It started with Mystery, a 3-year-old wolf that was rescued by Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary founder Jean LeFevre in 2002.

Mystery was born in captivity to a breeder in Arizona. After the breeding operation was shut down she was taken to a now-defunct sanctuary in Conroe, but she quickly escaped. LaFevre later found Mystery in a veterinarian clinic and was inspired to start a wolf sanctuary of her own in Montgomery.

Since then, the 11-acre Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary has rescued numerous wolves and wolfdogs throughout the United States with stories similar to Mystery’s, Manager Christie Guidry said.

“Jean did a lot of research and asked all of her closest friends to pitch in and help fund the sanctuary initially,” Guidry said. “Mystery was our first rescue back in 2002, and luckily we still have her. She is now 16 years old, which is pretty old for a wolf.”

The sanctuary is home to 11 wolfdogs, two wolves and a dog that was incorrectly identified by animal control, Guidry said. The animals live in outdoor enclosures in groups of at least two and are cared for by staff members and 40 volunteers.

“Obviously, keeping any exotic or wild animal as a pet is not a good idea,” Guidry said. “So we rescue them and give them a permanent home for the rest of their lives with love, care, attention and really great food.”

Guidry said that because of their physical similarities to domestic dogs, wolfdogs can be dangerous because their behavior is often misinterpreted.

“A lot of people think a wolfdog is a confused animal because it has both wild and domestic instincts and behaviors,” Guidry said. “But in fact we are the ones that are confused because we don’t know how to read them. Confusing their behaviors can be very dangerous; they are really big and strong animals.”

On Oct. 24 the nonprofit organization is hosting its 10th annual Festival of the Wolves, an open house day for residents to visit the sanctuary, learn about the animals and participate in the festivities. The festival is the only day people can visit the sanctuary without an appointment, but visitors can sign up for guided tours five days per week on a regular basis.