Magazine Fall 2020

UNSTOPPABLE CONSERVATION

Fall 2020

Our Mission: To preserve and protect Mexican wolves, red wolves, and other wild canid species, with purpose and passion through carefully managed breeding, reintroduction, and inspiring education programs.

IN THIS ISSUE: Red Wolf Update Mexican Pups To the Wild Despite Pandemic Page 5 Pages 14-15 EWC Visionaries Richmond Family Vet & Nutrition Center Page 10 Page 16 Wild Mexican Wolf Count Educational Webinars and Art for Conservation Page 13 Pages 20-21 CEO’S MESSAGE 2021 Events Dear Friends of the Endangered Wolf Center, April 25 Virtual Volunteer Appreciation With the end of an unprecedented year in the headlights, most of us will look back on its rocky May road as one of the most uncomfortable journeys Virtual African Painted Dog we’ve ever been on. While “uncomfortable” sounds Conference negative, the word resonates with me, and I choose June 26 to view it as a launch pad. Our team has innovated, Virtual Members’ Day inspired and endured throughout 2020 because we got uncomfortable. We have stayed connected to our September 11 EWC family through virtual programs and phone calls Polo Classic, McGehee Field to simply “check-in” with our closest pack-members. Photo Credit: Kelsey Grant October 23 I am humbled by the generosity of those who continued Wolf Fest to contribute their time, talents and much-needed funds throughout this challenging October 30 year. I am most proud of the fact that we continue to have deep conversations about Howl-O-Ween Enrichment Howl conservation. After all, conservation begins and ends with the connections we make for wildlife and wild places. December 4 Holiday Boutique The coronavirus also exposed the issue of zoonotic disease transfer — a phrase rarely heard outside biology circles until this year. Our vision at the EWC is for a December 18 day when animals and humans live in harmony and benefit each other. There is no Howliday Enrichment Howl greater time than now to understand that humans need animals, wildlife and healthy ecosystems to sustain our physical and mental health. The EWC sits on 2,000 beautiful acres of woodland and rolling hills. It’s an ideal Managing Editor: Rachel Broom place to bring family and friends and soak up nature in a safe and socially distant Graphic Design: Angela Ewing Editor & Photographer: Victoria Ziglar environment. It is a place where we are making a difference every day for a deeply Editor: Betsy Heck misunderstood endangered species, the wolf. Photographer: Michelle Steinmeyer

On the cover: Photo featured in the Washington Post shows EWC Keeper Danielle Therrien performing a health check on a Mexican wolf puppy right Virginia Busch before leaving the Center for the wild. CEO

Mark Cross, Executive Director It was a difficult day when we closed our doors in March, the world newly in the grips of a monumental crisis, wondering when we would be able to reopen them again. But while many things were put on hold, the world’s animal conservation crisis was unrelenting. And that meant one thing. So were we. Our EWC team stood tall, and our leadership and work on behalf of endangered species continued. Despite the pandemic, this year we saw a record 20 Mexican wolf pups cross-fostered into the wild – nine of which were born at the Endangered Wolf Center. This victory is thanks to our resilient team and the support of many organizations and members. While public tours were put on hold, we pivoted to the digital world with successful virtual meet-and- greet programs with our animal ambassadors. We also increased our global audience with Facebook Live chats and notable guests, and we continue to shift more resources to our virtual programming. And because conservation cannot wait, we are building two new American red wolf enclosures, expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will allow us to increase the number of breeding pairs. It’s just one of a record number of construction projects this year. Read more about the exciting capital improvement plans throughout this issue. Here’s what I know. If we can do all this in a pandemic year, then just imagine what’s possible. I’m excited to be a part of that, and grateful that you are, too.

2 WHAT’S HAPPENING Five Ways to Visit Us - In-Person & Online

Photography Tours

Guided by one of our expert education staff members, Photography Tours are a Private Tours unique opportunity to capture2 photos of our animals and practice your skills behind Our private guided tour is the camera. Large wolf habitats have an ideal way to experience natural, serene and wooded surroundings, the EWC, especially during providing a beautiful backdrop for our 1the upcoming chilly months when our wolves, African painted dogs, and foxes. animals are extra fluffy in their winter The tour is designed to allow time for coats! Tailored to your interests, you’ll get professional and novice photographers to know wolves the way we know them alike to try different locations, use different - their pack dynamics, behaviors, and cameras/lenses, and work in natural unique personalities. Bring your pack and lighting conditions. This unique experience get to know ours during a Private Tour. lasts at least one hour and can be reserved for up to five hours.

Private Howls

This popular evening program is a fun and educational opportunity VIP Tours to learn about wolf communication and hear the iconic howls fill the night4 air. Your Consistently a favorite among our guests ages 14 EWC guide will accompany your group and older, VIP Tours offer a on a short walk and attempt to inspire rare opportunity to go behind the scenes our wolves to howl. Hearing this wild and meet the amazing animals3 in our care. symphony is an unforgettable experience! You’ll learn how our Mexican wolves and red wolves are making history by adding to the wild populations and what it takes to care for endangered species.

Virtual Meet & Greets

During this virtual session, you will have the chance to ask questions, see our 5Animal Ambassadors up-close, and chat with our amazing animal keepers. You’ll Psst - These experiences learn all about the loving relationships make fantastic gifts! Visit built between our staff and the animals in endangeredwolfcenter.org our Ambassador Program. Plus, you’ll see or call (636) 938-5900 to learn an up-close view of their unique features – more, book your tours, and have you ever seen a maned wolf’s bright purchase gift certificates. and beautiful fur? Or a fennec fox’s cute little paws? This experience will be tailored to your interests and questions. It’s a perfect way to get your kids engaged in science. Get the whole family involved!

3 CONSERVATION NEWS

Conservation Meetings Go Virtual

ach year, the Association of Zoos and EAquariums Red Wolf and Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plans come together to plan for the upcoming year. This means that wildlife biologists, zoological managers, government agencies, geneticists and other experts in the field use this time to evaluate past and present efforts to ensure that we have the best conservation plan moving International conservationists gather virtually to hold the annual Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan meeting. forward. These meetings are a vital part of the work being done to save the two most We also will have a new red endangered wolves in the world. wolf breeding pair here at the EWC. A female from Wolf Haven This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, International located in Tenino, we were unable to hold our in-person WA, will be introduced to two conference and instead set up a virtual males from Lincoln Park Zoo in version. We thank the staffs at Fossil Rim Chicago, IL. This will be exciting Wildlife Center, North Carolina Zoo and Wolf because the female can choose Haven International for their efforts to make the best match for her from the this happen. two males, who are brothers. The brother not chosen will have One of the most important items on the the opportunity to become an agenda at these meetings is to plan the amazing uncle and help raise the breeding pairs for the upcoming year to help pups. These three wolves will be ensure that the population stays genetically traveling to the EWC this fall. healthy and can support reintroduction Three curious red wolf pups from our litter of seven born in and recovery efforts. For the Endangered We are proud to be part of the Association of the spring of 2019. Wolf Center specifically, we are excited to Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans in the spring, hopefully announcing lots of announce that we will have three Mexican for the American red wolf and the Mexican puppies! wolf breeding pairs in 2021: Mack and Vera, wolf and have hope for the future of these Rhombus and Maya and new pair Jorah and keystone species. Stay tuned for an update Zana. All three of these litters could help with the reintroduction efforts through the fostering of their pups into the wild. Growing, growing, GROWN! Our African painted dogs have grown in size and personality, but their curiosity remains the same.

Mexican wolf parents Zana and Mollette rest together as they watch their energetic pups play.

