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The Trouble with Wolves Limited DRIVE-IN MOVIE Experience at REI

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July 25, 7:30 – 10:00pm

Location: Arcadia REI (southern California)

“The Trouble with Wolves” is the debut film from native Northwest independent filmmaker, Collin Monda, that dives deep into what coexistence really looks like with the iconic apex predator. Join us at REI Arcadia, for this end of summer, LIVE and LIMITED CAPACITY big screen screening of this acclaimed documentary. Each ticket is per car/pod (up to 4). $25 for REI members/$45 for nonmembers. All proceeds benefit Wolf Haven. Live virtual Q&A with CDFW Wolf Lead Expert Specialist, Kent Laudon and Wolf Haven Executive Director, Diane Gallegos, following the screening. Ticket for car also includes a bag of theatre treats from Whole Foods! Register at https://www.rei.com/…/the-trouble-with-wolves…/288743

Wolf Haven renames prairie the Patrick Vance Dunn Memorial Prairie

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Wolf Haven is pleased to announce that in honor of Pat’s tremendous legacy, our prairie is now known as the Patrick Vance Dunn Memorial Prairie.

Wolf Haven involved in release of red wolves in North Carolina – The Chronicle

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A red wolf from Wolf Haven International in Tenino has been released into the wild in North Carolina with several other wolves from other care facilities in a collaborative effort that marked the first adult release of the critically endangered species since 1998.

Eight red wolves released into the wild in eastern North Carolina in hopes of keeping the species from going extinct – The Progressive Pulse

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The zoos and conservation centers that house these red wolves manage them in a way that allows them to retain natural instincts that will help them survive in the wild.

Wolf Haven releases adult red wolf into the wild

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The four year-old female was born at the sanctuary into a litter of eight pups, and was one a multi-generational family group of 14 red wolves at Wolf Haven.

More mouths to feed – Combined Fund Drive, FTE

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Furry pile of pups sleeping in their underground den.

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.

Surprise wolf pup at McCleery Ranch

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Unexpected McCleery wolf pup

by Wendy Spencer,  Director of Operations, Wolf Haven International

We have some unexpected news to share from our McCleery Ranch in Montana.

One of the biggest challenges here at McCleery Ranch has been managing the aggression between the females in two large family groups As a reminder, we care for 34 wolves here and though several are in pairs,  there are two large family groups and both have multiple reproductively viable females,  who are far more prone to aggression during breeding season than males. Although at this time we have no plans to breed the McCleery wolves, they all still remain intact, which poses a definite challenge.

Wolves are seasonal breeders (winter), so prior to breeding season we made the decision to remove some of the females from the largest group which consisted of ten females and four males. In January, we were able to chemically immobilize via a remote drug delivery system (dart gun) four of the females from that group and move them to the one vacant enclosure that we had on site, reducing that group to six females and four males. And while there was still some aggression between them, it was much more reduced than what we saw our first year here.

Four members of a McCleery Ranch group.

Four members of a McCleery Ranch group.

During the breeding season, we were able to separate one of the family groups into same sex groups, but even though aggression levels were reduced, we were concerned about sealing all six females in a single enclosure (they currently have access to two enclosures with a corridor that connects them so they are able to move back and forth).  Based on their history and given the fact that when we did semen collection the year before the males had no viable sperm, we made the decision to leave the group together.

Surprise! Turns out one of the males was still reproductively viable – because we ended up with one little female pup. As a sanctuary, breeding does not align with our philosophy (with the exception of our participation in Mexican and red wolf Species Survival Plan programs {SSP}). Wolf Haven takes precautions to make sure that we are not intentionally breeding more wolves to spend their lives in captivity (where, of course, wolves do not belong). However, the pup is here, and we will do whatever we can to give her the best life possible, as we do with all our animals. She is about 8 weeks old now and the rest of the family dotes on her… she pretty much runs the show!

