APRIL 2012 Newsletter

APRIL · MAY 2012

Being a species that loves snow, Na’vi isn’t looking forward for Spring!

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION

A trapper posing for the camera with a wounded wolf in the background caught in a leghold trap (Photo Courtesy Earth Island Journal) The picture has now become iconic.

A beautiful, black wolf, caught in a leghold trap, wounded, STILL ALIVE, blood soaking the snow around him, holding his injured foot off the ground, with the face of a

trapper mugging for the camera.

The situation had become something of an arena sport because the trapped wolf was shot at by “hunters” just having a little “fun”?? What a blast (pun intended) that must have for them to fire on a trapped, defenseless animal? Right?? Whoever shot at that wolf should be charged with a crime, this was animal torture and cruelty

at its worst. BUT, was what they did anymore cruel than trapping the wolf in the first place? Who knows how long he’d been tethered to that trap without food or water, frightened, shot and bleeding?

Initially the photo was downloaded from a trapping website and posted on Footloose Montana’s Facebook page, which received hundreds of comments.

On Monday Footloose received a vile, threatening email which prompted them to contact the authorities.

As sad as this story is the picture exposed the cruelty and torture of the wolf for all to see, having the opposite effect of that which it was intended. His image has become the face of the repulsive, ugly practice of trapping. It’s not a sport, it’s medieval torment that belongs in the 5th century, NOT in a civilized society.

With his suffering exposed, will this animal’s tragic final moments on earth, caught on camera, finally be the wake up call for America to say NO MORE??

At the end of the race, Walter the cat prevailed Thank you to all who voted. Nakai finished second in the recent Mayor of Divide election and will be serving as Vice Mayor. The election raised over $8000 for TCRAS. The candidates were honored at an inauguration BBQ and award ceremony where the new mayor of Woodland Park exchanged keys to the city with the new mayor of Divide.

Since Nakai is very shy, his wolf friend Fable represented him at the inauguration.

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION

These dogs are looking for a loving American home See more at www.viequeshumanesociety.org Lucky Joe - a goofy little guy.

He is super friendly and adorable and will make a great family dog. Weighs about 10 lbs and is super cute!

12 week old litter mates Tatita, Tiny, and Pepe.

Just adorable!

Thaishi - This girl is a very shy terrier mix.

She sweetly responds to gentle pats & is looking for a friend who will look out for her. About a year old.

Burulin - a playful long-haired brown and black Sato. Just the most friendly and outgoing doggie you will ever meet.

CWWC will help you cover the adoption fees - call us for information 719.687.9742

Vieques Humane Society - Vieques, Puerto Rico, a small island located off the mainland’s east coast, for many years offered no veterinary or animal rescue services. During the early 1980’s, a handful of concerned immigrants from the states and a few local residents took a serious interest in improving the welfare of the animals. They began by feeding the island’s multitudinous strays and soliciting the help of veterinarians from Puerto Rico to sterilize them. By 1987, the Vieques Humane Society and Animal Rescue, Inc. was officially established as a non-profit organization. Today they still offer the only veterinary services on the island and have developed strong community based programs.

Items much in need: collars, cat toys, treats, soft carriers, cages can all be mailed using regular mail or UPS to: PO Box 1399 · Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765 · 787.741.0209 · donate@ViequesHumaneSociety.org

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION 路 EDUCATION 路 PRESERVATION

TOP LEFT: Kekoa attempting to perform a handstand TOP RIGHT: Tony, Jaime, Karen & Rob return for their second visit from England!

LEFT: Thank you Michelle for your outstanding donation!

BOTTOM: Micah greets guests from Denmark who came to Colorado to study Swift Fox! Good luck with your research!

Like Us on Facebook

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION 路 EDUCATION 路 PRESERVATION PERKS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER AT CWWC ....

Rachael brings some good smells to Wakanda and Koda Austin and Tala enjoy a frosty morning walk together

Micah and Keara help Katie pen clean

Jan getting kisses

Kwahadi smiles for the camera with Mary

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION

Diane welcoming our new shetland baby “shadow” and Amy receiving some serious love

A BIG thank you to EVERYONE who helps out around CWWC including: Barb,

Taylor,

Johnathan and Pat receiving their kisses for the day

Catherine, Ruby and

Nancy - who celebrated her 21st birthday on April 16 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Tracy who aren’t pictured... and those that occasionally help out and those who donate.

THANK YOU!

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION

Kekoa running through the aspens Fable’s first off site appearance at garden of the gods

Our new little baby...

Shadow

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION CWWC special events : these tours and events are in addition to our standard 10am, Noon & 2pm tours (and 4pm starting May 17th)

SPECIAL EVENTS

FULL MOON TOUR

FEEDING FEST TOUR

Mother’s Day Event

MAY 5TH

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday CALL FOR TIMES

Sunday, May 13 9-10am

11 Mile Presentation Saturday, June 16 7pm

Father’s Day Celebration Sunday, June 17 9-10am

Check in by 5pm.

