Puppy Edition

Fall 2019

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: Mexican Wolf Pups Fly to the Wild Red and Maned Wolf Pups Pages 6-7 Pages 20-21 Swift Fox Kits Born EWC Receives Prestigious National Page 14 Conservation Award African Painted Dog Growth Study Page 22 Pages 18-19 CEO’S MESSAGE 2020 Events Dear Friends of the Endangered Wolf Center, February 21 Trivia Night “In life, change is inevitable. In business change is vital.” Warren G. Bennis April 26 Volunteer Appreciation Event The Endangered Wolf Center has experienced dramatic change over the past five years with June 20 new team members, educational programming, Members’ Day and collaborations and partnerships – all while May 11-14 remaining constant to our mission – To preserve African Painted Dog Conference and protect Mexican wolves, red wolves and other wild canid species, with purpose and September 12 Photo Credit: Kelsey Grant passion, through carefully managed breeding, Polo Garden Gala Classic reintroduction and inspiring education programs. October 17 Change through growth is another constant theme. The 2019 puppy season has Howl-O-Ween Enrichment Howl been the largest in our nearly 50-year history with 54 births from five different October 24 species, the highlight of which came from our painted dog packs with the birth of Wolf Fest 13 puppies from mom, Shaba, and four days later the birth of ten puppies from mom Akili. To say the staff has been busy assisting in the “Mothering” of our December 5 brood is a gross understatement, albeit an enriching, delightful experience for all. Holiday Boutique

Lastly, I am delighted to welcome Mark Cross to our team as the Endangered December 27 Wolf Center’s new Executive Director. Mark is passionate about education and Howliday Enrichment Howl integrating a holistic approach to environmental stewardship and learning. I look forward to continuing to expand the EWC on all levels in collaboration with Mark and his leadership. As Executive Director, Mark will be responsible for the day-to- day operation of the Endangered Wolf Center, as well as overseeing development, Managing Editor: Rachel Broom Editorial Assistance: Betsy Heck educational programming, and staff management. He joins us from Flance Early Graphic Design: Angela Ewing Learning Center where he served as its Director for the past four years. While Contributing Photographer: there, he doubled enrollment, increased earned and donated revenue, and Michelle Steinmeyer successfully built partnerships with more than a dozen other agencies. On the cover: Two African painted dog puppies representing the first successful litter born at the Endangered Wolf Center. Learn more on page 18. Virginia Busch CEO

Mark Cross, Executive Director

I am delighted and honored to join the pack at the Endangered Wolf Center. I am passionate about conservation and helping to create and maintain healthy ecosystems, and as the Endangered Wolf Center is at the forefront of those efforts, I look forward to being a part of this important organization.

I have spent most of my career in nonprofit organizations, throughout the United States and overseas. In addition to serving as director of the Flance Early Learning Center, I managed the Interchange program, an arts integration program with teachers and artists, at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), spent 12 years teaching in public schools and almost a decade in various administrative capacities with the Sisters of Mercy at hospitals in Missouri and Georgetown, Guyana in South America.

I am excited to help the Endangered Wolf Center continue to grow and build on its national and international reputation. If you are a member, volunteer, or simply interested in wolves and other canid species, please come to the EWC and introduce yourself as I would greatly enjoy talking with you about our work.

