Valley of the Kings Sancturary & Retreat

What a Remarkable Place!
I have been to Valley of the Kings (VOTK) a couple of times and have a number of friends who visit at least once each year as members. Without a doubt this is an amazing place with amazingly wonderful volunteers. Most recent visit was August 30, 2015. The lions, tigers, bears, foxes, horses, dogs, donkeys, wolves, goats and… all appear to be well fed and very content. The staff simply love these animals and it shows. They know the nuisances of each animal whether a particular lion does not like cameras aimed at them or a person leaning forward on a gate.
Back to the volunteers: Can you name me a group of people who have the fortitude to step inside wild animal enclosures (yes, each animal is in a holding area nearby) and clean poop, scrub all areas and do what is necessary for the animal’s well being? Oh, did I mention handling the fresh dead carcass (the food these animals eat) that they place in the enclosures for the animals. Then there are all of the volunteers I never see including those that handle the finances, medical needs and other aspects of each animal’s life. Truly amazing.
VOTK is a very clean place that is wonderful for folks of all ages. You cannot leave without being more educated and respectful of all wild animals. Truly a sanctuary for animals that make it there. Hoping this treasure in the Country continues its successful mission.

– JULY 2014 –
We visited on 27 July. I was so happy to be there again. Much has changed since I’d last visited. It was sad to see how many animals I used to visit had passed away. It was so wonderful seeing the animals I’d missed all these years. It was nice to see the latest members of the sanctuary.
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VotK is my most favorite place. I’ve been a member since 1999. Jill, her family and the volunteers are some of the best people, as they give so selflessly to these wonderful animals. Everyone there loves these animals so much. They are a 501©(3) charity and do not receive any state or federal funding. Please donate.
I originally visited as the guest of a member, so I could see the tigers. I love tigers. When I ‘met’ one of the lions, I became instantly drawn and connected to him. I could sit with Jonah for hours. I sent my membership stuff in as soon as I returned home that day. Seeing the tigers play in their kiddie pools & hearing them chuff, and hearing the lions roar are experiences I will treasure for life. I’ve uploaded some pictures from the early-​mid 2000s [most by other members].

Who would expect to find a sanctuary and retreat for lions, tigers, and other large cats in a small farming community in Wisconsin, but there is one, and it is an amazing place. You have to be a member in order to visit – which I am – and I eagerly look forward to the times I am able to make the excursion there from Chicago.
Unfortunately we live in a society where many exotic animals are used for what they can provide (and often abused in the the process) before being cruelly discarded. Valley of the Kings attempts to change that by providing a permanent and safe home for such animals. The task isn’t easy, however, and it is only through the lifelong 100% dedication of the directors that it is possible, and even then, they would not be able to do it without a very dedicated staff of volunteers. Truly they put me to shame.
If you are interested in becoming a member, or even just in supporting the work, I urge you to check out the Valley of the Kings website. You’ll be amazed at what you see and learn there.
And if you are fortunate enough to actually visit the shelter and retreat, it is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
I’m planning to visit again very soon and I can’t wait.