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Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch is a non-profit organization providing safe sanctuary to abused and abandoned captive-bred wolves and wolf dogs, with a focus on education, ecology and the environment, responsible ownership of wolf dogs and the humane care of all animals.
Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch was founded in 1991 by fine artist Jacque Evans. It is located in the Zuni Mountains near the small town of Ramah, New Mexico. The unlikely name comes from the fact that the refuge is located at an old ranch headquarters of the same name. Jacque is the Executive Director of the ranch and supported the effort with the sale of her art work until 1993. At that time, Barbara Berge moved to the area and serves as General Manager.
When an idiot near me decided they would release their captive-raised, full blood wolf into the "wild" (in a semi-rural residental neighborhood), I contacted Candy Kitchen. While I lived 1,000 miles away from the ranch in Texas, Barbara used her data base to put me in touch with a local rescue facility less than an hour away from me (that I didn't know existed) and the animal was rescued within twelve hours of my initial call for help. Animals have come to Candy Kitchen from as far away as New Jersey and Washington state. To the extent that it is possible, the animals are kept in compatible pairs or small groups. When feasible, animals are adopted out. Potential adoptees are carefully screened to insure that the animal goes to a wolf dog literate person with proper facilities.
Candy Kitchen is focused on education, with the hope that rescue organizations will no longer be needed. Candy Kitchen produces a newsletter, "The Candy Wolf", and is dedicated to producing and collecting educational materials.
An extensive data base of supporters throughout the area is computerized and this provides a network of people to help educate the public. A great deal of effort is spent by the staff and representatives in problem solving to help avoid animals being dumped or put in shelters.
The Ranch also has boarding facilities available which consists of large, fully covered pens. This makes it possible to securely board even difficult animals.
Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch currently houses 75+ wolves and wolf-dogs. Candy Kitchen is an accredited member of The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS), and is USDA licensed and inspected.
Organized tours are available Thursday through Sunday at 11 A.M., 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. and by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ranch is closed to the public on Mondays.
Help from volunteers and interns is always appreciated. Consider sponsoring one of the wolves or wolfdogs, or even making a small, one time donation towards this worthwhile cause.
You can contact Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch by email at
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or by phone at (505) 775-3304 or visit the Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch website.
Read the story of the Homestead Wolf Pack. |
