Hundreds of Rescued Animals Find Serentity in Colorado Springs Animal Sanctuary
Serene, the state of being calm and peaceful, is something all animals deserve and something Nick Sculac, founder of Serenity Springs in Colorado, strives to achieve for the animals living there. A former Hollywood Trainer of big cats, Sculac opened the facility as a safe-haven for retired animals who faced a grim future. The non-profit, which opened 21 years ago, is home to 120 big cats, some of which have been featured in movies, commercials and TV shows. Other animals living at the sanctuary include bears, mountain lions, lemurs, caracals and even an Amur leopard – a rare sight considering there are only 32 left in the wild.
During your adventure at Serenity Springs, you will see various exotic cats, all of which have a unique story behind their journey to this animal sanctuary.
Snow Magic came to Serenity in 2009 from a prominent Las Vegas magic show after he became nervous while performing. After retiring, Snow had a spinal aneurism which caused him to lose feeling in his hind legs. Through steroid and acupuncture treatment, feeling in one leg was restored, but unfortunately the other leg had to undergo a rare amputation.
Nanda worked in California as a “hit cat.” Her job was to knock actors to the ground without hurting them and walk away. Retired at the age of 6, she is now 20 and still loves to take down anyone in with her who is not paying attention.
Besides these and many other tigers, lions also call Serenity Springs home.
Pharaoh, a male lion, was a trained actor and has traveled all over the world. He was recently featured on a King Soopers commercial. He began getting nervous on set, so he was retired.
Savannah, was in the movie “Second Hand Lions” and was given to SSWC by animal trainer Steve Martin. She out-roars all the boys with ease: You go girl!
SSWC also offers the opportunity to actually play with some of the baby animals. The wildlife center offers two types of cub interaction, depending on if they have a cub living at the sanctuary or not. To find out, check the Facebook page for updates.
Location:
24615 Scott Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
(719) 347-9200
Tour Info:
General Tour: $10/person. (Children 2 and under are free.)
Play with a baby tiger: $25
Photo Tour: $200 person up to two people. Take your best shot with a private guided photography tour of over 120 spectacular cats including tigers, bobcats, cougars, leopards, lions, and more. Your guide will lead you to the best spots and provide special access to ensure you every opportunity for obtaining memorable photographs.
Feeding Tour: $180 a person – limit 5 people, must be 16 years or older – Explore the facilities and watch from just a few feet away as the keepers feed the animals.
Carri’s Catch: For the philanthropy minded folks, consider adopting one of the big cats for anywhere from $25-$200 a month. For more details, please click here.
