SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Kekoa being lazy

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

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www.wolfeducation.org

Each month we are featuring a different animal in danger of extinction (already on the ES list) or an animal that is scheduled for inclusion to the Endangered Species list. We’ve set up a display table in the Visitor Center with information on the animal of the month and a donation jar. At the end of each month, monies collected will be sent to a non-profit ambassador organization....

Our October recipient is:

Species Survival Plan and Reintroduction

In the 1970s, only 14 pure Red Wolves roamed the planet. By 1980, those wolves had been removed from the wild to establish a breeding program to restore the population. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium joined forces with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1984 to establish a long-term propagation program for the Red Wolf and to include it in a Species Survival Plan (SSP), along with hundreds of other animals. Today more than 30 approved

facilities work together as part of the Red Wolf SSP to ensure Red Wolf survival. Since the creation of the breeding program, the population of Red Wolves has increased dramatically, with their numbers now 155 in the SSP and over 100 wolves in the wild.

Extensive statistical analysis of the population and careful attention to the details of managing a very small gene pool has helped to maintain genetic diversity for the wolves. Genome resource banking and assisted reproduction techniques are also being studied and used as tools to help better manage the Red Wolf population.

One of the most significant aspects of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan has been the successful management of a reintroduced

wolf population to the wild. The goal from the start of the breeding program has been to put the Red Wolf back into its natural habitat. Great care had to be taken to maintain the wolves’ natural instincts and minimize human contact. All the efforts of those involved in the breeding and reintroduction programs proved successful as the first Red Wolves were released to a native habitat at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC in 1987. Each reintroduced wolf wore a radio collar so that it could be tracked and studied. A year after the first wolves were reintroduced to the refuge, the first wild wolf pups were born.

Looking Toward the Future

Since that first reintroduction in 1987, many other wolves have successfully bred in the SSP and the wild. The reintroduced wolves continue to survive and breed successfully, helping to bolster the world population to around 250 individual wolves.

Conservation and reintroduction have not only helped to keep the species from extinction, but restore the ecosystems where they once lived. As key predators, Red Wolves (along with all wolves) are an important part of the ecosystem they inhabit. As predators, wolves help to maintain the balance and population of the different species they prey upon.

The Red Wolf Species Survival Plan continues to be an outstanding example of successful zoo-based conservation. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is proud to have helped lead the Red Wolf breeding and reintroduction program. With the future of the Red Wolf still in question, biologists continue to study these amazing animals to help ensure their continued survival.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Red Wolf Conservation Program

www.wolfeducation.org

What big teeth you have

Vickie and her favorite wolf Wakanda. Love those scratches!

CW

WC

bus

kio

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Stalking his playmate Keara from atop a boulder.

Enjoying buffalo hides

www.wolfeducation.org

Widefield High School

www.wolfeducation.org

TRACY - VOLUNTEER COORDINATORI’m originally from Philadelphia, PA. My parents and I moved to Florida in 1990 where I went to Beauty School. I lived there for four years before moving to Colorado Springs, CO in 1994. After 12 years in the Springs I moved to Falcon, CO. I now have a Salon in my home, and I love it! I’m married to my best friend Sam who gives me support in everything I do and is a true blessing in my life! Sam has become a great help to the Center during our Full Moon Tours!I first met Darlene and her beautiful animals after she had just evacuated during the Haymen (2002) fire to the Florissant location. I was donating 40lb bags of dog food for the wolves and Darlene gave me the treat of a quick walk thru to meet the wolves, from then on I was hooked! I brought everyone that I knew to the Center for a tour and practically knew the entire tour by heart! But, I just couldn’t get away from

my full time job back then to volunteer. I’m an animal lover in general, but wolves are on the top of the list! In 2007 I started working part time in the Salon, so I was able to volunteer at the Center off and on. I eventually started volunteering twice a week! I love all the animals there, but I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Kekoa and Akela.I’m truly addicted to the animals, the beautiful location, and Darlene’s amazing undying passion to be a voice for them. There are no words to describe the peaceful, beautiful and fun place the Wolf Center has become to me. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of it all.

DIANE - VOLUNTEER - WOLF WALKERI am originally from new York and then Florida. I always had a love of sports and animals. I moved with my husband and critters west to Colorado in 1994 because it was time for a change.I visited the center and met some great people and awesome wolves. One day, Darlene asked me if I would like to volunteer and be a “wolf walker.” It was then that I met the incredible Wakanda. I experienced my first “wolf kiss” and became a member of his pack. He and I have a weekly walk date. I now also give tours and love to share the center’s occupants with the public. Come by for a tour and howl with us and maybe get yourself some wolf kisses.

