conservation · education · preservation
COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER APRIL-MAY 2013
Cash
It all started with Dixie, our mini mare. I got Dixie for all of the kids who come to the Center - especially the girls who like to pet and brush My Little Pony. Well my little pony was pregnant and had a mini baby boy which we named Shadow. As Shadow grew, so did his curiosity. He was done with mom because she was not fun to play with anymore. I thought about a playmate for him so I put an ad in Craigslist for a goat. After several calls, we chose one. It was a disaster! This goat jumped the fence and did not want to have a thing to do with Shadow. Plus it was a billy goat and smelled really bad. The thought of another goat crossed my mind but that thought quickly got crossed out thinking about my trees that could be eaten. So I went on Craigslist and found a mini donkey and her 2 week old baby. What a cutie this baby is. Simply irresistible. So I made plans to go get them in Canon City. As we were driving up the road, I saw this beautiful Border collie herding some cows on his own. He was amazing. We loaded the little donkey and baby and I told the rancher how amazing his dog was. He said that the dog was not working for him and if we did not take him, he was going to “fill a hole”. I could not believe I just heard that. Without hesitation, we took this dog named Cash. It is interesting that two days prior I was looking at Border collie rescues because I felt that I was ready to find another dog after my loss of Prissy. Cash is so sweet and very smart. He now wears Prissy’s collar in her honor.
Cash & Casey quickly became good friends
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
New Additions to the Pack
Dr Volz and Terry meet Keyni for the first time!!!
i n y t e e Me K
Keyni howling for his first meet and greet!
Na’vi trying to steal a hat Na’vi enjoying a little attention from one of our guests
MINI DONKEY MAGGIE and 2 WEEK OLD BURRITO Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
Wolf petition NEEDS YOUR SIGNATURE I am a wildlife biologist in Montana and have studied wolves · Go to change.org here for over 20 years, · Search word WOLVES including a 10-year · Petition: Stop the unjustified study of the Fishtrap killing and hunting of pack. I recently beMontana’s wolves gan a petition to end the hunting and trapping of these animals after publishing a review of the government’s wolf population data in a peer review scientific journal. I found that no science has been used by management agencies to justify their killing of hundreds of wolves every year. Because agencies do not know how many wolves are actually in Montana, this could be most of them. The petition is a short essay of what has been going on, along with my background and research. It contains links to the source material so that people can make an informed decision to sign to not. The goal is 100,000 signatures before the hunting season begins in the fall. Would it be possible for you to post a link to the petition on your web site?
CWWC is growing
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We are happy to officially announce the purchase of the 35 acre property that adjoins our original 35. When the property was up for sale, I seriously thought about all of the, “what ifs” of a new property owner who would be next to the wolf enclosures. Even though CWWC could not really afford it, we could not afford not to. So far we have a new well and just had power installed underground. There is a beautiful big barn which we now use for a fire staging area and it also serves as home for Mini Donkeys Maggie and Burrito.
This petition is noteworthy because it comes directly from the scientist who has done the research and who has been involved in wolf recovery since the beginning. Each signature is emailed directly to the designated officials in the petition. However, after the goal is reached, I will take all the signatures and comments to the capitol and present them to the Governor myself, in the presence of the media. Recently, the law has been changed so that hunters can now kill up to three wolves each and use electronic calls. As added incentive, outof-state hunting fees have also been reduced. Although wolves are already trapped using leg holds as a part of hunting, two more bills are being considered that will allow the use of dead wolves to bait these traps.
Rock Creek School Weikel Grade SchoolFt. Carson
Janie and Rich took a wonderful Walk on the Wild Side with Wakanda on some of our beautiful nature trails. Guests can reserve a walk of their own on Thursdays and Sundays
Walk on the Wild Side TOUR
MICAH HAVING FUN
Sincerely, Jay Mallonee - Wolf and Wildlife Studies www.wolfandwildlifestudies.com Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
A Truly Monumental Feat We did it! [sigh of relief ] Humane Society of the United States
In less than 67 days, and with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers, Keep Michigan Wolves Protected turned in 253,705 signatures to the Michigan Secretary of State yesterday -- far exceeding the 161,305 valid signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. Thanks to the support of animal lovers all across the country, the Michigan wolf hunt will be put on hold once the signatures are certified for the ballot -- and hundreds of wolves will
be spared from painful trapping and pointless trophy hunting. This is great news for wolves, but we still have one more hurdle left to clear before these majestic animals can live without fear in Michigan -- Election Day 2014. Share the campaign today to help spread the victory news and get the word out about this effort to save our nation’s wolves. www.keepwolvesprotected.com
Killing Adult Wolves Creating Chaos Within the Packs
Posted by Linda Camac - On Behalf Of GOOD WOLF via Causes
A very important excerpt from an article written by George Wuerthner--explains the consequences of killing wolves and disrupting wolf families; causing chaos within the packs. You cannot think of wolves without thinking of family---they are a unit. What happens to pups when adults are killed and don’t come home? What happens to adolescent wolves who have not been fully taught or schooled...even as to what their food source should be? See what this author has to say -“....a growing body of research that suggests that indiscriminate killing—which hunting is— actually exacerbates livestock/ predator conflicts. The mantra of pro wolf-hunting community is that wolves should be “managed” like “other” wildlife. This ignores the findings that suggest that predators are not like other wildlife. They are behaviorally different
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month A Few Facts About Animal Cruelty
from say elk and deer. Random killing of predators including bears, mountain lions and wolves creates social chaos that destabilizes predator social structure. Hunting of wolves can skew wolf populations towards younger animals. Younger animals are less skillful hunters. As a consequence, they will be more inclined to kill livestock. Destabilized and small wolf packs also have more difficulty in holding territories and even defending their kills from scavengers and other predators which in end means they are more likely to kill new prey animal.”
