Tribute to Diablo, a Mexican gray wolf

Diablo's final portrait, 2017

Diablo’s final portrait (Julie Lawrence for Wolf Haven International, 2017)

At 17, Diablo defied the odds- most wolves never live to see their 10th birthday let alone their 17th – so we knew that we were on borrowed time. We realized that eventually his age would catch up with him and the day would come when we would need to say goodbye. That day came on Sunday, June 25.

Until nearly the end, Diablo enjoyed good quality of life. He had some age-related challenges; he had become hard of hearing, his vision wasn’t as sharp and he had generalized stiffness and weakness. This was particularly pronounced in his back-end, especially if he laid in the same spot for a long time and then tried to get up. All things considered, though, he was as spry as a 17 year-old wolf could be.

Gypsy and Diablo

Gypsy and Diablo  photo taken by Julie Lawrence

Diablo was immediately identifiable because of the twin notches in his ears.  He was born at a zoo in Detroit, where it is believed that the notches were caused by sibling squabbles. Diablo came to live at Wolf Haven in 2004 when he was three years old.

A Mexican gray wolf, Diablo was a participant in a federally managed Species Survival Plan program designed to preserve the survival and health of this critically endangered subspecies of the gray wolf. His longstanding companion was Gypsy, a female Mexican wolf.  Because their enclosure was on the public visitor route, over the years hundreds of people were privileged to see the beauty and unique coloration of this rare breed. Beyond  this, though, visitors could bear witness to a bonded pair that carried themselves with dignity and grace.

Young Diablo (2004)

Young Diablo (2004) taken by Julie Lawrence

Diablo was a teacher to us in so many ways and he undoubtedly touched everyone who encountered him. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to care for him all these years but there is definitely a void in the sanctuary, not only for his longtime companion Gypsy, but for all of us.

Rest in peace sweet Diablo.

Lovingly written by Wendy Spencer and Kim Young
Wolf Haven

2017 Wolves & Wine

Wolf Haven’s annual fall fundraiser and annual meeting, Wolves & Wine, will be held on Saturday, September 30 from 5-8 pm at Saint Martin’s University – Norman Worthington Conference Center in Lacey, WA.

ECOlógica Magazine Summer 2017

EcoLogica pg 9 – “Wolf Haven: a true sanctuary for wolves”

Driving south from Tacoma to Portland, just ten minutes out of exit 101 there is a very special place. A place different from anything you have heard of. A place full of peace and with some beautiful inhabitants: a wolf sanctuary surrounded by a blooming prairie.

Manejando hacia el sur, de Tacoma a Portland, a sólo diez minutos de la salida 101 hay un lugar muy especial. Un lugar
diferente a todo lo que hayas conocido. Un lugar lleno de paz y con unos habitantes hermosos: un santuario de lobos rodeado de una pradera floreciente.

Pet Connection magazine – July/Aug 2017

Wolf Haven by Diane Mivelli

Why they do it is unclear. When they do it is unpredictable. Once one resident at Wolf Haven International begins howling, the others soon join in. The singular occasion can last mere minutes, yet it will live on in the memory of any visitor.