4 CONSERVATION NEWS A Future for Red Wolves

New Goals Identified Funds Made Available he U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Tannounced in 2016 they were going to We also worked with identify a new reintroduction location in the the FWS and the such as learning how to raise, protect, feed, Southeastern United States to help recover Conservation Centers for Species Survival discipline and play with pups, which teaches the critically endangered American red wolf. (C2S2) to write an FWS Federal Recovery the yearlings how to be successful leaders of The FWS also set a goal to almost double the Challenge Grant for $250,000 in seed money their own packs in the future. captive population from around 200 animals that intuitions could use to help construct These habitats are set in the hills of Missouri, to close to 400 by increasing the number of 10 new habitats and pull in funding for their a native habitat because Missouri is part of breeding pairs from approximately 30 pairs efforts. This is a great step towards our goal the red wolves’ historic home range. This to more than 50 pairs. This will not only help of reaching 50 new habitats. C2S2 received helps the wolves acclimate to their native retain vital genetic diversity in the population, the funds and opened up submissions to environment and prey before potential it will create a large enough population that institutions to apply for a portion of the grant. release into the wild. All of this, combined the FWS and their state partners can pull red The Endangered Wolf Center applied to with the Endangered Wolf Center’s long wolves from the captive population for release. C2S2 for seed money for one enclosure history and success at raising wolves that and was awarded a grant that required us can survive and thrive in the wild, will help in to secure a matching gift that was quickly the recovery of the American red wolf. given by the WS and BK Ross Charitable Foundation Trust. Our plan was to start Our construction is already underway on construction in 2021 but it became apparent these two habitats and will be complete that space for these new habitats was in time for red wolf breeding season. The needed as soon as possible. Thanks to the American red wolf is a national treasure, generosity of two more donors, the Donald and we are working hard to make sure this Slavik Family Foundation, Loti Woods and species does not go extinct. Dale Weiler, and Washington University for providing additional land for us to expand, New space is currently being added at the EWC for multi- construction is underway on two large generational red wolf packs. It was an exciting day when the entrance to the new habitats was completed. breeding habitats instead of one!

Over the last four years the Association More Breeding Pairs of Zoos and Aquariums Red Wolf Species These new habitats will be in a secluded area Survival Plan (SSP) has assisted with the and large enough to house multi-generational population growth effort. Regina Mossotti, packs, anywhere from 2-20 American red Director of Animal Care and Conservation wolves. This means that when the alpha pair at the EWC, serves as the Vice Coordinator has a litter, the first litter can stay with its for the SSP and works with coordinator parents an additional year and help raise Chris Lasher, and EWC board member Virgil the next litter. Multi-generational packs VanTrease, as well as others, to find new allow these animals to mimic natural pack homes to grow the red wolf population. We behaviors found in the wild where yearlings are meant approaching current SSP partners learn important lessons from their parents. as well as recruiting new institutions to join This is remarkably similar to human families the effort. It seemed like a monumental task, where older siblings help care for and babysit but we needed to accomplish it to ensure younger siblings. This teaches vital life skills, Providing new space for red wolf breeding is a crucial step this magnificent species has a future. in strengthening the species’ population in human care. 5 LEADERS OF THE PACK Gifts Received October 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020 We make every effort to acknowledge all gifts received and to maintain accurate records. Visit our website for a full listing of tribute and memorial gifts. If you discover a discrepancy or have questions, please call the Development Staff at 636-938-9306.

BEQUESTS MEXICAN WOLF PACKMATES Carol Perry (CONTRIBUTIONS $10,000- John H. Tyler $24,999) The Aqua Hill Charitable Gift Fund ARCTIC FOX PACKMATE Mr. and Mrs. Blackford F. Brauer (CONTRIBUTIONS $500,000+) Ms. Jane E. Habbegger Anonymous Smith and Janet McGehee Newman’s Own Foundation RED FOX PACKMATE Mr. and Mrs. Terrance T. (CONTRIBUTIONS $200,000- Schoeninger, The Schoeninger $349,999) Family Fund of the St. Louis August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Community Foundation Kevin Beckmann Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Jay Smith Mr. and Mrs. Virgil VanTrease FENNEC FOX PACKMATES (CONTRIBUTIONS $100,000- Wiley Family Foundation $199,999) RED WOLF PACKMATES Callum Foundation (CONTRIBUTIONS $5,000-$9,999) The Donald Slavik Family AT&T Foundation Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Baur AFRICAN PAINTED DOG Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer PACKMATES Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Brown (CONTRIBUTIONS $25,000- Ms. Elizabeth L. Green $99,999) Mr. Mike Heim C2S2 Conservation Centers for Lisa and Rick Houska Species Survival Mrs. Margaret D. Kaltenthaler The Dorothy D. and Joseph A. Mr. C. Stephen Kriegh and Moller Foundation Dr. Pamella S. Gronemeyer Ms. Geraldine Hufker and Ms. Helen I. McIntyre Ms. Celeste A. Ruwwe Ms. Dianne E. Meyer RiverStyx Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Pagano Long-time member, Lionelle Elsesser, named an African painted dog Ceecee in honor of her WS and BK Ross Charitable Mrs. Kathleen Secks two granddaughters, Chloe and Clarie. The girls enjoyed meeting Ceecee and received her Foundation Trust unique paw print as a thank you gift. Mr. and Mrs. William T. Skaggs Eugene J. Tichacek Family Trust Mr. Dale Weiler and MANED WOLF PACKMATES Ms. Jo Anna Dale Ms. Dawn Waters Mrs. Loti Woods (CONTRIBUTIONS $1,000-$4,999) Ms. Pamela K. Dauphin A Storage Inn, Inc. Jeremiah and Marjorie Dellas Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Abbene Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James R. Elsesser Jr. Mary and Jeff Ackerman Ms. Stacey Evans Mr. Shubber Ali Fair Play Foundation AmazonSmile Foundation Ms. Cassidy Freedman and Mrs. Mary Ann Amsinger Ms. Sharon Freedman Anonymous John Henry Foster and William and Judith Becker Fund Bernadine Foster Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Behan Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Graham Mr. Martin Bell and Mrs. Sharon L. Greenberg Mrs. Paula Crevoshay William and Betty Halliday Mr. and Mrs. Don Berra Jr. Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Van Lear Black III Mrs. Patricia G. Hecker, Hecker Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Broom Family Charitable Foundation of the St. Louis Community Dr. Chris Kostman and Foundation Mrs. Virginia Busch Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Ms. Beth Campbell The Bonnie H. and Hal H. Hoerner Mr. and Mrs. Frank Castulik Charitable Gift Fund Mr. and Mrs. William H. Courtney Houghton Mifflin Company Dr. Mike Crecelius and While enjoying her beautiful garden, Darlene Skaggs was pleasantly interrupted to receive Mr. Darrell M. Jackson a unique thank you gift from the EWC, a framed paw print and photo of a Mexican wolf puppy Mrs. Judith Ciegel she named Kali. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Javorek 6 The Joseph and Catherine SWIFT FOX PACKMATES Johnson Family Foundation (CONTRIBUTIONS $500-$999) Mr. Tim Kalhorn Mr. and Mrs. Alan W. Akerson Mr. Donald Krause The Akron Zoological Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas A. Kriegel Inc. Mrs. Alisa Lau-Sieckman Mr. and Mrs. Todd M. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. James A. Lundsted Dr. Kim Bates and Mr. Craig Bates Mr. and Mrs. David May Mr. James G. Berges Mr. Michael McClorey Ms. Rebecca Bianchi Dr. Rhiannon C. McKnight Mrs. Marion Bochner Dr. Alia Maria O’Meara and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Boedefeld Dr. Kevin O’Meara Ms. Tierny Boyd Musick Construction Co. Ms. Connie Broadhurst Mr. and Mrs. Bill Raley Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Brown Rachel Broom, Felix Williams, Virginia Busch and Susan Williams toured the EWC to see all Mr. and Mrs. David L. Reichert III Mr. Phillip D. Hinson and of the capital improvements, including the new Donald Slavik Family Foundation Breeding Mr. and Mrs. William L. Rogers Ms. Kaye A. Campbell-Hinson and Pre-Release Site. Saks Fifth Ave St. Louis Mr. John W. Carr and Ms. Betsy Heck Ms. Cheryl Pride Mr. Joshua Santos Mrs. Kathryn Kaiser Mr. Carl D. Hettick Mr. Martin T. Rawe Ms. Sondra Schol and Ms. Julie Catron Ms. Ann C. Hogan Ms. Celeste M. Reisch Mr. Eric Johnson Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Mr. and Mrs. Venable M. Houts Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Renner Mr. Mohammad Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Claude F. Conner Mr. and Mrs. Justin Hughes Mr. Devon C. Rosenfeld Mr. and Mrs. William T. Skaggs Mr. Stephen D. Butler and Ms. E. Ann Jackson Mr. Grant Savage Mrs. Katherine O. Snowden Ms. Barbara B. Cook Mr. John G. Jett Mr. Gene Savransky Mr. Robert Stamps and Ms. Mary Ellen Cotsworth and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kellow Ms. Martha J. Schoonover Mr. Bill Siedhoff Ms. Loretta Satterthwaite Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kettelkamp Mr. Jonathan Spencer Dr. Andres Davila Ms. Michelle J. Steinmeyer Ms. Janet Langley Mr. and Mrs. Michael St. Clair Miss Madi De Boer Mrs. Mavis Ann Still Mr. and Mrs. Clifford G. Leeker Ms. Sara Steelman Mr. and Mrs. Anil Dharna Mrs. Gloria Straube Mrs. Lori A. Levy and Mr. Melvin Sutherland Dickerson Park Zoo Mrs. Linda Straubinger Mr. Jason Wood Cdr. and Mrs. Mark Suycott USN Mrs. Mary Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Doering Mr. and Mrs. David A. Lukens (ret.) Mr. Ron Suchara Ms. Ashley Drury Mr. Cyrus H. Lyle Jr. John S. Swift Family Charitable Dr. Elaine M. Majerus Trust Ms. Cheryl Marquez Ms. Ellen Uhlemeyer Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Ms. Nancy L. Urness Mr. Ian A. Meggarrey and Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Wallis Ms. Christina Lindberg Ms. Diane L. Weber and Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Mitchell Mr. David R. Nemerov Mrs. Cecelia Munro Ms. Mary I. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Nettleton Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Williams Oleskevich Charitable Fund Ms. Theresa L. Wood and Mr. and Mrs. Tim O’Shaughnessy Ms. Leslie Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Ossorio Dr. Libby M. Yunger Mr. Robert Patterson Mr. Doug Peterson and Ms. Susan Chang