2 Regina Mossotti Appointed Pup the animals have safe, warm and dry homes WHAT’S HAPPENING Foster Advisor for the upcoming winter months. From all of the board, staff and volunteers, we cannot Then come out on December 28th when Regina Mossotti, EWC’s Director of Animal thank you, our community, enough for we host our annual Howliday Celebration Care and Conservation, was appointed helping us persevere during this challenging where guests are invited to make as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and time. While it was an unfortunate event, it decorations for the animals’ Christmas Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan Pup was also a moment that was encouraging trees that will be put into their habitats for Foster Advisor. In this role Mossotti’s and inspirational because we saw how our a special howliday enrichment. responsibilities include mentoring facilities pack came together to help the EWC and our fostering Mexican wolves to the wild to animals. We are rebuilding so that the EWC “Citizen Science” is the collection help ensure the efforts go smoothly; is better than ever and so that (hopefully) and analysis of data relating to the to conduct and/or assist with fosters nothing like this will happen again. natural world by members of the general as needed; to help with foster protocol public, typically as part of a collaborative development; and to troubleshoot project with professional scientists. Join challenges that arise with fostering. Shade Sails us for our Citizen Science projects! Mossotti, a carnivore biologist, First, we are excited to be teaming up understands the logistics that make with the St. Louis Zoo to become a Frog efforts like fostering so complicated from Watch monitoring site. Free training will the field perspective, combined with her be held in early spring to prepare staff extensive experience of caring for captive and volunteers to lead data collection for Mexican wolves and the challenges frog and toad populations. zoological facilities face, make her an excellent liaison between the Service and Then in the fall we also will be If you were around Fox Haven this the SSP community, to assist our partners participating in Project Monarch Watch, summer, you probably noticed that it was as needed and make sure this important tagging 4th generation monarchs for the feeling much cooler. Several shade sails conservation work is successful. journey south to Mexico. were donated by Lisa Houska, one of our amazing volunteers, and Alan Gaut, a EWC Flood Update Throughout the year, Educators will also new volunteer formerly of Secure Data be participating in ebird bird surveys as Tech. Ameren Electric not only donated well as iNaturalist. their time to install the new poles, they donated all the poles too! Guests will now be able to relax in the shade while Pints for the Pack observing the foxes and wolves during Mackenzie Brewing has joined the pack of our Educator’s presentation. EWC supporters. Two fun events marked the partnership and put the “fun” in Happy Howlidays “fundraising!” The EWC hosted a Campfire Wolf Howl for ages 21+ that included The Endangered Wolf Center is currently The holidays are just around the corner, free beer from Mackenzie Brewing. A few undergoing repairs to fix the damage from and we’re celebrating with a few exciting weeks later Mackenzie Brewing hosted devastating flash floods that occurred events... Join us on November 30th for their own event at their microbrewery in this summer. Unfortunately, because of Small Business Saturday and shop at the Valley Park, MO. They generously donated weeks of rain that preceded this event, the Endangered Wolf Center for your special 20% of the sales from the evening to the ground was saturated and the rainwater holiday gifts, including plush animals, EWC EWC. We look forward to working with had nowhere to go. This caused extensive memberships and wolf adoptions. Our gift Mackenzie Brewing for more pack events erosion, exposed buried safety fencing, shop will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with in the future. damaged den boxes, and the wind from the mini-tours available in between shopping. storm impaired overhangs and fencing. The New Turtle Habitat animals and staff were safe, which is the most important thing. A weather event like Our three-toed box turtles Phoebe, Pickle, this has not been seen in the EWC’s almost and Minya have a new home here at the 50-year history. Through the generosity of EWC. These ambassador turtles came from our donors and supporters, the EWC has Wildlife Rescue Center and until recently hired experts in earthwork and grading were patiently waiting in temporary indoor design through Kolb Grading LLC to help quarters while their new outdoor habitat divert water flow and prevent damage was being built by our Animal Care staff like this from occurring in the future. The and dedicated volunteers. These three repairs will take several months as we have lovely ladies enjoy taking walks outside and to work around the animals’ needs. We have have been seen strolling around at some started with repairing exposed ground wire of our events as well as many outreaches in our corridors and repairing den boxes so throughout the year. 3 In the Spotlight! “Pups” are what we call baby wolves. Do you know what baby foxes are called? Well, they’re called “kits”! Which one are you? I’m a Pup! I’m a Kit! i I’m a wolf, I love to howl i Squeaking and yipping is & sing. more my style! i I’m still growing into my i I just can’t contain all my big, big feet. energy. i It’s time to eat — I want i Fruit or fish, to me, would Artie the Arctic fox (left) and Cooper some hearty meat. be so sweet. the red fox (melanistic, right) are playful proof that adults can act like Shower your friends kids too. Do you know any adults who and family with unique like to have fun and act like a kid? facts about your favorite Endangered Nina (4 letters) Maned Wolf Wolf Center species 2 with our fact- Shaba Puppies 13 Maned wolves (5 letters) finder! are latrinal African Painted defecators… Dog Puppies African painted dog packs can be Yuck! Did you know, Nopal as small as 15 maned wolves (5 letters) or as large stink like as 60+ Haka skunks? (4 letters) African painted dogs can sound adults!)

