Sanctuary Update

Spring is always a wonderful time of year at the Sanctuary. As the ice left the surface of the pond, it was clear the fish made it through winter just fine. As Spring progressed, we were blessed with a reasonably wet season, which has encouraged an abundance of wildflowers and all the associated activity they generate. The hummingbirds have been thick and actually outnumbered the perches on our 6 hummingbird feeders -- especially before the flowers were in full bloom. The drakes on the pond have outnumbered the females and have pursued them mercilessly. The painted turtle took over a choice rock in the pond, displacing several ducks. This year there has also been a huge increase in bear sightings at the Sanctuary. We even had what appeared to be two adults traveling together. A fledgling red-tail hawk has been put through the paces by mom and dad. Their screeches and aerial acrobatics were entertaining everyone at the Sanctuary for a number of days. As summer begins and progresses, we pray for plentiful rain in order to minimize the chances for wildfires.

With more conducive weather we were finally able to complete the enlargement of the two enclosures housing Sabe/Indigo and Akyra/Kai. In addition, because siblings Sabe and Akyra enjoy a good fence fight, (running along the fence growling and snapping at each other), a double fence was placed along the fence line separating them from each other and from Kasha’s group. The double fencing allows them to still get their frustrations with each other communicated, but provides a significant buffer preventing any potential injury.


 


















The additional space provided has been intentionally designed to also act as a smaller ‘catch-up’ area. Penning them in the smaller area allows us to dart animals more easily when it is necessary to immobilize them (medical exams, emergency evacuation, etc.). We will be adding these ‘catch-up’ areas to five more enclosures over the course of the summer.


















The animals are enjoying the extra space and the closer contact with their human caretakers. The Volunteers are also enjoying the additions as they can now service food and water in every enclosure without having to traverse the steep mountain inclines. Of course, poop scooping still requires all the volunteers to be mountain goats.

In addition to this project, we also have planned several others with which we can use help. We are still working on forest clean up and thinning, which will mitigate fast-moving wild fires. Likewise we need to make repairs to about a mile of the dirt road on the Sanctuary. Several areas of the road also require culverts to be put in. Please let us know if you can provide any help with any of these projects.



















We delayed the distribution of our yearly awards and recognition of those instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to coincide with the Waltz. (See Donor Recognition for that listing.)

We are very discouraged with the continuation of aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska and are at a loss as to how to help stop this abomination. We do encourage all of you to PLEASE continue to take some kind of action to help. (See Aerial Hunting for details.)

We have also postponed submitting the final application to change the conditions of our zoning variance. The preliminary meeting with the county made it very clear that they are going to make this process even more difficult than last time -- VERY frustrating. We hesitate to get started until we are totally prepared to take it all the way -- even if that means into the court system. The emotional and financial strain of that undertaking is a little more than we bite off right now.






While still recovering from the effort of putting together the “Waltz”, (see Waltz For The Wolves ) preparations for the Howl-O-Ween 4K Run have already begun. This years race will be on Sunday, October 30, 2005, in City Park and Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins. The run logo this year features Spirit, an amazing animal that has been at Wolf since he was five months old. This will be the fifth annual ‘Run for the Wolves.’ Please remember to save the date for a fun family event.

Registration brochures will be available in August, so start getting your pledges now -- we will again have some wonderful prizes for the top ten pledge recipients.