Jeremiah Dellas won the Waddell & Reed National Philanthropy Award 2020 and chose the EWC to be the recipient of the awarded funds. Jeremiah is joined by his sons while proudly presenting the check.

Mr. and Mrs. Grenville G. Sutcliffe Ms. Pamela Duffy Mr. and Mrs. William G. Von Glahn Mrs. B.J. Eavy The von Gontard Family Ms. Christine Erwin Foundation Mr. R. E. Essen Waddell & Reed Ms. Nancie Fitzwater Mr. and Mrs. Nick Weis Forsyth School Mr. and Mrs. Douglas G. Wiley Four Legged Running The Winnick Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dean A. Graves Rachel Broom, Liz Green, Virginia Busch and Mark Cross during a tour of the EWC. Liz has Mr. and Mrs. Brian Handyside been a long-time member and supporter. She recently named a Mexican wolf Joanie B. in Mr. Michael Hardy honor of her dear friend, Joan Berkman. 7 PUPPY PACKMATES Mrs. Rochelle A. Dela Roche (CONTRIBUTIONS $250-499) Mrs. Debra E. DeMoulin All Creatures Animal Hospital Ms. Margaret Diestelhorst Mr. and Mrs. James A. Allender Ms. Deborah Durbin Mr. Justin M. Alpert Mr. Chris Dye and Mr. Daniel R. Amsinger Mrs. Aria Veilleux-Dye Mrs. Karen Anderson Ms. Mary Eckard Mr. and Mrs. Brent Babb Mr. George Farrell and Mr. and Mrs. James P. Bagby Ms. Wendy Knudsen-Farrell Ms. Melinda J. Baker Mrs. Toni J. Feldmann Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Bearce Miss Lisa Fetters Robert Bebko DVM Mr. and Mrs. Hank Fishkind Mrs. Judith A. Becker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fossell Mr. Jeffrey Berg Ms. Deb Frank Ms. Joan Berkman Mr. Brion Friedman and Sponsors Celeste Ruwwe and Geraldine Hufker at their 20th EWC Trivia Night. Ms. Deirdre Lavieri Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Berron Mr. Thad James and Ms. Eileen Smith-Murphy Mr. Charles Gandy Mr. Giles A. Blair Ms. Kathy T. King Mrs. Sarah Casey Newman Miss Lyliath Garris Ms. Alicia Blake Ms. Christine Jeep Mr. Terry Nickolotsky Ms. Gail Gentes Mr. David M. Blue and Ms. Laura Jimenez Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Noerper Mrs. Melissa A. Rung-Blue Ms. Jeanne Given Mr. Burton C. Johnson Mr. and Ms. Eric Nordsieck Mr. Eric Boelzner Mr. John H. Graf Ms. Gennifer Kagel Mr. Leonard C. Ott Bonfire Funds LLC Ms. Dawn Greathouse Ms. Pamela Kell Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Brinkmann Ms. Christina T. Grekoff and Miss Randee Kinsman Mr. Shy Patel Mrs. Carol R. Burtz Garriel Keeble Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kipp Mrs. Doris J. Perry Ms. Denise Callahan Mrs. Allison Griffin Mr. Tyler Kuykendall Ms. Misty Phegley Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Childers Mr. Allan Hall Mr. Kevin W. Lane Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Pratt Ms. Cynthia S. Christison Mr. and Mrs. Todd Hammack Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Lewis Mr. Edward J. Puzzella Ms. Reema Chugh Dr. and Mrs. Al Hammerman Ms. Latricia G. Lord Ms. Heather Pyle Mr. Matthew Chval and Mr. and Mrs. Oren K. Hargrove Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Manetzke Mrs. Tania Reichardt Dr. Kristin Huizinga Mr. Butch Hartmann Mr. and Mrs. Gary McCall Mrs. Althea Rein Ms. Karen S. Clayton Harvest Plaza Animal Hospital Ms. Barbara L. Meeks Ms. Courtney Rice Mr. and Mrs. Keith Coleman Ms. Sandra Hirsch and Ms. Kathleen Meinhardt Rossman School Mrs. Connie Corbin Mr. Gary Hirsch Ms. Rachel Meltzer Ms. Silke Santana Mr. Brandon Costerison Ms. Bridgett Holbrooks Mr. and Mrs. Gordon N. Meyer Mr. Alan Schiller Mr. Mark Cross and Mr. Donald Holl Mistwood Aviation Services Mrs. Cameron Gregory Mrs. Carrie Hutton Mrs. Margot D. Schwab Mr. Michael Monson Mrs. Amy Dagit Mr. and Mrs. David Illert Ms. Audrey L. Sczepanski Ms. Nancy Morgan and Missy Dog Mrs. Susan E. Daiber Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Jacobs Mrs. Jennifer Sheffield Ms. Cheryl Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Damman Michael D. Siegle Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Mottl Mrs. Anita M. Siegmund Ms. Mary L. Smith Mr. Jeremy Soucek Mr. Zeke Spellazza St. Charles Animal Hospital and Clinic, P.C. Ms. Sloane Steele Ms. Barbara R. Steps Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stitcher Mr. Walter A. Suhre, Jr. Mr. Yama R. Takimoto Teespring, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Tehan Mr. Michael Tiller Ms. Barbara S. Topkis Ms. Elizabeth Topkis Ms. Madonna G. Walker Mr. Dennis K. Wansing Miss Barbara E. Watz The Webb Family Mr. Christopher Webb Ms. Anissa Weed Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Weller The Houska and Tucci families have played at the same table during EWC’s Trivia Night for the last 18 years! Ms. Mary Wells 8 Mr. Joel C. Wheeler Pongo Sydnei Sheets Mallinckrodt Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wheeler Peggy Ratz Janet Simpson Jill Offer Mrs. Kayci Wilson Evelyn Reed Rossa, Tango, Cooper & Healy MasterCard International Mr. and Mrs. Gary Winter Anna Reinold Florence Sklenar Incorporated Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Woodrum Dwight Roberts Samuel Smith Kenneth Baldwin Ms. Sharon A. Wyman Johanna Selzer Donald Telposky Clifford G. Leeker Ms. Kathryn Wynne Kathleen Simone Patrick Williams Medtronic Mr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Yordy Celeste Ruwwe Joseph Wilson Nicholas Pernsteiner Mr. and Mrs. David York Sienna Staten’s Birthday Nelson Wolf Mrs. Camille G. Zagaroli Eaen and Elsa Stegeman Al Yenkelun Mr. Michael Zamora Stephen Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Zelinske Linda Straubinger Ms. Kathleen Zorica Ron Suchara The Red Wolves HONOR/MEMORIAL The Therian Guide DONATIONS IN HONOR OF: Jordan Turner Anna and Picaron, Mexican Wolves Sandra VanTrease McKenzie Barber Virgil VanTrease Verdie and Millie Barry Heather’s Son Evan Behr John Wagner Kaye Campbell-Hinson Matthew Whitworth Heleen at Celest Co. Diane Weber Dani and Charlie Codina Nancy Fraser Wilson Gretchen Cole Jessica Winingham Melville Cook Kym Cunningham DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF: Daisy Anna, Mexican Wolf Jeremiah Dellas Bob Barton

