Frequently Asked Questions

Only 200 sanctuaries worldwide have achieved accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), a lengthy and thorough process that assures the public that the animal residents are cared for with the highest standards for their health and well-being for the rest of their lives.

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is a true sanctuary where the animals are not bought, bred, sold, or traded. They are surrendered or confiscated due to neglect or illegal possession, and they are carefully cared for at a sanctuary for the rest of their lives. At Black Pine, the staff and volunteers provide refuge, excellent care, and a forever retirement home for the animals. Our residents roam freely in their habitat and interact with guests on their own terms.

No. The animal residents live at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary for refuge and a safe and caring environment. Interaction with humans can be frightening and disruptive to wild and exotic animals. It is also dangerous both for the visitor and the animal. The only human interaction sanctuary residents have is with the highly skilled keepers who provide care, enrichment, and medical treatment for the animal’s well-being.

Livestock:

Due to the Avian flu, we cannot accept farm-fresh eggs or poultry at this time. We do not accept meat from horse, pig, sheep, lamb, or goat. We do not accept live animals, sick animals, or chemically euthanized animals. Cows must be pre-butchered.

Deer:

We cannot accept any deer donations at this time due to the presence of CWD in the area.

Freezer Meat:

We cannot accept lunchmeat, pork, sausage, or smoked/marinated/seasoned meats. We do not feed out meat that is older than two years old, freezer burnt, or meat that has been thawed and refrozen. We can only accept freezer meat that is in human-grade, store bought or butcher packaging. No tinfoil, ziplock, or vacuum sealed packages, please. Best by or packaged dates must be printed on packaging, and packaging cannot be broken.

Frozen Produce:

We can accept frozen produce as long as it is not expired, freezer burnt, and has no added sugar, seasonings, or other additives.

At Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, we have a team that reviews inquiries regarding bringing an exotic animal into the sanctuary. If you have or know of a captive-raised exotic animal in need of refuge, please fill out the form or complete the PDF and email it to exec@blackpine.org.

After review, the team will contact you with further information as soon as possible. At present, we are not able to accept grazing/farm animals, aquatic animals, ground birds, or native-born Indiana wildlife.

To help native-born wild animals, please contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is not licensed or equipped to do so.

Please contact your local humane society or shelter organization for assistance with domestic and pocket pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, hedgehogs, chinchillas, and ferrets.

Yes, but Sanctuary rules require guests to turn off their flash and never taunt, yell, or scream at the animal residents for photographs.

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is a 501[c] 3, which means we are a public non-profit. Fundraising events, private donations, and grants provide care for the animal residents. Most of the funding comes from grassroots donations from people and companies who share our mission of caring for the animal residents and raising awareness about their plight. Please visit our help section for the many ways you can help with Black Pine’s mission.

As a true, GFAS-accredited sanctuary, visitation is limited to minimize the impact on the animal residents.

For current hours of visitation, please visit the Hours & Fees page.

Education is an integral part of the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary’s mission. We offer field trips for schools and groups from April through October. To schedule a meeting, please email info@blackpine.org or call (260) 636-7383 for assistance.

Visitation prices vary by age and tour level. You may view pricing details by visiting Hours & Fees.

Reservations are not necessary for general visitation, which is available Friday & Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from the first weekend of May until the last weekend of October. We recommend calling ahead to make reservations for guided tours, as tour sizes are limited.

Please note that reservations are required for our exclusive Behind the Scenes, Enrichment Feeding, and the Toddlers & Tots tour. These unique experiences can be reserved here.

We accept cash, check, Pay Pal, or all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Visitation and donation checks may be written out to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.

Yes. We are open during the regular season during the rain and close only for lightning, high winds, steady heavy rain, or dangerous weather. Prepaid reservations are subject to our cancellation policy.

Yes. The visitor parking area and the sanctuary are paved. We also have wheelchairs available here.

The sanctuary gift shop Wolf Den Gifts and Things offers cold bottled drinks. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the covered pavilion with picnic tables on a first-come, first-served basis. Sanctuary rules prohibit alcohol and smoking.

No. This is for the safety of your pet and the animal residents, who may become aggressive or agitated by visiting domestic pets.

Black Pine is in the heart of Noble County, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, art lovers, and more! Chain-of-Lakes State Park is just miles away. Albion offers several locally-owned restaurants and shops, including a coffee shop, Gastropub, and a pizzeria. For more information, check out www.visitnoblecounty.org.

All pre-purchased programs are non-refundable unless Black Pine cancels for any reason. In that case, the buyer is eligible for a full refund or credit towards an alternative program, date, and/or time. Refunds, when applicable, will be made within 7-10 working days.

All pre-purchased program reservations are transferable. Please present program acknowledgment, confirmation, or receipt upon arrival to redeem. All other program restrictions apply as noted.

For a request to change or transfer credit to another program date or time, you must receive confirmation from sanctuary staff must be confirmed more than 24 hours before the initially purchased program date/time to be eligible for credit. Make change requests by calling (260) 636-7383 or emailing info@blackpine.org. Proof of purchase may be required. A program change fee may apply under extraordinary circumstances. Changes may be limited to use within one year of the original purchase date. Please call 260-636-7383 to cancel if you are unable to attend. Volunteers often drive long distances to accommodate these programs, so advanced notice is required. No-call or no-shows may be subject to cancellation fees. If a situation arises and Black Pine cancels a prepaid program for any reason. In that case, the sanctuary will issue a 100% refund and notify participants.