Wolf Haven International
Winter 2012
Warm greetings from Wolf Haven
International and Happy New Year! I want to begin
the year by thanking you – our members, volunteers,
staff and friends. Reflecting back on 2011, and my first year as
director, I am heartened by the great strides we
have made due to your unfailing support.
We continued to provide the best home
possible for the animals in our care. Four new
friends were rescued in 2011 and thanks to your support they will
receive compassionate sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Our
many friends and partners, including the Center for Natural Lands
Management and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
continued to support our prairie restoration efforts.
Additional achievements include the following:
- Wolf advocacy efforts by staff, volunteers and other wolf supporters
were passionate, science-based, and made a significant impact.
After a nearly five year process to develop a plan, the Washington
Fish and Wildlife Commission passed a Wolf Conservation and
Management Plan. Although many wolf advocates (including
myself) do not agree with some of the last minute changes made,
I do believe it represents one of the most comprehensive plans to
date for wolf recovery.
- Volunteers and staff were tireless in their outreach efforts locally
and across the globe, with membership growing 50%. Our
volunteers did an exceptional job leading daily tours through our
sanctuary and providing support to education. Our social media
presence has increased substantially and more people than ever are
following our activities and keeping up with the latest news on our
web site.
- Our first Wolves and Wine fundraising event was a tremendous
success due to the amazing team of volunteers who provided
leadership for the event. Save October 13 for the 2012 event!
- Visits from actress Sheryl Lee and wolf expert Carter Niemeyer
inspired us!
- I was delighted to see so many families eager to learn about wolves
and conservation at our sold out “Howl-In” events. Eagle Scouts provided
beautiful new picnic tables for visitors to enjoy and bat boxes for bats to
employ!
- In 2011 we launched our Wheels for Wolves car donation program and
purchased a much needed utility van and pickup for animal care.
- A generous gift of frequent flyer miles enabled staff to participate in the Red
Wolf and Mexican Gray Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) annual meetings.
Two red wolf pairs and one Mexican gray wolf pair in our care have been
recommended for breeding in 2012. This year, Wolf Haven International will also host
the Mexican Gray Wolf SSP annual meeting.
- Dr. Mark Johnson and Wolf Haven staff facilitated the outstanding annual Wildlife
Handling course that was full to capacity.
In 2012 I look forward to further strengthening our network of friends and alliances so
that together we can be a driving force for humane treatment of wildlife and science based
conservation. Please contact me to share your thoughts and ideas – I truly enjoy hearing
from you. May 2012 bring you and your family great joy and good health.
Diane Gallegos, January 2012