Many locals don’t know about this, but there’s a wolf sanctuary that’s just outside of Sedona. Located in Rimrock on roughly three acres, the Sedona Wolf Sanctuary is home to six wolves. The sanctuary has been in town for over 20 years. It was originally founded by Healingwolf, a female shaman, and called the Medicine Wheel Lodge and Wolf Sanctuary. The business was taken over by CEO and founder Cynthia Heisch in mid-2022. The sanctuary provides a refuge for the wolves, but is not focused on conservation. The new owner is dedicated to preserving the sanctuary’s history. “She really felt like a protector of the land, a guardian of the wolves,” says Cynthia, of Healingwolf. “She was pairing the sacred land with the sacred animal and wanted people to experience what the Native Americans believed was wolf medicine.”
The sanctuary is focused on helping individuals connect with the animals. Visitors can book visits that typically last for about two hours to meet and greet with the wolves. The experience is organic, and wolves are not forced to interact with guests. Although they often do. The entire wolf visit takes place outdoors and begins with an orientation to introduce others to the private property. They’re told about the history of the place along with the type of work the sanctuary does. Guests participate in exercises designed to calm them before they interact with the wolves. This can include exercises at the medicine wheel. Cynthia or another team member leads the entire experience. “We really try to emphasize and teach about the land as well, as much as we do about the wolves. Why they’re here. Why wolves need to not be pets,” she says.
The wolves are all rescues who have never lived in the wild, and the sanctuary is dedicated to helping the animals by providing them with shelter, food and medical care. The sanctuary is also a nonprofit. The vast majority of the nonprofit’s funds go toward supplying medical care for the animals. “Rescuing these beautiful creatures is 100 percent our passion,” says Cynthia. “Connecting with them can be life changing. I know it was for me. They are majestic and transformative.” – Teresa K. Traverse