Meet Volunteer of the Quarter – Beth Barham

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Beth Barham making loaf for the wolves

Beth Barham making loaf for the wolves.

by Cindy Irwin, Director of Education & Volunteer Services, Wolf Haven

What makes a team of volunteers successful? Some of the elements include:

·         Passion for the mission of Wolf Haven
·         A desire to work for people as well as animals
·         Versatility
·         A willingness to learn and share that knowledge respectfully

These qualities are exemplified by our volunteer of the quarter, Beth Barham. Beth is one our most busy volunteers, because she wears many hats. Not only does Beth help make loaves of meat for the wolves using yummy meats like tripe, heart, and kidneys, she also is a member of our cemetery clean up crew. Beth enjoys public interaction at educational events, and she assists me in the volunteer department. Whatever the task, Beth shows up with a smile and a gracious attitude.

Beth comes to us from California, where she and her husband raised 4 children. Now retired, Beth gets to fulfill her love of nature and animals by volunteering, hiking, and camping. Beth’s household includes three dogs, one cat, two birds, and a turtle! This busy gal also volunteers with foster children, giving back to our community in yet one more way.

I often think of our volunteer team as the engine and fuel that drive Wolf Haven.  Beth is an example of one of the vital parts of this engine, without which we could not continue as a sanctuary. We are all grateful for your work and energy Beth. We look forward to many years to come!  

Happy National Volunteer Week!

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Cindy recognizes Wolf Haven volunteers at previous Volunteer Appreciation picnic.

Cindy recognizes Wolf Haven volunteers at previous Volunteer Appreciation picnic.

by Cindy Irwin, Director of Education and Volunteer Services

April 19-25, 2020 is National Volunteer Week. And Wolf Haven International would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU yet again to our wonderful volunteers.

Wolf Haven is so grateful for the talented and energetic volunteers who work with us for wolf conservation. So much progress has been made in recent years. Together, we have created a true sanctuary for both wolves and people. It is a joy to share a passion for animals and wildlife with all of you. Thanks for your work in the sanctuary, the classroom, with events, in the prairie, and the office. We could not imagine doing our important work without you!

Volunteer Rosina Newton & others getting food

Volunteer mtg

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

 

 

Continuing Education during COVID-19

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Zoom meeting with Girl Scout troop 44537 in Woodinville, WA

Zoom meeting with Girl Scout troop 44537 in Woodinville, WA.

Continuing Education during COVID-19

Faye Peebles, Education Coordinator, Wolf Haven International

While many of us are adjusting to what is becoming a new normal, some things remain the same -though they look a little different now. One of these is Girl Scout troop meetings. Here in Western Washington, Girl Scouts were given notice in early March to cancel all events including meetings.

Anyone who has been a part of any youth organization knows it is a big deal. The need for members of these groups to stay connected is extremely important, especially now, when everything looks vastly different than it did a month ago. I was able to witness this firsthand, through my computer camera.

Girl Scout troop 44537 in Woodinville, Washington is continuing to stay in contact with each other and using this time to work on their BRONZE award. They were scheduled to come to Wolf Haven this month, but as we are all aware, their plans were forced to change because of the health crisis. Instead of them coming to us, I went to them. Via modern technology from my own home office, I took them on a virtual tour of the sanctuary. After getting to see (virtually) the wolves on our public visitor route, the girls had questions and comments for me and each other. One 10-year-old was celebrating her birthday, which prompted a spontaneous, out-of-sync round of the Happy Birthday song. It was an unexpected and heartwarming virtual hug for all of us.

They also received packets and a video from me so they can work on their badges. I will see them again as the girls work through their project. While it doesn’t look the same, life as Girl Scouts, as humans, continues through the use of modern technology. Our virtual meeting brought a little bit of normalcy to my life and provided the girls a chance to learn about wolves while staying connected to their larger group.

If you are interested in a remote educational presentation, contact Faye Peebles at education@wolfhaven.org or leave a message at 360.264.4695 x220.

Faye Peebles with Girl Scout's Woman of Distinction award.

Faye Peebles being presented with Girl Scout’s Woman of Distinction award.