ASUS/WAO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization caring for a variety of unwanted, abused or neglected animals.

The sanctuary provides quality lifetime care and housing to hundreds of displaced big cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, domestic and feral cats, and hoof stock.

Many of the animals that arrive at the sanctuary have been displaced.

Additionally, hundreds of primates are sent to us for retirement from the medical research and the community. 

Founded in 1983, the sanctuary utilizes 112 acres between two facilities. Of these 112 acres, 102 are heavily treed and secluded and house the majority of the animals who call the ASUS/WAO home. Here they live in very large (1/4 - 2 acre tracts) natural areas with plenty of trees and grass. This area is not open to the public.

The other 10-acre facility is maintained as an educational facility. Guided educational tours are offered to schools and the public in an effort to teach our children that wild animals do not make good pets.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) kindly provided the funding for fifty acres of this beautiful property.

IFAW has also been very supportive with many animal rescues. We thank them on behalf of the many animals that have found solace at this wonderful place of peace.