery and Jackson National Fish Hatchery offer safe, close-up views of aquatic life. For a zoo-like experience, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in nearby West Yellowstone, Montana (16 miles from Wyoming border).

Yes, all Wyoming fish hatcheries are free to visit and open to the public daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Wyoming operates 10 state fish hatcheries and there are 2 federal hatcheries (Jackson and Saratoga). Visitors can view fish culture in progress, see baby trout in observation aquariums, and at Story Fish Hatchery, purchase fish food (quarters needed) to feed large lake trout. The Story Fish Hatchery, Wyoming's oldest working hatchery (established 1909), features a newly remodeled visitor center with educational exhibits and is home to the only known captive broodstock of genetically pure golden trout in the nation.

Kindness Ranch in Hartville is the only sanctuary in the United States that takes in non-primate research animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and sheep. Established in 2006, the sanctuary spans 1,000 acres and has provided care to over 1,000 animals rescued from laboratory research. The ranch rehabilitates animals in a home-like environment and offers adoption programs for animals that can be placed in loving homes, while those too debilitated, old, or ill remain on the ranch for life. The sanctuary is open Monday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though not all areas are accessible during inclement winter weather.

The best time to visit the National Elk Refuge is from mid-December through early April when elk migrate down from the high country. The refuge is home to an average of 7,500 elk during winter months, though herds of 6,000-8,000 have been reported during peak seasons. The visitor center at 532 N Cache Street in Jackson is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM year-round with indoor interpretive displays, but the iconic horse-drawn sleigh rides through the elk herds are only available during the winter season (45-60 minute tours). The refuge also supports 1,000+ bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles.

For guaranteed close-up viewing in a safe, educational setting, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana (just outside Yellowstone's west entrance). This AZA-accredited nonprofit facility houses grizzly bears, gray wolves, and river otters in naturalistic outdoor habitats. The center is open 365 days a year with admission valid for two consecutive days (adults $16.50, seniors $15.50, kids 5-12 $11.50, under 5 free). For wild viewing, Yellowstone's Lamar Valley is the best location to spot wolves, grizzly bears, and bison, especially at dawn and dusk. Hayden Valley is another premier destination for bears and wolves. Always maintain 100 yards distance from bears and wolves in the wild.

Wyoming has several wildlife rehabilitation centers caring for injured and orphaned animals. The Teton Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Wilson cares for over 130 injured birds annually and advances raptor conservation through education, research, and rehabilitation. The Cheyenne Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation (outgrowth of Cheyenne Pet Clinic) treats injured wildlife with public donations. Northeast Wyoming N.E.W. Bird Rescue and Rehab in Gillette focuses on migratory bird rescue and rehabilitation. Ironside Bird Rescue in Cody (founded 1990) and Ycross Bird Farm in Cheyenne also serve as bird rehabilitation facilities. Wyoming Game and Fish Department governs wildlife rehabilitation permits statewide.

Wyoming is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, making it one of the most wildlife-rich states in the nation. The state's wide-open spaces and protected lands provide refuge for a fascinating menagerie of wild creatures including grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, elk, moose, bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, river otters, bald eagles, golden eagles, and numerous raptor species. Wyoming also has more than 40 amphibian and reptile species, including two venomous snakes (prairie rattlesnake and midget-faded rattlesnake). The state's official reptile is the horned toad (Phrynosoma), a short-tailed lizard from the iguana family despite its name.

Additional Wildlife Experiences in Wyoming

Guided Wildlife Tours

The best way to experience abundant wildlife is by booking a guided tour. Wyoming's expert guides bring visitors to optimal viewing spots and provide educational information about ecosystems, animal behavior, and conservation. Tours are available in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Laramie areas.

Scenic Wildlife Drives

Mountain and prairie drives offer safe wildlife viewing from vehicles - ideal for families with small children, visitors with physical limitations, or those seeking comfortable experiences. Popular drives include routes through Laramie area (pronghorn, moose, mule deer, elk), Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, and Grand Teton meadows.

Wildlife Conservation Organizations

  • Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation - Citizen science programs and bearwise initiatives promoting human-wildlife coexistence
  • Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Statewide conservation, education, and habitat management
  • Teton Raptor Center - Raptor conservation through education and research

Photography Tips

Bring binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses for safe, close-up views. Best lighting occurs at dawn and dusk. Wildlife is most active during these times. Always use vehicles or designated viewing areas as blinds.

Last updated on November 27, 2025