Margot and Dave Drew Susan Berra Dale Weiler and Loti Woods recently co-hosted a webinar with the EWC and funded the Ron Moser Martha “Marty” Bowman construction for a new red wolf habitat, which will make it possible for the EWC to add a new Jospeh Etzkorn Sophia and J. Buckbob breeding pair. The Fanning Family Tony Csik MATCHING GIFTS: MilliporeSigma Employee Kaylee Ferrara Bobby Difilippo & Marisa A. Piazza Matching Gifts & Giving AT&T Foundation Elizabeth Finder Ozzy Dog Kathy Skelton August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Jaya Flores-Dixit Donn Eckard Scott Fanning PepsiAmericas Foundation John Feldmann Shirley Franz Nicholas Pratt Marguerite Garrick Anita Geldbach Bayer Matching Gift Program Julie Gerlach Bill Gerlach Cynthia L. LaBanca Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Max Goldberg Geoffrey Harris Julie LaBonte Anonymous Donor (8) Kathi Hall Whitney R. Harris Sondra School Mary Burney Heleen at Celest Co. Robert C. Holt Jr. James Jennings Jamie Lee Connie Herrick Marjorie Hunt The Boeing Company Gift Patricia O’Donnell Terry Hieken Abby Kennedy Matching Program House of Two Wolves Lorraine Kesling Mary M. Ackerman Phillips 66 Matching Gift Gerry Hufker & Celeste Ruwwe Dick King Andrew Barrett Program Steve and Betsey Johnson Taylor A. Kuenzel Rita A. Blake Lee M. Speicher Dr. P.J. Chandler Kennedy Carrie Jean Lee John W. Carr Prudential Foundation Donna King William J. Mitchell Valerie W. Colloton Matching Gifts Program Kathy King’s Birthday Emelie Murphy Allan Hall Robert R. Williams Sophie Kraujalis’s Birthday Nancia Eleanor B. Hecht TEGNA Foundation Ron and Linda Krenning Leeda Neumuller Jeffrey M. Levine Stuart Steen Layla Brennan O’Meara Paul E. Orf Timken Co. Charitable and Melissa A. Rung-Blue Ned Maniscalco’s Birthday Pat O’Rourke Education Fund Diane Meyer Marylouise Pattrin Jay Smith Dan R. Welcheck Scott and Irena Meyer Marisa Ann Piazza Albert H. Sonntag UnitedHealth Group United Miami Indians Peggy Ratz Bob Tehan Giving Campaign Mark S. Weber Nathan Milkes Toni RinconGallardo Erin O’Brien Cameron Morgan Carol Ruecker Cee Kay Supply Gena Drake Ron Moser Sasha “The Great Wolf” Douglas A. English Karen Anderson’s Children and Harold Schlegel Viacom CBS IBM Elizabeth Finder Grandchildren Tom Schlesinger Barbara R. Steps William Edward Paquet Nancy Seabury

9 LEADERS OF THE PACK Unstoppable Future

In 2015 the Endangered Wolf Center embarked on a strategic planning process with the board and staff of the Center. One of the top priorities of that plan was to build a new multipurpose facility on-site for breeding, research, and education. With the construction of the Richmond Family Veterinary and Nutrition Center, this goal will soon be fulfilled. The EWC Board of Trustees recently embarked on the development of a new strategic plan to begin next year.

In September the Board hired Collaborative Strategies, Inc. to lead the EWC in this critical effort. As part of the process, CSI will help the Center explore ways to broaden its leadership role on conservation and endangered species issues, identify ways to diversify and grow revenue streams and expand the reach of its education programs.

With a new strategic plan, we look forward to focusing our priorities to build upon our past successes and extensive experience, with the goal of growing our A member of the Richmond Family and EWC volunteer Scotty Schiro reviewing the architectural plans for the new Richmond Family Veterinary inspiring education programs and expanding our vital conservation work. and Nutrition Center. Their efforts to construct this new multipurpose facility will greatly meet the needs of the EWC animals, staff and visitors. Our Visionaries: EWC Board Members OFFICERS:

Rhiannon E. McKnight Jeremiah Dellas Vice-Chairman Board Chairman Veterinarian and Medical Director, Vet Stop Animal Wealth Management Advisor Hospitals

Elizabeth Henke Campbell Janet L. Langley Treasurer Secretary Chief Financial Officer, Wings of Hope Broker with The Daniel and Henry Co.

TRUSTEES:

Marguerite Garrick Andrew Baur Trustee Trustee Founding Family Member, Wildlife Lobbyist & CFO of Gladitood. com Advocate

Elizabeth (Lisa) Kelley Sally Kriegel Trustee Trustee Executive Director, WildCare Institute, Saint Louis Zoo Lawyer

Jonathan Losos Trustee Jay Smith Director of the Living Earth Collaborative and is Trustee the William H. Danforth Distinguished University Software engineer in Flight Simulation at McDonnell- Professor in the Department of Biology at Washington Douglas/Boeing University in Saint Louis.