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(7 letters) (7 Above: Jr. Artists show off Artemis their skills and Leave No Trace with their Andy Goldsworthy With an adult’s help, cut out the fact finder square above and fold style critter creation. No glue it like a fortune-teller. For detailed instructions on how to fold, needed, just ground-space and please visit: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/how-to-make-a- nature! fortune-teller/ 4 5 CONSERVATION NEWS OVERCOMING MANY OBSTACLES:

MEXICAN WOLF PUPS FLY TO AZ & NM TO HELP SAVE SPECIES IN HISTORIC CROSS-FOSTER EVENT

his past spring the Endangered Wolf pups born at the EWC to their new homes (above) Puppies born at the EWC integrated into a pack of puppies born in the wild. T Center once again made science in the wilds of New Mexico and Arizona. (above left) Dr. Chris Hanley assisting with pups’ and conservation history by attempting health exam before EWC staff headed to the airport. the first ever foster of six Mexican wolf Cross-fostering is a technique where pups at one time into two different wolf pups from a litter in human care are The journey started at 3 a.m. on April 18th packs in two different states. Funded by placed into a wild litter in hopes that the when the staff arrived at the EWC to collect individual donors and the SeaWorld & wild wolf mother will adopt the additions six of Vera’s nine pups. Vera’s exceptionally Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, we as her own. This cross-foster not only large litter, combined with the timing partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife helps increase the population size in the of two wild litters, allowed this historic Service (FWS) and the Interagency Field wild but increases genetic diversity for effort to be possible. “Fostering is difficult Team (IFT) which consists of the Arizona this small population. because it is rare to have a litter match Game and Fish Department, USDA Forest “Saving species requires creativity up, so to have several at once was very Service, USDA Wildlife Services, and the and breakthroughs in conservation exciting!” said Mossotti. White Mountain Apache Tribe. It was truly techniques,” said Regina Mossotti, a team effort to bring these 11-day-old Director of Animal Care and Conservation Once Vera and Mack’s pups were at the EWC. “This cross-foster was a great removed from their den, Dr. Chris Hanley, example of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Saint Louis Zoo veterinarian, performed the EWC and the states working together a quick health check before the team to seize a unique opportunity to help headed to the airport to catch their flight Mexican wolves.” to the southwest. All six pups received a clean bill of health, and during the Mossotti, who also serves as a Mexican exam they were microchipped, just like Wolf Species Survival Plan Pup Foster domestic dogs and cats, which will help Advisor, was accompanied by Erin biologists identify the pups later in life. Connett, EWC General Curator and Rachel Crosby, EWC Animal Keeper. This team Placed under the seats in their comfy, ensured the pups were well cared for and warm carriers, the staff took great care of Regina Mossotti is tube feeding one of the pups. their cargo. From the commercial flight to Tube feeding is a safe and easy way to quickly feed safe during the trip to their new homes. pups along the journey. a small plane, then a drive and then a hike, 6 Mexican wolf puppies born at the EWC Erin Connett, Pilot Paul, Rachel Crosby and Regina Mossotti on the Arizona Game & Fish Department’s plane sleeping cuddled together during their in order to get the puppies closer to the recovery area and wild dens. airplane ride to the wild recovery area. the long journey had to take place before About Mexican Wolves dark to reach both dens. Mexican wolves are a critically “It was emotional when the den was endangered wolf native to the located. We knew the pups were going Southwestern United States. Once home, that we did it. It was a once-in-a- numbering in the hundreds of lifetime moment I will never forget,” said thousands, extermination programs Crosby. One female pup named Laura and habitat loss have led to a dramatic was fostered into the Prime Canyon Pack decline. It was almost too late when in Arizona, growing their seven-pup litter scientists learned how important this to eight. Two other females, Dianne and keystone species was to keeping an Winnie, and three male pups, Max, Victor ecosystem healthy, and in the late and Boomer, were fostered into the 1970s the last remaining wild Mexican Frieborn Pack in New Mexico. The Frieborn wolves were captured in an effort Pack already consisted of six puppies, so Rachel Crosby taking a genetic sample (cheek swab) from a wild pup at the den. to save them; technically they were biologists decided it was best to bring extinct in the wild. The seven remaining from managed care represent new genetics three of the wild male pups, Ripley, Logan Mexican wolves that were brought into that can help make the overall population and one sweet pup that still needs a managed care, including a few of the healthier. Bringing the wild pups into name, to the Endangered Wolf Center to founders that came to the Endangered managed care also helps create better be fostered by parents Vera and Mack. Wolf Center, started the breeding genetic flow between the two populations This gave the Frieborn Pack a total of eight and recovery program. In 1998, the (captive and wild) which will help make the puppies, the maximum given to a pack first Mexican wolves were released overall population healthier. because wolf mothers have eight nipples. back into the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. That population has grown The goal of fostering is to put new genetics Extreme terrain, weather and logistics to 150 Mexican wolves today, mostly into the wild population, and the pups make fostering challenging, and the timing has to be just right. Wild and captive litters found in Arizona and New Mexico. have to be born within a few days of one Learn more at https://www.fws.gov/ another, and the transfer from managed southwest/es/mexicanwolf/. care to the wild has to occur before the pups are fourteen days old. “Everything Although the foster program is relatively has to line up…the stars, the sun, the new, some of the first pups fostered have moon, and the planets all have to align to reached maturity, resulting in another make a foster happen,” said Mossotti. historic foster event—for first time, a wild wolf parent that was once a fostered pup “Our staff members are experts, and they grew up to become the alpha male of the did an incredible job making sure that these Prime Canyon Pack in the wild and is now a precious pups stayed safe, warm and well- parenting a foster pup. It’s another cross- cared for on their journey to the wild,” said foster success story. Virginia Busch, Endangered Wolf Center CEO. “The Endangered Wolf Center is proud Cross-fostering is now considered a of our efforts to collaborate to grow the successful tool in helping with Mexican Regina Mossotti and Rachel Crosby after putting conservation success for the endangered EWC pups into the den, which is behind them up the wolf preservation, and it’s a technique the hill in the rocks. species we’re working to protect.” EWC is proud to champion. 7 LEADERS OF THE PACK Gifts Received July 1, 2018—September 30, 2019 We make every effort to acknowledge all gifts received and to maintain accurate records. If you discover a discrepancy or have questions, please call Judith at 636-938-9306.

