LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Just north of Lititz, Lancaster County holds a hidden gem.
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is quietly secured on over eighty acres of natural woodland.
"[The sanctuary] was founded in 1980 by Bill and Barbara Darlington basically out of a love for wolves and from the very beginning we've always been a rescue [for] wolves and wolf-dogs," explained Michelle Mancini, the education coordinator at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
For over 40 years, the Darlington Family has offered refuge to gray wolves and wolf-dogs.
At the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, wolves are given back their dignity.
"Wolves are misunderstood in two ways," said Mancini. "They're not the fairy tale monsters they're made out to be. But on the other hand, they're also not cute, cuddly pets. So, we're trying to show people the true nature of wolves."
According to the nonprofit, staffers are devoted to assuring the highest quality of care and enrichment for the wolves.
"That involves prepping meals for the wolves, making sure the upkeep and maintenance of all the enclosures is going on," said animal caretaker Joseph Warker. "When it comes to the bottom line, the wolves' happiness is the priority."
The sanctuary currently holds over 50 gray wolves and wolf dogs.
Through guided tours, officials with the Wolf Sanctuary of PA hope to dispel common myths about wolves and provide a more accurate and respectful image of the species.
"It's a guided educational tour to take guests through the wolf sanctuary," explained volunteer Karl Lodwick. "We talk about the wolves that we see around us [and their] biology."
"We also get to know their personalities, so we try to let that shine on the tours," added Mancini.
The sanctuary offers two types of tours: guided and private. Guided public tours run Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and usually range from an hour to an hour and a half in length. Private tours run for two hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sanctuary staff members say working with the wolves offers a special look into nature.
"The wolves are so unique in how they form bonds and relationships," said Mancini. "We really try to make sure that they have a lifetime of quality care, that they live their best life here and that they have a companion to share it with."
"It's a unique place to volunteer at," added Lodwick. "I wish more people would."
All donations go towards supporting the wolves, which isn't cheap.
"Our monthly vet bill, just to have the vet come out and do our monthly checkups, can be $2,000 at base," said Mancini.
Additionally, Walker told FOX43 that fencing is the most costly sanctuary expense, alongside vet care, for the wolves.
"It's ongoing," Mancini explained. "Fencing costs are huge, general operating costs are huge, so having people come out for tours and having people donate is a huge deal because it really helps us with those daily needs."
However, a passion for providing the best life for the sanctuary's wolves is common among all volunteers and staff members.
"No matter how grueling the work, how difficult the task may be or how stressed we might be juggling a bunch of different things, we always sit back and reflect and remember why we're doing it, why we're coming out," said Mancini.
To learn more about the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, click here.