Michael J. Stitcher Virgil VanTrease Trustee Trustee Director Ethics & Compliance at Olin Corporation President of Eagle Wealth Management, LLC.

10 VOLUNTEER & STAFF

Justin Grubb Danielle Therrien Volunteer Animal Care Keeper

Justin Grubb is a wildlife Danielle Therrien is an Animal filmmaker, photographer, Care Keeper at the Endangered published writer, naturalist and Wolf Center. Her lifelong passion co-founder of Running Wild Media. for conserving wildlife inspired Having earned his Bachelor of her to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Science degree at Bowling Green Bowling Green State University, State University. While interning Justin is now working on his at White Oak Conservation, Master of Biology degree at Miami Danielle received hands-on University in Ohio. experience with endangered animals from all over the world, Justin’s love for nature and and today she leads trips all over the globe helping people discover passion for the outdoors has brought him to some of the most personal connections to wildlife. In her free time, Danielle enjoys extreme habitats on earth to study and film critically endangered backpacking, scuba diving, painting, and playing with her dog, Ruger. wildlife. He has been documenting the recovery effort of red wolves Her work with red wolves ignited Danielle’s passion for working with through films, published articles, virtual sessions, education endangered canids, which led her to the EWC. programming and a series of posts for National Geographic. His journey led him to the Endangered Wolf Center where he has “My time at the Endangered Wolf Center has been amazing! I am so volunteered his talents as a webinar co-host, photographer, proud of the work we do with our recovery species such as red wolves videographer and he also featured the EWC in an educational film and Mexican wolves,” says Danielle. “The best part of training or titled “Resilience: The Story of the American Red Wolf.” providing enrichment to our nonrecovery species is getting to see their personalities shine through during our interactions. I am so “Red wolves are incredible animals, and the work the Endangered thankful to work with this incredible team at the EWC.” We also are Wolf Center does to recover the species is inspiring,” says Justin. “I thankful to have Danielle on our team, working diligently to care for feel extremely lucky to be one of the few people who has spent time the animals and helping to make our world brighter. with red wolves in the wild and hope that soon people around the country will be able to observe these incredible carnivores in the wild for themselves.” “For the strength of the Pack The EWC is fortunate to have Justin share his expertise and talents with us. He ignites enthusiasm in others by offering his unique is the Wolf, and the Wolf is the perspective and experiences during our educational programs. strength of the Pack.” - Rudyard Kipling In Memory Sue Berra… Sue Berra was an integral part of our volunteer pack. In 2012, she joined the EWC as a maintenance and office work volunteer. One of the most reliable, kindest, and hardest working volunteers we’ve ever had, Sue was always there for us when we needed help. She was trusted and valued in every department of the EWC, leading tours and educational programs, assisting with vet checks, habitat construction, sorting super worms for animal diets, and many other exhausting or messy tasks without complaint. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do. Sue volunteered more than 2,000 hours at the EWC and had been in the top five volunteers for hours every year since 2015. She loved the Endangered Wolf Center, our mission, the animals, as well as everyone here, and that love was reciprocated. The outpouring of love for Sue was evident by the donations received, which exceeded the amount needed to name a Mexican wolf yearling “Sue” in her honor. This yearling actively helped Vera care for her puppies this year, in typical Sue fashion. Though her loss will be felt for years to come, she lives on through her namesake in our pack and always in our hearts.

11 12 CONSERVATION NEWS “Tails” from the Wild – Mexican Wolf Survey

working and to help scientists make the best wildlife management decisions in the future. Survey Results Are In – Good News from the Wild in 2019 The Interagency Field Team that works on the Mexican Wolf Recovery program consists Re-introduction to the wild began in 1998 of state and federal wildlife agencies in with the release of 11 Mexican wolves Mexico and the United States, as well as in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area Native American Nations, and the Species (BRWRA) along the border of Arizona Survival Plan (more than 50 zoological and New Mexico. Since then, USFWS has institutions). Seeing all of these agencies and performed the annual helicopter survey to Regina Mossotti (left) and Rachel Crosby with the Interagency monitor and evaluate the population. Field Team (IFT) as the team prepares to do an aerial survey of people coming together to save the critically endangered Mexican wolf is inspiring and the Mexican wolf population in New Mexico and Arizona. FWS published that the “Mexican wolf gives us so much hope. count shows the population of Mexican This year’s annual survey was especially wolves has increased by 24% since rewarding for our staff because they saw last year, raising the total number of firsthand that Max, a pup fostered from the wolves in the wild to a minimum of 163 EWC, survived to adulthood and formed his animals” in the United States. own pack with a female. While there is still much work to be done “Seeing Max again was incredibly emotional. to conserve the Mexican wolf, these Knowing that tiny pup grew into this survey results bring inspiration and hope gorgeous wolf and that he was doing what to a species that is truly coming back he was meant to do, running free in the wild from the brink of extinction. Rachel Crosby (left) with Alison Greenleaf (FWS-middle) was...beyond words,” said Mossotti. and Regina Mossotti (right) with a sedated wild Mexican wolf. As we continue to gather data and use The team is drawing blood to determine the genetics and health of the wolf. Max not only survived fostering, but his pack this innovative conservation technique, lost several pack members due to human we hope these “tails” of success can n January some of our staff participated in causes. He was lucky enough to meet a lone impact the conservation of other Isurveying the Mexican wolf population in the female in the wild, and for a brief time, they critically endangered species, such as wild to see if the population is growing. We formed their own pack. the American red wolf or the African were also hoping to learn whether our foster painted dog, in the future. efforts of the 2019 season were successful. Later this year it looked as though the female had potentially given birth. Unfortunately, During the survey wolves are tranquilized, when USFWS checked on the pair, they examined for health assessments, and discovered Max had been killed in the wild. collared. The collars track the wolves and This sad news reminds us of the urgency helps us learn more about the wolves so of our mission. While it is hard to be wild, we can ensure the conservation efforts are wolves are vital to a healthy ecosystem. We know there are many barriers to overcome, One highlight for Mossotti was the and while news like this is disheartening, we teamwork she experienced on the journey. realize how crucial it is to focus on the big She said, “The collaboration between picture in order to save a species. Overall, we are making a difference. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), Interagency Field Team, and the Mexican And we are a proud partner in this effort. The Wolf Species Survival Plan (Mexican Wolf wild needs wolves. And the Endangered Wolf SSP) is making an impact and helping Center is making sure the wild has wolves. Regina Mossotti with Max. After reading his microchip they to save this critically endangered wolf – discovered he is a pup from the Endangered Wolf Center. working together is what it’s all about.” Mossotti assisted in putting on a GPS tracking collar and (Top of page) Rachel Crosby, EWC Keeper, tracking wild giving him vaccinations. Mexican wolves in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. 13 CONSERVATION NEWS

Wolf Pups Fostered to the Wild Despite Pandemic COVID-19 has brought on unique challenges in all corners of the Earth.

