**Message from the owner**
To all of our followers, fans, and animal lovers out there –
Thank you for the last 21 years!
It’s not an easy decision to step away and close the doors to such a dream come true, but the time has come for me to step back from 24/7 animal care, and let others learn and grow from the animals that have called Wild Wonders home.
Starting this summer, June 2023, I will be making sure each animal is settled into their new homes.
I will never forget the wrinkled noses of kids when I brought out our skunk.
I will always remember the smiles on faces when one of our raccoons reached out to grab a treat from outstretched hands.
I will cherish the dreams made into a reality when a birthday child got to see, pet, and even hold their favorite animal.
Animals have a way of touching our hearts like nothing else can. I hope you all will never forget. I know I never will.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
–Sarah Jacobsen
(2002-2023)
OUR MISSION
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- To provide a licensed home for rescued and adopted exotic animals from Utah and around the world
- Educate the general public about the wonders of the animal kingdom.
- Help to create a personal bond with wildlife so as to foster the responsibility of caring for our natural resources
- To entertain groups of all sizes and allow up-close and personal interactions with wildlife
Based in Utah County, Utah, Wild Wonders is a state and federally licensed and insured, non-profit animal education facility. We provide a home for injured, displaced, non-releasable, and geriatric animals. These animals have become ambassadors to help educate people about the wonders of the animal kingdom. Wild Wonders is dedicated to the care and nurture of these special animals and in sharing their stories and their lives to all who wish to listen.
Our Educators
Sarah Jacobsen received her degrees from America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. This Exotic Animal Training and Management Program (EATM) is the only one of its kind in the nation providing extensive hands-on training and in-depth animal education with a variety of animals.
Before EATM, Sarah worked at Hogle Zoo in the World of Flight bird show where she trained, prepared diets for the birds, and performed in the shows. While at EATM, she did internships at the San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Wild Things Inc., L.A. and Santa Barbra Zoos, as well as maintained EATM’s 5 acre facility along with other students and staff.
Seeing the joy and excitement in people’s faces while teaching about the animals in her care inspired her to start Wild Wonders with her husband Spencer.
Spencer Jacobsen has always had a love for animals and a passion for advocating the peaceful coexistence with wildlife. Working as a vet tech in California, he became interested in the EATM program and asked for a tour of the zoo. As fate would have it, Sarah is the one who took him on that tour.
Our Facility
Started in 2002, our current facility houses over 60 animals and 25 different species, from Birds to Bobcat, Ferrets to Foxes, Snakes to Skunks – and we continue to grow. Every animal has its own unique story and reasons why they are here.
All cages, landscaping, buildings, and walkways are designed and built to provide the best possible environment for our animal ambassadors. Along with our permanent staff, there are volunteers and dedicated interns all working together to make Wild Wonders possible. We also would not be where we are today without the incredible support of those who have donated specific time, materials, and funding.
To utilize Wild Wonders as your possible Eagle Scout Projects please contact us to set up a time to visit our facility and discuss options.
Our History
For 20 years we enjoyed traveling throughout the Wasatch Front educating groups with the help of our animal ambassadors.
We visited hundreds of elementary classes, taught in high school biology labs, enhanced college science lectures, and showed different job options for CTE (career and technical education) assemblies.
We entertained and educated at birthday parties, school carnivals, PTA fundraisers, city festivals, senior centers, scout camps, and even national events.
Groups of summer camps, preschool classes, family reunions and even rehabilitation centers would come down to our center for either a stage program or to tour our facility.
No matter the group, the size, or the age of the crowd, it was always a pleasure to share these amazing animals with everyone.
While we are no longer traveling to schools, birthdays, or special events we are still offering tours at our facility where we are educating and entertaining groups, but on a smaller scale.
All visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to schedule your visit!
Testimonial
“I want to thank you for doing an amazing job at my son’s 9th birthday party! The variety of animals you brought was WONDERFUL!! You were entertaining, educational and fun! The kids all had a GREAT time!! I will definitely recommend you! And thank you for all you do to help animals! You are their angel!”
-Warmly, Christina Herrmann and family