FAQs
WHERE IS THE SANCTUARY?
The facility is in a small valley surrounded by the Puma Hills between Lake
George, CO and Eleven Mile Reservoir.
HOW DID IT GET IT'S NAME?
The Center is named in memory of a beautiful wolfdog that taught the founders
the "ways of wolf". Indigo died in 1998 long before the founding of the Center,
but she will be forever remembered in our hearts.
HOW MANY ANIMALS LIVE AT THE SANCTUARY?
The numbers fluctuate as new rescues come in, but the sanctuary currently
houses over 30 canines and black bear.
WHERE DO THE ANIMALS COME FROM?
Each animal's story is unique. Many have come to us through owner surrender or pseudo-sanctuaries being closed down by the authorities. Some lived out their usefulness at so-called educational facilities. Some were surrendered to us from backyard breeders who got in over their heads. Others were transfers from animal control, humane societies or animal shelters. All of them have been born in captivity and have no chance of ever being introduced to the wild.
DO YOU BREED?
No. All the rescues at Indigo Mountain are altered to avoid unwanted births.
DO YOU SELL ANIMALS?
No. We provide for a lifetime of care once an animal comes to Indigo Mountain. We do occasionally adopt animals out through our rescue efforts rather than bringing them to the sanctuary if the animal passes all behavioral evaluations and the proper placement can be found.
WHEN WILL THEY BE RELEASED TO THE WILD?
Because all of the animals were bred and born in captivity it is illegal to release them in the wild and we are staunch believers in keeping wildlife wild. It is also highly unethical to release captive-born wildlife as they have not been taught the appropriate skills for hunting or foraging that would be needed to survive on their own.
CAN WE VISIT?
Indigo Mountain is a true sanctuary, not a zoo or roadside attraction and is NOT open to the public for tours. It is a refuge for the animals that people have failed. Consequently many of them are shy and become easily stressed at the sight of strangers.
HOW IS INDIGO MOUNTAIN FUNDED?
We are a state and federally approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We rely primarily on donations from individuals, family trusts, small businesses and some foundation grants. We participate in Colorado Gives Day and Giving Tuesday each year. We keep our management and fundraising costs at a minimum so a large percentage of the revenue can be used for program services such as animal care, rescue and education.
DO YOU RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS OR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE?
No. There is no support available to sanctuaries from the state of Colorado or from the Federal Government.
ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?
We are not formally affiliated with other organizations, however, we do work cooperatively with numerous animal facilities to rescue and place animals.