hen news of the pandemic dominated Mexican wolves, native to the Southwestern pilot Michael Schroeder, Luxco, Aero Charter Wthe headlines, the Endangered Wolf United States and once numbering in the and Ray Van de Riet, and the Arizona Game Center team worked to ensure conservation hundreds of thousands, are now critically and Fish Department, the fostering was able did not stop. It is amazing how much this endangered. Today there are fewer than 200 to move forward. health crisis has driven home the fact that in the wild, and they are mostly found in “This took major collaboration between our environment, when out of balance, can Arizona and New Mexico. our EWC staff, donors, and government lead to negative ramifications for wildlife, agencies,” said Rachel Broom, Director of and for humans. Record-Breaking Number of Mexican Wolf Pups Fostered to Development for the EWC. “The outpouring Environmental imbalance also occurred the Wild of generosity and determination of these when wolves and other large carnivores entities to successfully work together to help were eradicated from the landscape in the Despite the added challenges of continuing save a keystone species like the Mexican wolf late 1800s and early 1900s — before humans critical conservation efforts during a global was inspirational to witness.” realized the vital role wolves play in keeping pandemic, this spring the Endangered Wolf the ecosystem healthy. Center flew nine endangered Mexican wolf Ain’t No Mountain High Enough pups to Arizona to be fostered by three to Keep us from Fostering Wolves “Understanding how human health is separate wild packs in New Mexico and Arizona. Extreme mountainous terrain, weather linked to our ecosystem’s health shines It has been a record-breaking foster season; conditions, travel planning, securing a light on the importance of these foster 20 pups in total have been placed in the wild funding and other logistics make fostering a efforts,” said Virginia Busch, CEO of the from five different zoos and conservation challenge, and the timing has to be exactly Endangered Wolf Center. “Now more facilities, a 67% increase over the previous right. Wild and captive litters must be born than ever we need to prioritize restoring record of 12 pups in 2019. within a few days of one another, and the damaged ecosystems, saving endangered transfer from managed care to the wild species and protecting our remaining This was the first time nine pups born in must occur before the pups are 14 days human care have been “adopted out” from wildlife and wildlands.” old. A wild pack with a new litter of pups one facility. Since 2016 the SSP has fostered must be identified and their den located. 50 captive born pups into wild packs. All these pieces of the puzzle have to come Twenty-seven of these pups came directly together very quickly to get this mission from the Endangered Wolf Center. accomplished.

EWC male pups “Bandelier,” “Jose” Outside of Aero Charter’s plane in AZ, Regina Mossotti and “Rusty,” and female pups “Grace,” (back right) and Rachel Broom (back left) handing pups to “JeanTabaka,” “Kachina,” “Nora,” “Regina” veterinarians, Dr. Ole (l) and Dr. Allen (r) with the AZGFD. and “Sidonia,” are now in Arizona and New Mexico having been placed into the Elkhorn, San Mateo and Dark Canyon packs.

Historic Collaborative Conservation Work

During their flight, Regina Mossotti and Rachel Broom Normally pups are transported on tube fed the Mexican wolf puppies right before landing. This allowed the AZ Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to take commercial flights; however, for the safety the pups straight to the wild dens in the recovery area. Photo and health of the staff, that was not a Credit; Heberlein possibility this year due to Covid-19 risks. But thanks to the generous donations of flights (Top of page) The Mexican wolf plays a crucial role in the on private planes provided by LightHawk and balance of their ecosystems. 14 have significantly grown and are healthy! The IFT put GPS tracking collars on them and reunited them with their packs. This is incredible news to know that, at a minimum, eight of the 20 pups survived the foster efforts.

“I am so impressed by our Center’s role in this historic effort,” said Mark Cross, Executive Director of the Endangered Wolf Center. “This foster season was the definition Endangered Wolf Center team boarding the Aero Charter plane in St. Louis with pups heading to the recovery area in AZ. of teamwork.” “Adding a pandemic on top of all of this made Thanks to the many individuals and it seem impossible, but I am incredibly proud organizations that made this possible, 20 LightHawk pilot Mike Schroeder loads precious cargo of the ingenuity of our team,” said Regina more Mexican wolves can grow up wild and (Nora, JeanTabaka, and Grace) into his plane. Mike woke up help save their species. This shows when a at 3 am to ensure the pups arrived at their destination early Mossotti, EWC’s Director of Animal Care and and minimized their time away from a mother. Conservation and the Pup Foster Advisor for determined group of people work together, the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan. “We great things happen. came together quickly to develop a protocol that kept all of us safe and ensured that even a pandemic couldn’t stop our conservation work.”

Overcoming the logistics makes the success of the project all the more remarkable. California Wolf Center (Julian, CA), Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, AZ), Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita, KS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility (La Joya, NM) also fostered pups this year.

Donn Lux, Rachel Broom, Regina Mossotti, Michele, Andrew, and Phillip Lux provided well wishes to the puppies before their flight. The second expedition was made possible by Luxco, Aero Charter, and Ray Van de Riet, Jr. WE THANK OUR MANY THANK YOU TO OUR WILDLIFE RELEASE HEROES: COLLABORATING Puppy Namers and Sponsors: hh We also thank Laura PARTNERS: hh Mary Ann Amsinger Holland O’Brien and the hh U.S. Fish and Wildlife Greater St. Louis Business h Service h Mike Crecelius Aviation Association h hh Association of Zoos and h Jane Habbegger (GSLBAA). Aquariums hh Peg Kaltenthaler Veterinary Supply and Service Sponsors: Pup from Endangered Wolf Center being placed into wild hh Mexican Wolf Species hh Celeste Ruwwe Elkhorn Pack litter by AZGFD biologist. Photo Credit; Arizona Survival Plan hh Chewy Game and Fish Department hh Linda Straubinger hh Arizona Game and Fish hh Patterson Veterinary hh Doug and Joyce Wiley Update from the Wild Department h h h CareVet h h Karen Winnick Recently we received wonderful news from h New Mexico Fish and hh Dr. Rhiannon McKnight Game Department Aircraft Transportation the Interagency Field Team (federal, state Sponsors: and Dr. Tammy Smith and tribal agencies that monitor and manage hh USDA Forest Service hh LightHawk the wild Mexican wolf population): Usually hh USDA Wildlife Service h unable to confirm if the foster pups have h Luxco If you would like to become hh White Mountain Apache survived until the winter, this year they were h a Wildlife Release Hero, Tribe h Aero Charter able to capture eight foster pups during their please make a donation in the h hh Ray Van de Riet, Jr. fall trapping attempts (also a population h and all of the Interagency enclosed envelope and mention monitoring effort) and report that the pups Field Teams “Wildlife Release Fund.” 15 GROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS

Richmond Family Veterinary and Nutrition Center

he Endangered Wolf Center has earned This new facility is the first thing you see Ta global reputation for successfully when you approach the animal habitats breeding and conserving the world’s most during a tour, and it is breathtaking. You endangered wolves, foxes and African know this is where species will be saved by painted dogs, as well as leading husbandry ground-breaking procedures and “firsts” research and participating in releasing made at the EWC, such as artificially wolves into the wild as part of the US Fish inseminating a Mexican wolf with previously & Wildlife Service’s recovery programs. As frozen semen — ultimately working to bring we approach our 50th anniversary, we are back valuable genes from the past that can proud of our nearly 50 years of work resulting increase genetic diversity and population in some of the greatest strides in canid health. conservation and research. Our collaborative research aids action We are thrilled to announce another plans that assist animal reproduction, great stride being made, as the charitable cryopreservation, husbandry and wildlife Richmond family has donated the funds, management and more. In addition, materials, expertise and their boots-on- nutritional, genetic, behavioral and other the-ground skills to construct a state-of- studies will improve animal welfare. We will the-art facility aligned with the Endangered also hold inspiring educational programs Wolf Center’s exemplary work. Members here, creating environmental stewards for of the Richmond family have been long- generations to come. And that is just the time supporters and volunteers making beginning. significant improvements to our habitats and often spoiling the animals with treats and Being wild is hard, and the successful enrichment activities. recovery of an endangered species is a constant challenge. We blend wolf “Alone we can do so little; together conservation and recovery, biological research, and public engagement to we can do so much.” -Helen Keller preserve these keystone species in their natural habitat. Our efforts directly work to “The Richmond family can be seen at the save wildlife and wild landscapes. EWC almost every day,” says Rachel Broom, Director of Development at the EWC. “It is We invite you to partner with the Endangered rare for a family to donate significant funds, Wolf Center by making a donation to help provide their resources, share their expertise, us outfit this state-of-the-art facility with and insist only the best quality materials the necessary equipment, rooms, staff and be given. They have become our family and enhancements. With your donation, an integral part of our pack. Through this we’re happy to honor your family, brand generous legacy gift, the Richmond family is or organization’s name. The grand making a profound mark positively impacting opening of this facility is tentatively our lives and the animals we serve.” planned for February 2021.

