Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center SEPTEMBER 2013 newsletter

conservation · education · preservation

COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013 September 17th was a sad day at the center as we said goodbye to Spinney, our wonderful Australian Shepherd. Spinney came from an abusive background and had many physical issues. In spite of this he was a very loving and happy boy.

There was nothing more wonderful than to see Spinney smile, and he did so most often when he was with his mom, Darlene. His condition was at the point that there was no longer anything that could be done for him. He let mom Darlene know he was ready to go join his brothers and sisters that were waiting for him over the rainbow bridge. He was released from the physical world shortly after 5:00 that evening and passed peacefully laying in his mom’s arms. He was a very special boy and will be greatly missed by all of us at the center.

Rest in Peace Spinney

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

A beautiful visitor stopped by and enjoyed a warm summers day!

Colleen and Navi

Nancy M. & Maria A. at the Wolf Rally in Washington DC

THANK YOU Thomas Maclaren School-top rated charted school in Colorado Springs.

These kids, parents and teachers did an awesome job in helping us with a new enclosure for Fable and Codi

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

NEWS

Micah and Keara sharing a quick kiss for the camera

A Note from Defenders URGENT MESSAGE FROM W.O.L.F. www.defendersblog.org

www.wolfsanctuary.net

Wildlife Services killed 13 wolves in Idaho recently after the Pine Creek pack was blamed for causing the death of 176 sheep. The herders claimed that two wolves frightened the sheep, causing them to stampede and stumble down a rocky slope. The sheep had been grazing on public land in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, not far from Grand Teton National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife including wild predators. American taxpayers are thus faced with a triple whammy: subsidizing public grazing, paying to kill the wolves, and compensating for the losses. You can help us put a stop to the senseless killing of wildlife on public lands by signing the petition called “STOP THE INDISCRIMINATE WILDLIFE SLAUGHTER” at defenders.org

COLORADO FLOODS CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO W.O.L.F.

EMAIL: Hi All - I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the most amazing experience I and my group had on Sept. 3. We interacted with Micah and Keara - unforgettable. I came across this Native American link I thought you would enjoy: http://www.spiritisup.com/ kindredspiritgs.html Thank you, Linda Brown

Over the past 15 months the communities that make up northern Colorado, our home, have suffered an array of challenges from mother nature including the High Park Fire in June 2012 and flash flooding in July and September 2013.

Images available on W.O.L.F.’s Facebook page.

These damages have left us struggling to repair and rebuild and we are reaching out to our supporters to help us! More recent damage includes the new spillway that was recently completed is undercut and needs repair, all the hard work done to the retention ponds is all but gone and the road is not passable by vehicle so ATV’s must be utilized to get staff in and out with vital volunteer and work group help on hold.

Ways you can help W.O.L.F. • Make a monetary donation! As an independent nonprofit your donations are critical for day-to-day care and making repairs and rebuilding. We will not qualify for some of the federal assistance that will be available to homeowners.

• Purchase and donate items on our wish list.

• Own or have connections for items we need to borrow longterm to recover? View our wish list and let us know if you can help!

View our needs list at wolfsanctuary.net W.O.L.F. is not open to the general public. Only volunteers who have confirmed schedules and carpool rides are permitted at the sanctuary. Thank you.

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Gift Certificates make the perfect gift this holiday season Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

NEW Full Moon Feeding Tours every month Our Feeding Tour AND Our Full Moon Tours have become so popular, we decided to combine them every month on the evening before and evening after our regular FULL MOON TOUR. We will start with a meet and greet with Keyni - our ambassador wolf pup.

Then meet our resident animals 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 at the full moon!

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

LOVE WOLVES? They need our help NOW more than ever!

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife is not only a sanctuary for our animals, we are also a strong voice for wolves in the wild. In addition to our daily tours to educate the public about wolves, we teach conservation of all wildlife and how people can co-exist with wildlife. We feel as a leader in wolf education we need to go above and beyond the basics such as Facebook and cheap talk. So we are teaming with Project:Wolf to put up electronic billboards in Colorado Springs about the upcoming USFWS hearings.

These hearings are about the USFWS proposal to delist the Gray wolf in the lower 48 states and a new proposal about the critically endangered Mexican Gray wolf.

We have collected over 1000 signatures with comments and have been sending them to Secretary Sally Jewell and

USFWS. We have written letters to Secretary Jewell and President Obama asking them to stop the wolf hunting and restore them to the endangered species list. We have also rallied in Washington DC, and have worked to stop the slaughter of the Yellowstone wolves.

Now we are headed to Albuquerque for the October 4th USFWS hearing. Six of our staff will be attending to make comments in defense of our majestic wolves that belong to all of us. We are asking for your help. This is the wolves’ last chance. If you care, they need you right now. PLEASE write a letter to the USFWS telling them of your views of the proposed delisting and current hunting of wolves. You can also attend any meeting as they are open to the public.

