Film

While none of the wolves at Wild Spirit are formally trained for film work, there are a handful of socialized wolves who have been familiarized enough with various settings and situations to be taken out for media projects comfortably. With enough time and information, certain behaviors can be conditioned, and in some cases, natural behaviors can be evoked as needed.


As our Sanctuary's primary ambassador, Forest is well socialized and comfortable in a variety of circumstances. He is the most flexible and easy to work with.

Brutus and Dakota are both well socialized, though neither works on his own. These animals are available in addition to Forest, but not on their own in most circumstances.
Flurry and Storm are more reserved and unavailable for most hands-on filming/photo projects. They are, however, responsive to handlers and available for work without direct contact with actors.

Already with a film under his belt, our young and upcoming star Zoerro promises to set any photo or film on fire with his wolf good looks and always ready for "action" personality.

Benefits and Limits Working with Rescued Animals

The benefits to working with wolves include nominal fees when compared with professional pricing, animals that are socialized enough to interact with actors and film crews safely, and the knowledge that the fees paid are supporting our non-profit sanctuary.
The limitations are obvious: as these animals are not professionally trained, they will not respond to hand signals and vocal commands. Getting the required behaviors will require handler's expertise, and when possible, advance notice for preparation.

Previous Work Has Been Done for:

Pricing and Restrictions for Professional Film/Photo Work

  • $1000.00 per day for one animal and two handlers.
  • Subsequent pricing varies if more than one animal is required. Each animal will require two Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary handlers at all time.
  • College, film festivals, and other amateur projects pricing is negotiable.
  • If out-of-state travel is required, the same pricing applies plus additional reimbursement for all travel costs incurred.
  • A deposit is required prior to travel.

Rules for Animals

  • Animals must be worked first. Long periods of time standing around will cause the wolves to become anxious and harder to handle. Please make sure directors' schedules include animal filming first.
  • Wolves are only able to work a maximum of four hours per day. This includes the waiting period prior to filming.
  • All work done is at the full discretion of the handlers.
  • We recommend you inform us of what the animals will be required to do at least two weeks in advance when possible. This gives us time to work with the animals and find the best way to get the desired behaviors during filming.

On-Site Work

Animals who may not be available for off-site travel could potentially work for on-site filming and photos for a high discounted and negotiable fee. Contact us with your interest in particular animals. The Sanctuary has a 1-acre wooded enclosure with green screen capabilities, while several of our other enclosures have natural, high-desert scenery. Photo and film work that can be done on the property outside of the enclosures or within a 30-minute drive can be done at a much reduced rate. This area radius includes various scenic locations, including El Morro and El Malpais national monuments.

On-Site Film Shoots with Models

Professional models, authors looking for book-flap photos, and other photographers may consider setting up a photoshoot on-site. Fees for this vary depending on needs.

Previous Work Has Been Done for:

Please contact our Director directly for further information and scheduling.

Leyton Cougar, Director: Leyton@wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org

Media

  • Animal Talent
    Information for directors and/or photographers who would like a wolf in their project
  • Photos for Media
    Photos available for use by newspapers, magazines, online publications, blogs, or other media sources

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