Heroes of the wolves
The first in a series of articles about
Wolf Centers and Preserves across North America
Located in Salem, NY, the Wolf Conservation Center is one of the top places helping our furry friends on the east coast. They were founded in 1999 and one of the unique features that I enjoy about WCC is the fact that they have webcams for most of the enclosures. This gives you a unique vantage point to view the daily lives of the occupants.
Another unique aspect of WCC is their ambassador wolf Atka. Atka is an Arctic gray wolf (Canis Lupus Arctos) which live in the Arctic region above 67 north latitude and travels all across the country teaching the world about wolves.. WCC says that in 2010, Atka visited 150 schools, nature centers, museums and libraries. This is really helping the public understand the wolf and debunk a lot of the myths and false opinions of this great animal.
I got a chance to ask Maggie Howell from the WCC a few questions about the center:
#1- How big is the Wolf Conservation Center exactly?
Over 27 acres.
#2- How many and what types of wolves do you have located at the center?
We have 25 wolves.16 Mexican gray wolves, 6 red wolves, and 3 Ambassador wolves (one of which is Arctic and the other are a mix of Canadian/Rocky Mtn. and Eastern wolves).
#3- Is there a tour people can take or is it strictly a private facility?
We offer programs throughout the yr and people are required to register to attend these programs in order to visit. In 2011, we welcomed over 7000 visitors.
#4- What role do you play is the SSP for red and mexican wolves?
We participate in both recovery plans housing 16 Mexican wolves and 6 red wolves. We’ve had a successful litter of Mexican wolves (in 2008) and these wolves have lived off exhibit since their birth. We welcomed a litter of red wolves in 2010 and the now 2-yr-old still reside at the Center. In 2013, we’ll host 4 breeding pairs, 2 red and 2 Mexican. We’ve also had 2 of our Mexican gray wolves released into the wilds of AZ. The first in 2006 and the second in 2008. Our second wolf that was released was the last new captive born wolf to be released into the wild.
#5- How can the public support the Wolf Conservation Center?
By visiting us, attending one of our benefits, donations, our purchasing our merchandise (or voting for us in grant contests driven by social media – pls see the latest in my signature!)
What Maggie was referring to is a contest that Toyota is doing called "100 cars for good" program. The Wolf Conservation Center is one of the 500 finalists. They need our help by voting for them on August 12th 2012. For more info please go to http://nywolf.org/news/contests .
Thanks for reading!
Robert Elder III
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