Our Human Pack

Brittany first fell in love with wolves when she was just 8 years old and has been actively pursuing her dream of working with them ever since! Though she is Minnesota born and raised, her passion for wildlife has led her all over the United States where she has gained experience caring for wolves, big cats, primates, reptiles, and so many more.
As a long-time supporter of Wild Spirit, Brittany has always admired the sanctuary’s dedication toward making our rescues’ health and happiness our number one priority, and with her knowledge of concepts like animal health and behavior, enrichment, and operant conditioning, she’s excited for the opportunity to further contribute to that philosophy!

It goes without saying that the role of Executive Director is one that encompasses many responsibilities, but as she prepares to follow in the footsteps of those that came before her, Brittany is confident about her abilities to lead the team toward continued growth that will forever aim to honor each of the “wild spirits” that call the sanctuary home.

Brittany’s personality best matches our rescue, Beans!

Paul is a returning member of the Wild Spirit team, having first volunteered back in 2015 and 2016 while he obtained his Bachelors in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Paul has since graduated, and transitioned into a career in Conservation Biology, participating in Recovery Action Plans for endangered species around the globe. This includes species such as Tasmanian devils, dingos, spotted-tailed quolls, howler monkeys and scarlet macaws.

Over the duration of Covid, Paul also spent his time working and apprenticing as an animal trainer. Having completed his apprenticeship, Paul intends to fill a niche role in the industry as a Conservation Trainer, using positive reinforcement techniques and environmental enrichment to increase the reintroduction success of captive breeding programs.

Wild Spirit has always been on his mind, and after 7 long years, he has finally returned to call it home once again.

Bailey hails from far, far away . . . in Texas!

Bailey has a wealth of experience working with animals, especially canids! In fact, she has been working with wolves and wolfdogs in particular since she was 13 years old at Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary. After spending so much time with these majestic animals, Bailey lost track of who she was and soon abandoned society to live a more “wild life”. Many Texas locals told tales of a strange girl they witnessed lurking in the night, scooping up animals left and right to create what she described as a Super Pack. Once her mission was complete and she successful created a new society of animals–complete with hundreds of different species living in harmony–she decided to return to the human world to work for the Houston Zoo.

However, Bailey just could not thrive in such a civilized area, and decided the middle of the New Mexico high desert was a better fit! Thus, she kicked down our door one night, screamed, “HIRE ME, OR I’LL END YOUR CAREER,” and we knew she was perfect fit for our Internship Coordinator position. The rest, as they say, is history.

Jacob, or “Fish” as he’s commonly referred to as, came to us from Detroit on the recommendation of a friend. He’s been a great asset to our team, with the exception of the insane amount of time he spends in the bathroom. Fish spends his evenings blowing glass, and hanging out with his cat, “Special Agent Dale Cooper”.

VOLUNTEER OF THE DECADE!
Mike has been assisting our maintenance department for several years, and he personally handles many daily tasks that could otherwise fall to the wayside. Of course, our B&M team is always facing an overwhelming list of tasks, and Mike helps ensure that we are steadily accomplishing those tasks. Mike also goes on “meat-runs” for the sanctuary, meaning that he drives into Gallup or Albuquerque once a week to pick up meat donations for our rescues, without which we would not be able to survive.

Kyla was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor’s of Science. And unsure of what she really wanted to do, she spent the next couple years backpacking around the world. Over the course of her travels she volunteered at many sanctuary’s and animal shelters. Then when she returned home she knew she wanted to spend her days working with animals. Interning at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is a step for her into hopefully a long career in the animal care field.

Sarah is a lover of all new things and up for any adventure.

She originally studied and graduated with a bachelor’s in English Literature, and is now pursuing a career in the wildlife field, and this internship is the perfect start!

I’m a psychologist with a master’s degree in biology, specializing in animal behavior. I have seven years of experience working with wildlife in Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of species, including spider monkeys, toucans, sloths, gray foxes, and black bears. But my true passion has been with wolves since I was a kid, and for the past five years, I’ve been on the journey of working with the Mexican gray wolf, contributing to their conservation and reintroduction in Mexico.

I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

Meet Shannon Hicks, aka Awakened Earth Eagle, the driver of the legendary Mystery Meat Machine at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. Originally from California, but having spent most of my life in the lush forests of Washington state, I now navigate the wild roads to deliver raw meat to some of the most fascinating creatures around — from wolves, coyotes, and red foxes, to the ever-talented New Guinea singing dogs.
I’ve recently developed a new mission: rescuing the elusive Albuquerqhorned Beast. Spotted on a recent meat run to Albuquerque, this mysterious creature is a legend in the making. With its thin frame, a single bent horn in the middle of its forehead, a long snout, four legs, long silver fur, Betty Davis eyes that could pierce your soul, and most of its teeth missing, I’m on a quest to find it and offer it the safe home it deserves.

When I’m not behind the wheel of the Mystery Meat Machine, I’m strumming my guitar, getting lost in a good book, or diving into live TikTok discussions about humanity’s future and the role AI is playing in it. I love engaging with others about where we’re headed — because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time at the sanctuary, it’s that the future is wild and unpredictable.

And when the workday ends, you can find me at karaoke night at the Wolf Lodge, where I try (and fail) to out-sing Bowie, the New Guinea singing dog, who consistently steals the show with his incredible voice. I may deliver the meat, but Bowie definitely owns the mic.

Decades of working have given her a huge heart for non-profits and their respective visions. Though Merry is an avid animal lover and owner of a dappled mini para-weenie, she’s never worked with animals with the exception of a feral, bare-footed childhood with her beast of a sibling. While her sibling was eventually tamed, Merry remained a red-headed messy-haired hippie.

She hopes to crunch Wild Spirit’s numbers into submission and form meaningful connections with staff and rescues alike.