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that put greater priority on profits than the health and well-being of the puppies. Many dogs are plagued with illnesses or infirmaries like kidney or heart disease, as a result of the poor conditions they’re kept in. Each year, thousands of young and healthy Greyhounds are killed because they lack racing potential or have been injured while racing and are no longer competitive. More than half the fur in the United States comes from China, where there are no penalties for abusing animals, which are raised in unbearably cramped and run-down cages on fur farms. Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating the minimal standards of care set by the United States Animal Welfare (AWA).
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
STATES CURTAIL TAPING FARM-ANIMAL ABUSE by Richard A. Oppel, Jr., The New York Times On one covert video, farm workers illegally burn the ankles of Tennessee walking horses with chemicals. Another captures workers in Wyoming punching and kicking pigs and flinging piglets into the air. And at one of the country’s largest egg suppliers, a video shows hens caged alongside rotting bird corpses, while workers burn and snap off the beak of young chicks. Each video -- all shot in the past 2 years by undercover animal-rights activists -- drew swift response: Federal prosecutors in Tennessee charged the horse trainer and other workers, who have pleaded guilty, with violating the Horse Protection Act. Local authorities in Wyoming charged 9 farm employees with cruelty to animals. And the egg supplier, which operates in Iowa and other states, lost one of its biggest customers, McDonald’s, which said the video played a part in its decision. But a dozen or so state legislatures have had a different reaction: They proposed or enacted bills that would make it illegal to covertly videotape livestock farms or apply for a job at one without disclosing ties to animal-rights groups. They have also drafted measures that would require such videos to be given to the authorities almost immediately, which activists say would thwart any meaningful undercover investigation of large factory farms. Critics call them “Ag-Gag” bills. Some of the legislation appears inspired by the American Legislative Exchange
Council, a business advocacy group with hundreds of state representatives from farm states as members. The group creates model bills, drafted by lobbyists and lawmakers, that in the past have included such things as “stand your ground” gun laws and tighter voter-identification rules. One of the group’s model bills, “The Animal and Ecological Terrorism Act” prohibits filming or taking pictures on livestock farms to “defame the facility or its owner.” Violators would be placed on a “terrorist registry.” Officials from the group did not respond to a request for comment. Animal-rights activists say they have not seen legislation that would require them to register as terrorists, but they say other measures -- including laws passed last year in Iowa, Utah and Missouri -- make it nearly impossible to produce similar undercover exposes. Some groups say that they have curtailed activism in those states. “It definitely has had a chilling effect on our ability to conduct undercover investigations,” said Vandhana Bala, general counsel for Mercy For Animals, which has shot many videos, including the egg-farm investigation in 2011. (McDonald’s said that video showed “disturbing and completely unacceptable” behavior, but that none of the online clips were from the Iowa farm that supplied its eggs. Bala, though, said that some video showing bird carcasses in cages did come from that facility.) The American Farm
Bureau Federation, which lobbies for the agricultural and meat industries, criticized the mistreatment seen on some videos. But the group cautions that some methods represent best practices endorsed by animal-care experts. The videos might seem troubling to someone unfamiliar with farming, said Kelli Ludlum, the group’s director of congressional relations, but they can be like seeing open-heart surgery for the first time. “They could be performing a perfect procedure, but you would consider it abhorrent that they were cutting a person open,” she said. In coming weeks, Indiana and Tennessee are expected to vote on similar measures, while states from California to Pennsylvania continue to debate them. Opponents have scored some recent victories, as a handful of bills have died, including those in New Mexico and New Hampshire. In Wyoming, the legislation stalled after loud opposition from animal-rights advocates, including Bob Barker, former host of “The Price Is Right.” Nationally, animal-rights advocates fear they will lose a valuable tool that fills the void of what they say is weak or non-existent regulation. Don Lehe, a Republican state representative from a rural district in Indiana, said online videos can cast farmers in a false light and give them little opportunity to correct the record. “That property owner is essentially guilty before they had the chance to address the issue,” Lehe said.
