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Speaking in Spanish about Lobos and Nature

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Breathtaking scenery

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.

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

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.

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

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 Bioteca students.

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.

Accessible Weekend Getaways include Wolf Haven

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Printed scripts and a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available upon request in the sanctuary store. Please note that service animals are not permitted in the sanctuary for the safety and comfort of all of the animals and the sanctuary’s guests.

photo by Accessible Family Travel

photo by Accessible Family Travel

Volunteer of the Quarter – Kieran Lynch

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by Dan Monn, Animal Care, Gift Shop & Volunteer Assistant

Wolf Haven International is very lucky to have an amazing and diverse group of volunteers. Our newest Volunteer of the Quarter, Kieran, also happens to be one of our youngest, yet the first day I met him, he told me he would have started much sooner if he could.  He had quite a wait to meet the age requirement (17), given he wanted to be a volunteer at Wolf Haven ever since visiting in the 5th grade.  Knowing his time commitments as a Senior at Black Hills High School with other interests, we are honored that he commits as much time volunteering at Wolf Haven as he does.

Managing his time between school, marching band and working toward his pilot’s license Kieran still spends most Sundays helping us at the docent table.  He does a great job engaging and interacting with our guests as they wait for their scheduled sanctuary visits.  He has a warm and friendly personality that makes him very approachable for any who are interested in learning a little more during their time with us.

Beyond his interactions with the guests, Kieran also does a lot to help around the grounds.  He arrives a couple hours before each docent shift to do some extra work. Usually it is a lot of weeding and pulling blackberry, though some Sundays our Sanctuary Manager Erik Wilber, will steal him to help with a special project.  This led to one of Kieran’s favorite memories.  Recently working with Erik, Kieran got to help with the preparation for our newest wolf enclosure.  This “glamorous” job involved brush clearing in preparation for Southgate Fence Inc. to set posts, hauling away limbs and clearing brambles and blackberry. He was excited to contribute as we work to provide more space and flexibility for the care of the wolves – and WE are excited to have the help of such a dedicated volunteer.

Wolves & Wine 2019 – SOLD OUT

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Is it on your bucket list to visit the wolves at the McCleery Ranch in Montana and hear them howl?

Or perhaps, at long last, go on that safari to see the painted wolves of Africa?

You have the opportunity to win one, or both, of these adventures this year at Wolves & Wine 2019!

For the second year, Wolf Haven will offer a trip for two to our Bridger, Montana wolf sanctuary to see firsthand the famed “McCleery buffalo wolves”.

And this year, for the first time,  we have received a generous donation from Wilderness Safaris for a luxury safari adventure in Botswana, Africa.

Take a moment to see the difference Wilderness is making in eco-tourism – SEE VIDEO.

Come to Wolves & Wine prepared to bid for these and many other amazing items on September 28.

And if you cannot attend, you can still make a virtual donation that will be added to the evening’s total – DONATE

REALLY interested in being apart of the live auction, but cannot make the trip to Washington State? Contact us to see how you might still be able to participate.

Tickets on sale BUT GOING FAST – PURCHASE TICKET HERE or call 360.264.4695 x210.

It is going to be a GREAT night, for the wolves.

Descendants of historic Pennsylvania wolves live in Montana – Billings Gazette

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Montana wolf

Montana wolf

“It’s just a fascinating story, the history of these animals,” said Diane Gallegos, executive director of Wolf Haven International, a Tenino, Washington-based wolf rescue group.

The Wild Adventures of Naturalist Christopher Montero – Thurston Talk

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Born in Costa Rica, Chris grew up in an urban area, but his extended family lived in the country where he spent his summers. “Those are my fondest memories,” Chis shares. “That shaped a lot of my interest in animals, nature, and being outdoors.”