The new Richmond Family Veterinary and Nutrition Center is set to become the heart For all inquiries, please contact: of the Center. Here scientists will continue to passionately work to recover endangered Rachel Broom at species that play a critical role in keeping [email protected] our ecosystems healthy – which has a direct or 636-938-9306. effect on the health of all life on earth, including our own.

16 GROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS

generously provide the funds to construct this habitat.

“Since meeting Rachel and Ginny of the EWC some years ago and being made aware of the critical balance of nature, I felt it was incumbent on me to do my part in Grand Opening Celebration maintaining this balance. ... for our children and grandchildren, and all to come.”

Gene Tichacek answered the call of the wild three litters with his mate, Zana, and four We are grateful to Gene, our dedicated EWC when three “senior” Mexican wolves at the of their pups were fostered into the wild. volunteers, including a special member EWC needed a new home to live out the rest One of their sons is now the leader of the of the Richmond family, and our staff for of their lives in comfort. Prime Canyon Pack, while their daughter working together to provide a luxurious leads the Leon Pack in New Mexico. Across retirement habitat for our senior wolves. the beautiful wilds of the southwest, Flint’s legacy is only just beginning.

Rubina and Nancia joined Flint in this new habitat. Rubina was a natural leader and loved to connect all the EWC wolves in a collaborative concert of howls; Nancia was a beautiful wolf, strongly resembling her legendary mom, Anna. Both females peacefully passed this year at 12 years old.

As Gene learned more about this project, his curiosity was piqued. His military background helped him formulate a plan of Gene Tichacek with his grandson, Daniel Tichacek, EWC action, and his business expertise told him Board Chairman, Jeremiah Dellas, and the EWC pack as he this was a great investment and legacy gift. cuts the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the Tichacek Wolf Habitat. His passion for hunting and fishing taught him the importance of species like wolves These critically endangered wolves and their role in balancing the environment. contributed greatly to the survival of their And his tight family bond was a trait he Gene receiving a unique gift, one of the last paw print casts shares with wolves. All these factors tugged of Mexican wolf Anna, as a token of appreciation from the species and in their older age, they deserve EWC pack. Like Anna, Gene is a wildlife hero leaving a legacy a bit of luxury. Their impact so far? Flint had at his heart as he made the decision to behind to better the future for wolves.

Lucky, our Maned Wolf Ambassador, Needs a New Home Don’t worry, Lucky’s not going anywhere! Veterinary and Nutrition Center. While We’re actually looking for a donor or we’re using the conference room for board corporation to help us build a new habitat meetings, classes, workshops and even at the EWC for Lucky, yoga, Lucky will be able to come up to the our maned wolf large windows and watch us through the ambassador, that will glass if she wants to! bring her closer to the public and match her A key feature at the EWC, Lucky’s habitat will social personality. be the first one seen by our guests on tours. It will aid in our mission to inspire a love of Her current habitat is wildlife, conservation, and environmental one of the oldest on stewardship in the tens of thousands of property and needs guests that visit the EWC annually. to be renovated. We have plans to expand If you are interested in this once-in-a- it by incorporating lifetime naming opportunity and want to fun, natural features help provide Lucky with a new home, please that are enriching yet contact Virginia Busch or Rachel Broom at beautiful. For example, (636) 938-9306. her new habitat will be built outside of the conference room of the new Richmond Family

17 EDUCATION Highlights of Summer Wolf Camp Campers Connect with Nature in a Blended Program

espite the challenges of this It’s a special moment for these social distancing: “What are Dsummer, the Endangered animal enthusiasts as it’s the some ways to maintain human Wolf Center continued to provide first time most of these campers connections while leaving no educational experiences with have heard wolves howl. trace on our environment?” our annual Summer Wolf Camp, Some ideas include washable designed to create lasting “I’m asking my parents to sign chalk messages on the driveway, ties between kids and nature. me up every year,” says one putting up signs in windows, and Campers gathered for one camper as she watches the leaving letters in library books week both on-site and online American red wolf throw her for people to find. Outdoor settings like this beautiful creek to experience art, science, head back in song. allow for social distancing and plenty of and adventure as “Fairy Tails,” Speaking of social distancing, space to explore. One little girl writes down “Inspectors” and “Explorers.” you may be wondering how we observations on her clipboard. manage to entertain the kids Teen Camp “BioMe” explored Watching endangered animals in without our usual interactive art, adventure and passion person is an experience that no games. This year we invented development. Teen campers cell phone or iPad can deliver. new games, including “Alpha even had the opportunity to By creating a blended camp May I,” a game to teach about make a positive difference program, campers got the best telemetry. in their local ecosystems by of both worlds – to spend time Telemetry is the method used constructing bat boxes out of in nature and experience the recycled wood. by biologists to locate wolves wild from home through virtual in their natural habitat. To Our staff used a blended education and activities about emulate this, we invite one program of online learning endangered animals. camper to hide the radio collar Two young campers practice their and in-person activities to while another holds up the telemetry skills using tools biologists use in Distance Learning the wild to track and protect wolves. give campers unforgettable radio receiver and listens very experiences, including weekly During Summer Camp carefully for the tiniest beep. keeper chats, hikes, and a full Most Zoom calls begin with The closer the camper is to the tour of our site where campers games of charades or campers transmitter in the collar, the were able to see many of announcing they have a special louder the beep. After a camper our canid species. Sawyer guest before angling the camera triumphantly discovers the (everyone’s favorite opossum) at their dog. Today the campers hidden collar, we wipe down the even stopped by. are meeting a special guest we equipment with disinfectant and have chosen based on the theme give another kiddo a turn. Counselor “Tails” – of the week – Explorers week. This year Teen Camp offered Camp Counselor Jaime Kristen Schulte, educational Gann Shares Highlights some bonus opportunities, director of the Missouri River including a wolf howl evening of Wolf Camp Relief program, is spotlighted on program and the chance to build our Zoom call. “Over the last 20 The first day of Summer Wolf take-home bat boxes. We had a years, we’ve picked up 940 tons Camp just so happened to be Zoom chat with Bat Specialist of trash,” she shares. “One of the first Monday of the month, Delainey O’Donnel who invited my favorite things we find in the when tornado sirens are tested questions about these creatures river are messages in a bottle.” near the EWC. who, like wolves, struggle with a She’s arranged a variety of bad rap. First, we hear the painted dogs bottles on the table in front of squeak in response as they In spite of the current need for her. The kids take turns guessing rattle the back corner of the social distancing, we believe what each message might say. fence and run back and forth our future generations must from one end of their habitat to One letter from 2004 requests maintain a connection with Teen campers proudly show off their nature. Camp this year followed handmade bat boxes. the next. As the tornado sirens correspondence confirming continue to blare, Mack’s and somebody found the bottle. CDC guidelines while the Vera’s pack howls, then two Little did they know it would campers built new friendships elderly wolves join in. Even Flint be a river clean-up team. As we and made memories to last a is unable to resist singing with talk about the beauty of human lifetime. the rest of the Mexican wolves, connection through these types and though an old-timer, his of messages, we ask the kids a howl is still strong and deep. big question that even grown- ups struggle to answer amid 18 EDUCATION

