Go to www.youtube.com and search for “Wolf Haven International,” which is the Tenino, Wash.-based wolf sanctuary that currently cares for the pack. On the group’s page, click on “playlists,” then look for the “McCleery Ranch wolves” playlist. Here, you can view 14 video clips of the wolves.
Note: address is: https://www.youtube.com/user/wolfhavenwolves
This article was originally published in the Summer 2019 issue of the bilingual environmental publication ECO-Lógica. Reprinted here with permission.
A place for wolves in the wild – Un lugar para los lobos
by Pamela Maciel, Sanctuary Co-Manager, Mexican Wolf Specialist, Wolf Haven International
Breathtaking scenery/Photo credit: USFWS
by Christopher Montero, Outreach Coordinator, Wolf Haven International
“Do you think there are wolves in these mountains?” the young man asked, pointing to the snow-covered peaks around Lake Wenatchee. “Well…for sure about 30 or 40 miles South”, I answered.
“So, no wolves here?” he kept pressing.
I thought about it for a second, then I said: “I bet there are dispersing wolves moving up and down these mountains, seeking a partner or a new pack. Who knows? Maybe there is a curious wolf sniffing us from up there, at this very moment,” I pointed with my chin to the distance. “¡Qué chido!” (Cool!) he replied… and his eyes got wider.
Spending time with nature/Photo credit: USFWS
Those are the moments I feel I have accomplished something good.
I had similar conversations with different audiences around the Snoqualmie National Forest. But what was especially significant about this interaction, was that it was entirely in Spanish. It happened early this April at an event called Camp Biota.
Chris talks to students outside/Photo credit: USFWS
Camp Biota is a science camp geared towards migrant middle-schoolers. What makes this experience even more special, is that these Latino teens were selected because of their low scores in math and science. The idea is to kindle their interest in natural sciences and inspire them to learn more. During a whole week, the students participated in hands-on experiences on field data-collection, talks, experiments and outdoor activities. Camp Biota is the result of a collaboration between the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and the North Central Educational Service District and it involves thirteen organizations, including Wolf Haven International.
Chris and Pam in the classroom/Photo credit: USFWS
This was the second year I was invited to participate as an instructor at Camp Biota and this time we were excited to include Pamela Maciel, Wolf Haven’s Sanctuary Co-Manager and Mexican Wolf SSP Liaison. A significant portion of the students at Camp Biota were girls, so it was empowering to see and hear a role-model like Pam, a migrant Latina who has a solid background in sciences and biology.
Ecology hike/Photo credit: USFWS
Being part of Camp Biota was immensely satisfying for Pam and me. We supported activities and nature hikes, facilitated field data collection, gave talks and even translated to Spanish in real-time. Most of students spoke and understood English with no problem, but connecting with these teens in our mother tongue went beyond sharing our passion for wolves, animals or conservation…it was about making a difference while honoring our unique cultural identities.
Chris & Pam with Biota students/Photo credit: USFWS
Teaching conservation in different countries have shown me that cultural diversity has a lot in common with biological diversity: both generate richer and more beautiful interactions and that’s the base for more resilient communities and systems.
That’s why Pam and I love to teach in Spanish.
Lobos – A Wolf Family Returns to the Wild
This children’s book about a family of Mexican gray wolves (lobos) is a follow-up to Wolf Haven: Sanctuary and the Future of Wolves in North America, (2016, Sasquatch Books). It is a hopeful conservation story about a family of endangered Mexican wolves who begin their lives at Wolf Haven, are transferred to Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch in New Mexico, and ultimately released into the wild in Mexico.
The nonfiction story by Brenda Peterson is illustrated with color photography by Annie Marie Musselman, both of whom were the principals behind the earlier Wolf Haven book. With easy to read text and heart-warming pictures, young people will enjoy learning about wolves and the challenge of reintroducing an endangered species to the wild. Lobos is scheduled for release in mid-August 2018, and prerelease orders can be placed with Amazon, Sasquatch Books, Penguin Random House and other sellers. It will also be available at Wolf Haven’s physical gift shop and website following publication.
You can read reviews of both books here:
Lobos: A Wolf Family Returns to the Wild
Wolf Haven: Sanctuary and the Future of Wolves in North America
by Kim Young, Director of Communications
(This revised article was originally published in Summer 2018 issue of Wolf Tracks,
a Wolf Haven International members-only magazine)
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.