News, Summer 2009, page 4

Cover Story - The Power of Our Supporters

Training Ambassador Wolves

Wolf’s ambassador wolves, along with our educational program, help the sanctuary to educate hundreds of people every year. Our program teaches a wide range of topics including wolves in the wild, the mission of animal sanctuaries, and the facts about wild and part wild animals as pets. The ambassador wolves give folks a chance to meet a wolf-dog up close and personal. As Wolf’s previous ambassador animals retire from going out to programs, a new group of younger animals is stepping up to take their place.

Rajan and Sigmund are two you may meet at one of our events. All of this, of course, has not come without challenges, as Wolf’s rescue mission has changed over the years, the sanctuary focuses more on rescuing animals who are more hard pressed to go anywhere other than a sanctuary. Both Rajan and Sigmund have required a lot of patience, love and goodies to get them used to getting in and out of vehicles, so frequent trips to nearby parks and dipping toes into the Poudre River have helped to let them know that cars don’t just take them away from a home they once knew, or to the vet.

Michelle has taken the lead in working with both of these boys, keeping them on a schedule where they each “get dressed,” as in putting on their collar, harness and leash, and go for a walk outside of their habitat 2-3 times per week. Rajan and Sigmund both “load up” into one of the transport trucks and go for a ride to an educational program or to somewhere fun once a week as well. Each of the boys has their own personality and a differing set of what they are more and less comfortable with, however both of them are adapting to their new “jobs” wonderfully.

Group Volunteer Projects

The last year has been very busy around the Sanctuary. It seems like the projects are never ending sometimes! Wolf has been extremely fortunate this spring to receive extra volunteer help from group visits to the Sanctuary. This year, the groups have been helping us with fire mitigation projects: dragging slash out of the forest, running the chipper, and occasionally helping cut down trees. In return for their hard work and valuable help, we then take people around to meet the animals and learn more about what we do. So not only does Wolf get some extra help, we also get to educate more people about the Sanctuary Concept. Not to mention all the fun the groups have getting to see the facility, meet the animals, and work in the woods all day.

We truly appreciate all the help these groups have given us. Please help us in thanking:

Cargill Shiloh House Centennial High School

AIM House Turning Point Reflections for Youth

Some of these groups are teens at risk programs. Wolf has been working with teens at risk for many years, and finds it truly rewarding. At risk teens immediately connect with our rescued animals. They seem to understand each other. Often times, you can see the change in the teens eyes as they look into the eyes of a wolf.

If you are interested in helping Wolf through a group volunteer day, please contact Steve or Michelle at 970-416-9531 to get more information. Everyone does need to be 16 or older, groups are limited to a maximum of 15, which must fit into 3 vehicles, and everyone must fill out a liability release form. We would be happy to have your Boy or Girl Scouts Troop, church group, work group and other interested parties. Due to the amount of work we need to accomplish, Wolf is currently waiving the group membership fee. Please let us know if you can help!

The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Thank You!

Last February, Wolf had to move four of our animals to The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) in Keenesburg, CO after issues with our county. Unfortunately, two of the animals have passed away since their move. The two boys remain, Sky and Lakota, in adjacent enclosures. Both are doing extremely well! Sky is basically a completely different animal, more social and calmer than at Wolf. Lakota is great, enjoying the new diet. He has even lost a few extra pounds!

The staff at TWAS has been extraordinary with them. They take time to hang out and keep them comfortable. We truly appreciate all of their efforts. To show our gratitude, we presented them with a gift at our recent Waltz. In 2008, TWAS rescued a small lion cub from horrid conditions in Mexico. They were able to nurse her, Gala, back to health. Wolf had an original drawing created of Gala. It is a beautiful piece of art, and TWAS loved it! Thank you for all you do!

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