We encourage that you make your way to at least one of these meetings to give a comment, whether written or oral. Oral comments are limited to just a few brief minutes, depending on the number of people wanting to provide an oral comment.

The wolf haters will be getting bussed into the meetings, so please collaborate with your friends and family to ensure that your comments are relative and to the point. Remember, the wolf haters have nothing more than fairy tales to back up their points, whereas we have science backing our side.

We encourage that you make short notes and keep track of what everyone else has to say, so that your comments are relative. Try to keep your comments science based, and not emotional based. Come at them with

fast hard facts.

Some things to discuss are the fact that USFWS has changed the classification the Gray Wolf in the Great Lakes Region to “Eastern Wolf ” based on a single, outdated study that took place over 20 years ago, in order to make it seem that the Gray wolf has recolonized a larger portion of its native range.

Colorado, which has the greatest amount of available habitat for wolves in the United States, currently has no wolves.

Livestock losses are exaggerated, a small minority of livestock losses take place because of wolves, an over all of 8,000 losses a year. That is out of a total of 4 million losses, with over 3.8 million losses due to disease and weather. Ranchers need to look at the issues they have on providing hus-

bandry, rather than focusing on an unnecessary war on our predators.

Why do we accept the fact that we can lose a significant portion of livestock to disease and weather, but cannot accept a small loss to predators?

A majority of livestock losses take place on public lands, which belong to all of us, and not on private lands.

Shooting wolves causes a large increase in livestock loss because of the disruption of the wolf pack’s structure.

States with forward thinking wolf management plans, such as Oregon, have had a decrease in livestock losses since management shifted to non-lethal control. Problem wolves are only removed after they continue to harass or harm livestock after hazing methods have failed.

TALKING POINTS FOR MEXICAN GREY WOLVES • Allow direct releases of Mexican Greys into the parts of New Mexico and Arizona • Labeling all of the wild wolves “non essential” ignores science • The 75 wolves in the wild have up to four generations of experience in establishing packs and raising pups and are essential to continued recovery.

• 4th generation wild lobos are not expendable and are an essential part of recovering this unique subspecies

The National Delisting Disaster is well on its way, but USFWS is going to hold three important meetings to discuss thoughts about delisting the Gray Wolf from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (78 FR 35719).

• Mexican gray wolves are essential for biodiversity and a strong ecosystem

The meetings will be at the following locations, dates, and times:

• The proposed rule still emphasizes maintaining a population of only 100 wolves, which is not scientifically sound

• September 30th, 2013, from 6pm to 8:30 pm in Washington DC, at the Department of the Interior, Auditorium, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington DC 20240; (202) 208-3100 • October 2nd, 2013 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm, in Sacramento California at the Clarion Inn, Martinique Ball Room, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815; (916) 922-8041 •O ctober 4th, 2013 from 6 to 8:30 pm in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Embassy Suites, Sandia Room, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102; (505) 245-7100 The public hearing on October 4th will also cover the proposed revision to the nonessential experimental population of the Mexican Wolf (78 FR 35719) Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

• Please complete a comprehensive recovery plan, the current one is outdated and not scientifically adequate

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

BE A VOICE NOW VISIT PROJECTWOLF.ORG TODAY! Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

Delisting Disaster · BE A VOICE! CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

If you cannot attend one or more of these meetings, you may submit written comments to the following, we only have until OCTOBER 28th TO GIVE A VOICE TO OUR NATION’S WOLVES! To Comment to Sally Jewell: Department of the Interior · Office of the Secretary 1849 C St NW, Suite 7314, Washington, D.C. 20240

SAVE the LOBO !

Wolves Ne

ed You on

.org

THANK YOU We would like to sincerely thank Mike Cavanaugh, owner of “Mike’s Natural Pet Market,” for donating organic cat and dog food for our wolves, fox and coyote.

CWWC staff members and volunteers endorse “Mike’s Natural Pet Market,” and shop there for their “domestic” pets organic and natural pet food needs. He also carries a wide variety of healthy treats, chews and toys. We greatly appreciate your donation!

The Best Pet Health Food Store in Southern Colorado

Mike Cavanaugh - Owner/Nutritional Counselor 3640 Jeannine Dr · Colorado Springs, CO 80917

(719) 570-1488 · www.mikesnaturalpet.com

in Albuque

rque, NM

Fewer than 75 Mexican gray wolves rem ain in the wild

To comment to USFWS: Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov.