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
FUNDRAISER FOR FIRE PREVENTION
MAY 27TH · MEMORIAL DAY · 10AM TO 5PM Benefit concert featuring the Adam Ezra Group, the Confluence as well as an acoustic stage • Silent Auction • Birds of Prey Presentation • Door Prizes • Artist Booths • Beer Garden • Wolfpack Howls
www.wolfeducation.org · 719.687.9742 Purchase tickets at wolfstock.bpt.me or call 1.800.838.3006 $30 adults · $15.00 kids 12 and younger · Parking at Divide Post Office
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
Standard Tours
One-hour educational tour of the sanctuary. 10 am, noon and 2 pm Tuesday-Sunday $10 per adult · $7 per child
Feeding Tours
Enjoy this one-hour educational tour while your guide feeds the wolves! Learn about hunting, howling and hierarchy and communicate with the pack in a group howl! $20 per adult · $10 per child Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Photo Tours
Interact with 2 of our wolves for up to 15 minutes while a CWWC photographer captures your interaction! $100 for up to 4 people · $50 per additional person MUST BE 18 OR OLDER
Youth FOX Photos
Your child will have their picture taken with our red fox! $100 for up to 4 children (must be 8 or older)
VIP Tours Interact with 4 of our wolves for up to 30 minutes! $150 for up to 2 people · $50 per additional person ADD ON a Photo Tour for an additional $75 MUST BE 18 OR OLDER
FULL MOON TOURS Wear warm clothes and good boots. Bring a camera and flashlight. Cocoa and coffee will be provided. $25 per adult · $15 per child 8-12 No kids under 8
SATURDAY · MAY 25th call for check-in time
Meet and greet one of our wolves before the tour. Tour starts immediately after and lasts approx 1 hour
Reservations will not be guaranteed until we reach our min. requirement. Please call to put your name on the list!!
FUTURE FULL MOON TOUR DATES: June 22 - check in 7:30 pm, start 8 pm June 23 if June 22 fills up July 20 - check in 7:30 pm, start 8 pm July 21 if July 20 fills up August 24 - check in 7:30 pm, start 8 pm
Walk on the Wild Side
What could be better than a guided nature walk in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with a wolf? $75 per person Reserve for Thursday & Sunday
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 719-687-9742
All CWWC tours have limited space and we have a no-cancellation policy Reschedules are allowed May-October only
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 719-687-9742
looking for a forever home A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself
The Red Fox Family love to be fed dinner!!!
VIP
Irene
Tori
LUCKY
Hello- I am a well behaved and well mannered lady looking for my new throne to claim. I can be a little princess sometimes and I like being treated like one! I do get along with other dogs and would be fine. I am crate trained and house trained and I do know how to speak on command. I am a really sweet girl and I am looking for a second chance! Stop by and see for yourself how sweet I am.
I came to TCRAS without a lot of trust in people and was not a happy girl. Since my time with the people here, I have learned to trust again. I would very much like a home where I am the only animal in your life. I would like all of your attention for myself! It may take me a little bit of time to adjust to a new environment, so please be patient! I will come to you for attention when I am ready and offer a little love bite when I have had my fill. Come see me, we might become fast forever friends!
Lucky is a year old pit bull and was named because he survived being homeless and in bad shape. A woman started caring for him and her neighbor then shot him in the shoulder and shattered his humerus. He has had surgery and a pin placed in his humerus. He is a very friendly dog with both humans and other animals. The little terrier chews on his neck and he takes it as play and wouldn’t ever hurt her. He is a happy go lucky dog and has taken all in stride and is always cheerful. Lucky is curious about cats, so he wouldn’t be a good dog for cats but he is great with dogs and people and he loves to play.
Call TCRAS, the no-kill shelter in Divide, CO at 719-686-7707 for more info or checkout www.tcrascolorado.com to see all the available animals! Talk about organization! Way to go Michelle
GOT
MEAT?
We are in need of meat (and monetary donations!) We can take your freezer burned or old meat. We can’t take meat that is spoiled, seasoned, or spiced or fish with bones. 719-687-9742
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
SLV Animal Welfare Society 719-587-woof (9663) · www.slvaws.org MONETARY DONATIONS ALSO NEEDED
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. See available dogs at www.viequeshumanesociety.org · CWWC will help you cover adoption fees - 719.687.9742
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org
The World of Wolves iPad app featuring The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is NOW AVAILABLE on iTunes. Also on iTunes, download the free CWWC app for your iPhone or iPad
FREE fact-filled app about wolves
working together to make a difference “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant
Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org
www.aza.org www.projectcoyote.org
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” www.bornfreeusa.org
~ Martin Buber
Mexican Grey Wolves www.mexicanwolves.org
www.defendersofwildlife.org
For current wolf articles and to be a voice through knowledge
Wild Earth Guardians
www.wildearthguardians.org
To get Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center on your phone! Scan this code
Newsletter Designed By Melissa Macis Freelance Graphic Designer smallspaceorganizer@gmail.com 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.
Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org