A New Mexico Sanctuary Is Trying to Save 25 Rare Wolfdogs — Here's How to Provide Help

A wolfdog is a canine with a mix of both wolf and dog ancestry

A nonprofit in New Mexico has launched a campaign to save over two dozen wolfdogs — canines with both wolf and dog ancestry.

The Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary (WSWS), which is located in Ramah, is attempting to provide aid to a Colorado animal sanctuary currently at risk of permanent closure after its founder and executive director died, according to an official release from the organization shared with PEOPLE.

The Colorado sanctuary, known as the Indigo Mountain Nature Facility (IMNF), is home to 25 rare wolfdogs.

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“Saving the sanctuary is paramount,” Brittany McDonald, WSWS Executive Director, said in the release. “If we don’t step in now, not only do we risk the lives of these wolfdogs, but we also eliminate a crucial resource for future rescues.”

According to the release, the lack of dedicated wolf sanctuaries in North America has reached a “critical point,” with existing sanctuaries at capacity and “turning away animals in desperate need of care.”

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“The potential loss of Indigo Mountain would mean one less safe haven for countless wild canids, intensifying the crisis they face due to the exotic pet trade,” said a representative for WSWS.

The New Mexico organization also stressed that keeping the animals in Colorado specifically will be highly beneficial to future rescue efforts.

“Colorado’s robust economy and tourism market present a promising avenue for sustainability for both Wild Spirit and Indigo Mountain,” McDonald said. “This move is not just about rescuing these specific animals; it’s about fortifying a sanctuary that can serve as a beacon of hope for many more in the years to come.”

In order to achieve its goal, the WSWS is launching a campaign to raise at least $715,000.

This amount will also “facilitate essential improvements to the facility and help WSWS create a welcoming environment for visitors and supporters,” per the release.

In addition to 25 wolfdogs, the Colorado nature center is also home to two black bears, according to the organization’s official website.

Those interested in donating to the Indigo Mountain Campaign and helping save its animal residents can do so here.