Follow the instructions for submitting comments to the following docket numbers: • Gray wolf: Docket No. [FWS–HQ–ES–2013–0073] • Mexican Wolf: Docket No. [FWS-R2-ES-2013-0056] U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: (please use appropriate docket number for each species – see above); Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

Mail in Comment: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ–ES–2013–0073 Division of Policy and Directives Management · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM, Arlington, Virginia 22203

October 4

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On October 4, 2013 the USFWS will in Albuquer hold its only que, NM. Yo public heari ur participat crucial to en ng on both ion in the S sure the futu of these des av e the Lobo ev re of these b supporters o tructive pro ent and the ea u n October 4 tiful, intellig posals hearing on th ent, critically can turn the future of New e same day tide for wolv endangered Mexico’s nat is wolves. A cr es. T ive wolves, sa itical mass o ve the date an his is a historic oppo f rtunity. To d spread the en w o su rd re . th e You can

an make a d ifference ju st by show ing up!

We need a Event and crowd!

Hearing Lo cation:

Embassy Suit Schedule es, 1000 Wo odward Place 3:30 p.m. T NE, Albuquer abling, refres que, NM hments, sign 4:00 p.m. T -making, ch raining by D ildren’s art efenders of W 4:45 p.m. S ildlife ave the Lobo Rally / Sign 6:00 p.m. U up for Heari S Fish and W ng ildlife Service Hearing Event to Sa Defenders of ve the Lob Wildlife • Si o Sponsore erra Club-Rio New Mexico G C d By: ra ha nd pt er e Chapter of Con The

servAmerica Wildlands N • WildEarth etwork • So • Sierra Clu Guardians uthwest Env b-Grand Can • Center for Grand Canyo ironmental C yon Chapter Biological D n Wildlands enter • Con iversity • Animal Pro Council • W se tection of New rv at io hite Mountai n Voters New Mexico n M C on ex ic se o rvation Leag NM Wilderne • Wilburforc ue • Western e Foundation ss Alliance • Wildlife Con Wolf Conserv servancy For more in ation Center

email info

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@mexican

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

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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 路 $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 路 $10 per child

Full Moon Tour OCTOBER 19 5:30 pm check-in Meet and greet Keyni - our ambassador wolf before the tour.

Tour starts immediately after and lasts approx 1 hour

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 路 $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 路 $50 per additional person ADD ON a Photo Tour for an additional $75 MUST BE 18 OR OLDER

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

Full Moon Feeding Fest TouR OCTOBER 18 and 20 3:30 pm check-in

Combines our FEEDING TOUR with our FULL MOON TOUR...

Wear warm clothes and good boots. Bring a camera and flashlight. $25 per adult (13 YEARS+) $15 per child 8-12 years.

No kids under the age of 8 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

Oween

howl

DAY OF THE DEAD SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH 5-7 PM

We have located a used trailer for $3,200 (a very good price. We have a donor who has pledged $1,600 towards the purchase of that trailer. We need another $1,600.

If you can help us, please go to our website www.slvaws.org and click the donate button. You can reach us at 719-587-WOOF (9663) or woof@slvaws.org. If we should be so fortunate to raise more than $1600, we will put the additional money toward a new water pressure tank. We are all volunteers so every dollar we get goes to help the homeless animals.

Appetizers and hot drinks will be provided

Thank you so much for the help you have already given us and for considering our emergency request.

Dress warm and bring a flashlight, a blanket or throw and a folding chair if you like

Reservations required Space is limited

A letter from our friends at the SLV Animal Welfare Society We currently have an urgent need for a tandem axle cargo trailer.

We bent the axle on our 5+ year-old single axle trailer hauling donated dog food to our shelter (we rent a small U-Haul for weekly adoptions in the Springs). We desperately need a heavier duty trailer for adoptions and to transport free food from donors in Colorado Springs. The free food would save as much as $500/ month which we could use to: rescue more homeless animals, get a new pressure tank for our aging water system (we run low on water), and establish a fund for emergencies.

We will start with a meet and greet with Keyni, our ambassador wolf followed by a tour as we pass out meat-filled pumpkins to all the wolves.

We will then gather around the bon fire where each adult will receive a candle for a ceremony of our animal friends that we have lost and a special prayer will be given.

$25 for adults · $15 for kids Not recommended for kids under 8

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself

Dear Friend of the Homeless Animals,

Join us for our Howl·O·ween Day of the Dead Celebration

NO costumes please but face painting is encouraged

looking for a forever home

With deepest gratitude, Everyone at the SLVAWS, and most of all the homeless animals

COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER

719.687.9742 reservations required. 5pm check-in

Colorado Wolf And Wildlife Center | PO Box 713 | Divide, CO 80814 | 719.687.9742 | www. wolfeducation.org

RAYNE Hi, I’m Rayne. I am still here waiting for you to take me home! I have a dynamite personality and am over flowing with love and kisses. I make a great lap dog, car passenger, playmate, cuddle buddy, whatever you need I’ll be great at it! I have a beautiful smile and always ready for some action. I do prefer to male canine friends as long as they know how to treat a lady. What are you waiting for? Come on by and ask for Rayne!

Call TCRAS, the no-kill shelter in Divide, CO at 719-686-7707 for more information or checkout our website to see all the available animals!

www.tcrascolorado.com 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

working together to make a difference “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant

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

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

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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