The Value of Virtual – Field Trips & Beyond! Animals in My Backyard Grades 3 - 6

It is quiet in the EWC front office, but 30 Did you know that the American red students’ little voices soon fill it. Little squares Animals of the wolf is native to Missouri? Historically, of smiling students and chaperones slowly pop Endangered Wolf Center we could have had American red wolves up on our screens. They’re giddy to see all we Grades K - 12 right in our backyards! During this have to share: games, pelts, and ambassador virtual program, we invite you to join us animals — it’s as if we’ve picked right back Wolves and foxes and African painted as we investigate other native animals up where we left off. This is the reality of dogs, oh my! This program will bring that you might find in your backyard, education this year and even as we welcome one of the Endangered Wolf Center learn about their important roles in small local groups onsite again for programs educators into your virtual classroom to the environment, and meet one of our and tours, with this exciting new outreach, teach your students all about the eight native Animal Ambassadors. species of canids at the EWC and what we’re engaging larger groups and classrooms (Length: 45 minutes) throughout the world thanks to technology. the EWC is doing to help them. They will see photos and videos of our animals, With adaptation being the name of the tackle some animal trivia, and learn game these days, our team of educators what they can do to help the endangered sympathize with the challenges of fostering species that call the EWC home. from afar powerful learning experiences . (Length: 45 minutes) But, as we have seen time and time again, adaptation and overcoming strife is nothing new in the world of animal conservation. In the spring, many schools joined us for Virtual Meet & Greet Classroom sessions which we had just rolled out. Now, we are pleased to offer the following four field trips in a brand- new virtual format that is easily worked into National/Missouri Science Standards of Learning. We are excited to offer these distance learning opportunities that are so ready to be incorporated in your virtual learning plans. Animal Behavior Virtual We strive to help create eager learners out Program of every student who visits. By encouraging Grades 6 - 12 students to ask questions such as what else can we learn from this planet and all the other Caught in a Food Web Why do wolves howl? Why do some animals who belong here, we strive to create Grades 2 - 5 birds dance? Find out the answers to eager learners out of every virtual visitor. these questions during our Animal Explore multiple ecosystems and the Behavior program! This virtual program Check out our offerings, and if you are food webs within them! During this includes interactive activities and a interested in bringing any of these programs virtual field trip, students will complete close-up encounter with one of our to your school or would like to learn more science-based activities and virtually animal ambassadors. meet one of our animal ambassadors. about which Missouri Science Grade (Length: 60 minutes) Level Expectations and National Science Students will come to understand the Standards are fulfilled by our new virtual movement of energy across a food web. programming, please reach out today by (Length: 45 minutes) calling (636) 938-5900 or emailing our team at [email protected] 19 EDUCATION

Educating a Global Audience with Virtual Events From livestreams on social media to a virtual edition of our Speaker Series, connecting with a global audience to educate about the animals in our care has been an unexpected highlight of a challenging year.

After the debut of the educational film “Resilience: The Story of the American Red Wolf,” filmmakers Alex Goetz and Justin Grubb joined us from award- winning Running Wild Media to discuss the filmmaking process and share behind-the- scenes moments of filming red wolves in the wilds of North Carolina. A cross-fostered Mexican wolf pup is about to be weighed Mexican wolf pups snooze during their flight. Next time during a veterinary exam. they awaken, they will be wild wolves! The film, a collaboration between Conservation Centers for Species Survival We kicked off our virtual Speaker Series with (C2S2) and the Endangered Wolf Center, “A Pup’s Journey to the Wild,” a firsthand highlights the dire need to stand up for the experience of cross-fostering endangered American red wolf and is available now at wolf pups into the wild with Regina Mossotti, redwolfresilience.org. the Director of Animal Care and Conservation at the Endangered Wolf Center and the Mexican Wolf Pup Foster Advisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In all of our virtual events, we were thrilled when guests shared their locations across the world and in cases of differing time zones, some even viewed these events in the middle of the night! Seeing this united interest in the welfare of endangered species Rachel Crosby and Regina Mossotti perform a veterinary made these out-of-the-ordinary events each exam near a wild den site. a special experience for all who attended.

In September we welcomed world- renowned biologist Dr. Greg Rasmussen for an adventurous virtual Speaker Series that transported viewers to the wilds of Africa to learn about the endangered African painted dog. This is free to all Dr. Greg shared insight into their family EWC members. dynamics, conservation techniques, and his firsthand experiences educating and Missed a virtual event that you researching this fascinating species. would like to see? Email [email protected] to learn how you can access these exclusive events.

20 EDUCATION Impacting Conservation Through Art

Art in all of its forms has a powerful influence on emotions and can make a world of difference Call for Artists for endangered animals. Raising awareness and inspiring a passion for animals through art was the focus of several initiatives this year at the Endangered Wolf Center. A creative opportunity has arisen to incorporate a mural or interactive Wolf Awareness art design onto our new Richmond Week: Sculpting Family Veterinary and Nutrition the Tale of the Center. There are also other artistic American Red Wolf beautification opportunities available on our grounds, so we During Wolf Awareness want to hear from you! Submit your Week, we hosted a free portfolio, and concepts to discussion on the world’s [email protected]. most endangered wolf, the American red wolf. With fewer than 20 red wolves in the wild today, it is crucial now more than ever to inspire others to get involved “In the end we will conserve only in saving this species. “Just Settling In”, Dale Weiler’s sculpture of an American red wolf mom and her what we love; we will love only pup, has been donated to over 25 red wolf conservation organizations throughout Special guests Dale Weiler the country, including the EWC. what we understand; and we will and Loti Woods are the understand only what we are passionate pair behind Weiler Woods for Wildlife. Using the art of sculpture and the written taught.” - Baba Dioum word, they’ve propelled conservation efforts and raised awareness about “underdogs” of the animal world, including the American red wolf.

The key message: each individual can use their talents, whatever they may be, to help conserve endangered animals.

T-shirt Design Contest Winner! Let the creativity flow!

This fall, we launched a design contest to encourage artists of all ages to submit a wolf-themed original design for our next t-shirt campaign.

Twelve beautiful designs were submitted and 350 votes were made to select the winning artwork! Thank you to all who participated and shared your creative talents to benefit endangered wolves.

The winning design and others are available now in our t-shirt store and make excellent gifts! Visit www.bonfire.com/store/endangered-wolf-center/.

21 EVENTS

While events like these may feel like a thing Peter and the Wolf of the past, it was not so long ago that we gathered in large groups for entertainment in Often villainized and misrepresented, wolves have support of our mission. suffered for generations due to folklore in tales like “Little Red Riding Hood,” or “The Three Little Pigs.” We miss these community-building Rewriting the stories of wolves is an important aspect opportunities and are grateful that we of our educational mission, both in fiction and in our were able to see so many in our pack at the ongoing efforts to save these species from a not-so- beginning of 2020. fairytale ending.

That is why we were thrilled to work alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to bring a new ending to the well-known tale of Peter and the Wolf – an ending where the wolf is taken to the Endangered Wolf Center!

Prior to the music at Powell Symphony Hall, our educators shared conservation information with the symphony-goers, including engaging biofacts such as wolf pelts and radio collars used to track and protect wild wolves.