RACHAEL - ANIMAL CAREGIVEREver since I was young, my obsession with animals has dominated my world. I grew up in Reno, Nevada where wild horses in my backyard drove my spirit to love and appreciate something wild. In 2007, I moved to Colorado to pursue my passion for animals by becoming a Veterinary Technician. I am currently continuing my education by working towards and Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Even though I’ve always loved animals, I have not always been interested in wolves, their biology or conservation.In 2010, I vacationed to Yellowstone, where a fabulous guide taught me all about wolves and their trials with man in the Rocky Mountain region. After seeing two young wild wolf puppies sunbathing, I instantly knew that I had to fight for these animals. I became utterly obsessed with wolves, and found myself rummaging the

local used bookstores for any wolf book I could get my hands on. I then came to Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, where every day I feel like I can be a part of a strong voice that our remaining wild wolves so desperately need by educating the public. Although I love every animal that resides at CWWC, my particular favorites are the Mexican Grey Wolves. How lucky I am to be able to gaze upon these gorgeous endangered creatures!In my personal life, I have four children – two Jack Russells, a “Chiweenie” (Dachshund/Chihuahua mix), and a big fat black cat. I enjoy conquering Colorado 14ers, wildlife photography, and competing in triathlons. I also love to cook, spend time with family & friends, and taking my dogs to the dog park. I especially thank my amazing parents for raising me to love nature. Without them, my life would have never been led to experiencing an “open-mouth” kiss from Kekoa!

Welcome Tracy, Diane and Rachael...

www.wolfeducation.org

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OCTOBER events & special tours

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

FUUL MOON TOUR

5:00PM

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

FEEding FEsT TOuR : TuEsday, WEdnEsday, FRiday & saTuRdayMeet our resident animals during the feeding tour and observe them when they are most active...feeding time! Learn about hunting, howling and hierarchy and communicate with the pack in a group howl! Adults $20 · Children 12 and under $10

these tours and events are in addition to our standard 10am, Noon & 2pm tours

RESERVATION

S REQUIRED

FOR ALL TO

URS

AND SPECIA

L EVENTS

719-687-97

42

All tours have limited space

and we have a no-cancellation

policy from May-October.

Walk On ThE Wild sidE : ThuRsdays & sundaysStart by walking with a guide through the Center and seeing the wolves, coyote and fox then prepare for a 1/2 mile walk with one of our wolves down a dirt forest road. It can be steep in places. On this tour you will learn about some of the native plants, trees and mountain ranges. $75 per person - snacks and water will be provided. Photos to a CD can be prearranged of your experience for $50. Space is limited to only 8 people ages 15 and older only please.

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

4PM Feeding Fest

Tour

30 31

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

5PM Walk on the

Wild Side

www.wolfeducation.org

OCTOBER 15th, 2011 Please be here by 5:00 pm to check in. Meet and Greet one of our wolves at 5:30 - Tour starts immediately after and lasts approximately 1 hour.

• Wear warm clothes and good boots• Bringacameraandaflashlight• Cocoa and coffee will be provided

ADULTS: $25 · KIDS: $15 (8-12 yrs) No kids under 8

RESERVATIONS REquIREd 719-687-9742

full moon tour

Saturday, November 5 · 4PM$20/adult · $10/child

Our wolves go wild for fresh buffalo hides! You will see them roll, rip and play tug of war with the hides. Hides are important to help with digestion, dental health and also provide enrichment for their enclosures.

Don’t miss out on this unique experience. Reserve your spot today... space is limited!

Information presented on this newsletter is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. Some of the documents in this newsletter may contain live feed references (or pointers) to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that CWWC does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.

...conservation education preservation

“We can judge the heart

of a man by his treatment of animals.”

~ Immanual Kant

For current wolf articles and to be a voice

through knowledge

bECOME A fAn Of CWWC

www.projectcoyote.org

Mexican Grey Wolveswww.mexicanwolves.org

Natural Resources Defense Councilwww.nrdc.org www.defendersofwildlife.org

WilD EaRth GuaRDiaNswww.wildearthguardians.org

www.aza.org

“An animal’s eyes have the

power to speak a great language.”

~ Martin Buber

working together to make a difference...

NEWSLETTER BY: Melissa Macis | smallspaceorganizer@gmail.com | www.wix.com/missymacis/portfolio

Walk With a Wolf is a new event and it’s starting to catch on as a fun and educational time. The walk is 1/2 mile and during the walk we learn about mountain regions, different native plants, trees and wildlife. The group in this photo made the trip from Florida especially for their daughters birthday who is a big wolf fan.