WOLF HAVEN
Sanctuary and the Future of Wolves in North America
Excerpted from the book “Wolf Haven: Sanctuary and the Future of Wolves in North America,” essays by Brenda Peterson, all photographs by Annie Marie Musselman. (Sasquatch Books)
Though these wolves in their refuge at Wolf Haven are no longer wild, there is nothing tame in their gaze.
Mexican wolf pups
Furry pile of pups sleeping in their underground den.
The cycle of life continues at Wolf Haven, and in the spring, we welcomed Mexican wolf pups to the sanctuary. As partner in a captive breeding program for these critically endangered animals, genetically valuable wolves at our sanctuary are sometimes recommended for breeding. This past season, our Mexican wolf pair F1422 and M1360 (in-house names Vida and Kochi) became the parents of a large litter when Vida whelped in late April.
Furry pile of pups sleeping in their underground den.
Mexican wolf parents M1360 (Kochi) and F1422 (Vida) had a litter of nine pups at Wolf Haven on April 30. Although Wolf Haven does not breed the rescued wolves who call our sanctuary home – we wouldn’t want to contribute to the tragedy of wild animals living in captivity – we occasionally have litters of species who have been designated as critically endangered: red wolves (Canis rufus) and Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi).
Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs are cooperative animal programs designed to oversee the population management of select species in captivity in order to enhance their conservation in the wild.
One of two collared wolves release into the wild in 2013.
Mexican wolves were declared endangered in 1976. Since 1994, Wolf Haven has actively participated in their recovery, both as a captive breeding facility and one of only three pre-release sites in the US. Toward that end, there have been 10 litters of Mexican wolves born at Wolf Haven, the first one arriving in 1996. Three families from Wolf Haven have been released into the wild, with the Hawk’s Nest family group being among the first three packs of Mexican gray wolves released into the federally designated reintroduction area in Arizona’s Apache National Forest.
From our first “official” photo of Vida and Kochi’s litter, all in a furry pile in their den, to their first required health care check six weeks later, these five males and four females have certainly grown. They will receive their second round of inoculations, deworming and also get microchips later this month. In the meantime, the nine pups all appeared healthy and robust, as you can see at their first checkup.
These are difficult times. As we take all necessary precautions to be safe, our thoughts are with you, our friends and supporters. We hope each one of you is caring for yourself and your loved ones, and that all is well with you. Read Letter.
Pam in front of Shadow’s enclosure
Tourists are welcome to visit Wolf Haven International in Washington state, but the needs of the sanctuary’s residents — which include two species of wolves, wolf-dogs, and coyotes — are always prioritized. The sanctuary’s co-manager Pamela Maciel Cabañas is devoted to making sure that happens.
The gray wolves are majestic and wary. They bask in the sunshine or sit among the trees, watching. They are kept in compatible pairs and have very little human interaction.
London enjoys his tub
In 1982, the sanctuary that was to eventually become Wolf Haven International was founded in Tenino, Washington. A beacon for wolf advocacy, Wolf Haven International also provides a lifetime home for displaced and captive born wolves and promotes wolf restoration in historical ranges.
