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
