The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is inviting the community to come Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5-7 p.m. for a “Wild of Wonder” Pop-Up Community Event featuring food, fun, beverages, wildlife and the people who make YWS a special part of the Red Lodge community.

Particpants will have a chance to meet the YWS staff, visit 34 Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem wildlife residents, and enjoy an evening at the Sanctuary in Red Lodge.

“There won’t be an auction. There won’t be a speech and sales pitch,” explained Samantha Thomas, YWS Board chair. “We’re inviting people to simply spend time with us. We believe that when you get to know our wildlife and the work we do, you’ll fall in love with the Sanctuary — and maybe you’ll want to become a member, adopt an animal, or make a gift to help care for them.”

The event is sponsored by the YWS Board of Directors and staff, and 100% of the money raised will go directly toward caring for the Sanctuary’s wildlife. The everyday care of wildlife matters. Major projects often attract grant funding. The everyday work of caring for animals is different.

“We recently completed a major renovation with the support of grants,” said Thomas. “But what can be surprising is that caring for our 34 wildlife residents can cost as much as an entire building renovation. There are grants for major projects — but there are no grants that pay for the everyday expenses of feeding, caring for, and providing lifelong sanctuary to these animals.”

That’s where our community comes in. Every admission, membership, donation, and animal adoption helps provide food, veterinary care, enrichment, habitat maintenance, and the daily care our wildlife residents require.

Join online at yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org or become a member at the door.