Meet and greet one of our wolves at 5:30 Tour starts immediately after and lasts approximately 1 hour.

Wear warm clothes and good boots. Bring a camera and flashlight.

Cocoa and coffee will be provided ADULTS $25 KIDS $15 (8-12 yrs) No kids under 8 Future Full Moon Tours June 2 & 3* · July 7 & 8* Aug 4 & 5* · Sept 1 & 2* Oct. 27 & 28* Nov. 24 · Dec. 29 *the first date must be full before the second date opens

Meet our resident animals during the feeding tour and observe them when they are most active...feeding time! Learn about hunting, howling and hierarchy and communicate with the pack in a group howl!

walk on the wild side Thursday & Sunday CALL FOR TIMES Start by walking with a guide through the Center and seeing the wolves, coyote and fox then prepare for a 1/2 mile walk with one of our wolves down a dirt forest road.

Adults $20 Kids 12 & under $10

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 719-687-9742

All tours have limited space and we have a no-cancellation policy from May-October

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION 路 EDUCATION 路 PRESERVATION Thank you Ian for your generous donation to CWWC! Micah will miss you!

Fable welcoming guests for our Easter event

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Katie and her collection of books and plants to promote conservation

A special thank you to Katie, Austin and Rachael for giving our welcome kiosk a new look!

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION Nestle Purina: Recall Chicken Jerky Treats Made in China Dogs are dying: In the past few months, more than 600 dogs have suffered from kidney failure, liver failure and other related illnesses after eating chicken jerky dog treats made in China and sold by major pet food companies like Nestle Purina. Many dogs, including Terry Safranek’s healthy 9-year-old fox terrier, Sampson, have died as a result.

Pet food companies know it: Companies like Nestle Purina have been under investigation by the FDA for years because of these treats. But pet food manufacturers have so far refused to recall these treats, and right now, they are still on the shelves of stores like Petco and Walmart.

change.org

You can help: Terry started a petition asking Nestle Purina to pull all of its chicken jerky treats made in China off the shelves -- including the brand Sampson ate before he died -- before any more dogs get sick. Go to change.org and sign her petition.

Here’s more from Terry about what happened to Sampson: I lost my best friend Sampson on Friday, January 13, 2012. He died 9 days after ingesting the last food he ever ate: Waggin’ Train “Wholesome” Chicken Jerky.

I’ve since learned that we were part of a known epidemic. To date more than 600 cases of illness and death are attributed to chicken jerky treats made in China. Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch -- both Nestle Purina brands -- are the lead offenders in the continued sale of chicken jerky treats.

The most shocking part is that the FDA has known about this for years, and has even increased their warnings as recently as November 2011. They have researched

thousands of cases, and the cases are mounting. Mine is now one of those that they are investigating.

Despite warnings from the FDA and the leading veterinary associations in the U.S. and Canada, Nestle Purina has refused all accountability, instead placing blame on people like me who have lost their companions. If their treats were safe, as they repeatedly claim, death and illness would never have been the end result for so many.

No animal should ever have to die due to “treats.”

How many thousands of grieving pet owners still have no idea what sickened or killed their pet? As long as these products are still on the shelves, the suffering will continue.

Tell Nestle Purina to take chicken jerky treats made in China off the shelves until they can be proven safe.

MYTH: Pit bulls are very aggressive FACT: Pit bulls are no more or less aggressive than any other type of dog.

Many of the behaviors we expect from and encourage in dogs, including hunting, tracking, guarding, and even playing, are actually modified forms of aggression.

Although pit bulls have a reputation for aggression, in fact, many other breeds and types of dogs are also known for such aggression. Interdog aggression is actually a very common behavior and is not limited to pit bull type dogs.

Dogs are essentially domesticated predators. Many dogs will exhibit predatory behavior toward small animals that they consider prey.

Aggression is an individual trait that varies from dog to dog, and has a lot to do with a dog’s environment and owners. Pit bulls do not exhibit any aggressive behaviors that are unique or extreme when compared to other breeds or types of dogs. happypitbull.com This is Bruno - a friendly loving pitbull that needs a loving home.

San Luis Valley Animal Shelter · www.slvaws.org

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742

CONSERVATION · EDUCATION · PRESERVATION

Colorado Springs students who did a tour and spent the rest of their time volunteering on the fire road to help with mitigation

working together to make a difference...

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant

Mexican Grey Wolves www.mexicanwolves.org

Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org

www.aza.org www.projectcoyote.org

www.defendersofwildlife.org

become a fan of CWWC

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

Wild Earth Guardians

www.wildearthguardians.org

For current wolf articles and to be a voice through knowledge

~ Martin Buber

...conservation education preservation Information presented on this newsletter is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied.

Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. Some of the documents in this newsletter may contain live feed references (or pointers) to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that CWWC does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.

NEWSLETTER BY: Melissa Macis | smallspaceorganizer@gmail.com