Since Wolf first came into existence we have been doing educational programs and bringing Ambassador Animals with us. In 2004 Ambassador Animals provided children and adults an opportunity to meet and help dispel the many myths about wolves at over 175 educational programs. These programs and every other program, throughout the ten years we have been doing them, have been held without incident.

Unfortunately, as of the end of the current yearly term for our liability insurance, Ambassador Animals will no longer be able to attend programs or events off site. Our current insurance company, along with many others we have contacted, will not insure Wolf for taking the Ambassadors out of the sanctuary.

In addition, it has become a standard practice to require additional insurance coverage naming, as an example, the City of Fort Collins as an additional insured on our liability policy when holding an event like the Howl-O-Ween Run. The fees for this additional rider to our policy also limits the return on our events.

These new guidelines have nothing to do with Wolf or the Ambassador Animals. Wolf has never had an injury to persons attending our programs, let alone an insurance claim of any type arising from our educational programs. It has everything to do with insurance companies trying to reduce their risk. Due to the tremendous amount of publicity given to the Siegfried and Roy incident, we can actually understand why insurance companies would want to take additional precautions, but the Ambassador Animals of Wolf are not Lions, Tigers or Bears (oh my!). These animals are wolf-dogs and considered to be domestic by the State of Colorado. Pure wolves are never taken off site, except for emergency medical treatment. The animals who are Ambassadors enjoy the company of humans and are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do.

This problem is not only affecting Wolf. Other sanctuaries across the country are facing similar or the same difficulties.

Wolf knows that many people will be disappointed Ambassador Animals will no longer be able to come to your school, meeting or business, but Wolf will continue to present educational programs to any group or schools that would like us to do so. We are sorry that Ambassadors will not be able to attend. Wolf has speakers who will present Power Point Programs designed for every age group from small children to seniors. Speakers will bring artifacts to emphasize what they are speaking about. For younger children there will also be coloring sheets and stickers.

Numerous requests have been made, in the past, by supporters wishing to visit the Sanctuary. As most of you know, our county has prohibited us from giving public tours. They do allow us however, to have volunteers come up. It just so happens that the first visit, made by new volunteers, is very close to what we would offer for a public tour. There is an indoctrination tour and extensive education given about wolves and wolf-dogs. A number of new volunteers appreciate their first visit and learn a tremendous amount, but do decide not to continue volunteering.

We are now formalizing this approach into a new offering called, “Patron Volunteers for a Day.” We would like to invite individuals and small groups (5 to 15 maximum) to call Wolf and arrange to take advantage of this program (970-416-9531). For a minimal membership fee, we will arrange for you to visit the Sanctuary as a ‘Patron Volunteer.’ On your day, you will be given an indoctrination tour where you will meet the animals. You will also be able to attend a viewing of the Power Point Educational Program by making arrangements ahead of time. If you decide you like volunteering, your membership fee allows you to come back again. Should you decide once was enough your volunteer time is over and you will have met and helped the animals of the sanctuary. Of course, you will be with a senior volunteer who will be guiding your indoctrination tour.

If you are interested in this new offering, whether you are new to Wolf or a current member of Wolf who has never been to the sanctuary, please contact Pat at 970-416-9531 for further details.