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Meet Volunteer of the Quarter – Beth Barham

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!  

Continuing Education during COVID-19

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.

Letter to the Community from Wolf Haven

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.

Managing a Wolf Sanctuary – Skift

Pam in front of Shadow's enclosure

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.

A Tale of Two Sanctuaries: Part One – Wolf Haven – Nisqually Valley News

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.

McCleery wolves on Wolf Haven’s You Tube – The Bradford Era

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

 

Wolves & Wine 2019

Wolf Haven’s annual fall fundraiser and annual meeting, Wolves & Wine offers guests and supporters an opportunity to share their passion for wolves and our mission: To conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. This evening of fun offers both silent and live auctions, beer and wine tastings, plentiful hors d’oeuvres and a chance to mingle with fellow wildlife supporters.

Un lugar para los lobos en la naturaleza/A place for wolves in the wild

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

 

Sanctuary in the Pacific Northwest – Pacific Roots Magazine

London enjoys his tub

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.