Wolf Hybrids Headed For Colorado Sanctuary

Bridgette Bornstein

(WCCO) Some very lucky animals are about to make the long trek to their final home. Last week, investigators seized 20 wolf hybrids from a farm near Danbury, Wis. They're all very sick, and a couple still might not make it even with all the tender loving care at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, Minn.

"They're really fluffy so it's hard to tell their true condition, but when you can get in there and touching them through the cages they are really boney. They're malnourished they just haven't been fed properly," said Animal Humane Society Manager of Veterinary Services Kathie Johnson.

When investigators found the wolf hybrids, there was no running water on the property, hardly any food, some were on short chains, and most were close to death. Investigators think the owner might have been breeding wolves and dogs for decades. The property was under foreclosure when she died.

"I think wolves were her passion and she just got in up over her head. We've been fortunate enough to raise funding to at least give these animals one last shot," said Animal Humane Society Investigator Keith Streff.

It will take several thousand dollars to move all these animals to a sanctuary in Colorado, but donations have been coming in. So the trip to their new home could happen as soon as tomorrow. "They are so lucky, the outcry from the public has been absolutely overwhelming," said Johnson.

In Wisconsin, it is legal to have exotic animals. There are more restrictive laws in Minnesota.

WCCO-TV