New Development May Threaten Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary

A proposed new development in northeastern Colorado is facing backlash from a wildlife sanctuary, an establishment that claims that the developer is violating an agreement.

What is Colorado's Wild Animal Sanctuary?

The Wild Animal Sanctuary was established roughly 45 years ago and is located in Keenesburg, Colorado.

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Since its inception, the Wild Animal Sanctuary has rescued over 1,000 animals from abuse, neglect, and war zones across the globe. These animals include, but are not limited to, lions, tigers, and bears.

What Does Colorado's Wild Animal Sanctuary's Agreement Say?

According to a petition created by the Wild Animal Sanctuary at Change.org, an agreement was put into place in 2010 that a new developer is in violation of.

The petition states the following:

That agreement required an 8-foot privacy fence, a protective buffer, and a seat on the homeowners association for TWAS to ensure new residents understand the unique challenges of living next to the world’s largest concentration of carnivores.

A lawsuit has been filed against the developer.

New Development May Put Colorado's Wild Animal Sanctuary in Jeopardy

The developer, Wigaard Smith Estates, is "building new houses on land directly bordering the sanctuary," according to the sanctuary.

The petition warns that doing so could compromise the safety of all parties, with other unwanted byproducts being noise complaints and further lawsuits.

Colorado's Wild Animal Sanctuary is Asking for Help

In addition to the petition and lawsuit, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is actively asking Weld County officials to put a stop to the construction.

Read More: Take a Virtual Tour of Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary

Check out the full story and petition at Change.org here.