BEQUESTS Ms. Christie Lundy

FENNEC FOX PACKMATES (CONTRIBUTIONS $100,000+) August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Beckmann Family Charitable Trust

AFRICAN PAINTED DOG PACKMATES (CONTRIBUTIONS $25,000-$99,999) The Bellwether Foundation, Inc. The Dorothy D. and Joseph A. Moller Foundation Emerson Brad and Sue Richmond Mr. Eugene J. Tichacek

MEXICAN WOLF PACKMATES (CONTRIBUTIONS $10,000-$24,999) The Aqua Hill Charitable Gift Fund Mr. and Mrs. Blackford F. Brauer Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer The Horne Family Foundation, Inc. Ms. Geraldine Hufker and Ms. Celeste A. Ruwwe Peter Busch Charitable Fund Virginia Busch welcoming Jack Hanna and Julie Catron to the Center for a special tour. Virginia and Jack have been working SeaWorld & Busch Gardens together on conservation initiatives for over 19 years making this visit a special reunion. Conservation Fund Mr. Mike Heim MANED WOLF PACKMATES Mr. and Mrs. Gerald B. Calhoun Jay and Sharlla Smith Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund (CONTRIBUTIONS $1,000-$4,999) Ms. Beth Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abbene RED WOLF PACKMATES Rick and Lisa Houska Canine Content LLC (CONTRIBUTIONS $5,000-$9,999) Mrs. Margaret D. Kaltenthaler Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Frank Castulik AHB Foundation Glenn and Gail Kellow AIG Funds Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Andrew and Jennifer Baur Mr. C. Stephen Kriegh and Dr. Mrs. Mary Ann Amsinger The Commerce Trust Company Duggan Contracting Corporation Pamella S. Gronemeyer Mr. and Mrs. Van-Lear Black, III Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cook The Edna Haddad Charitable Ms. Dianne Meyer Blueprint4SummerSTL Dr. Mike Crecelius and Ms. Judith Foundation Missouri Environmental Fund Bonfire Funds LLC Ciegel Employees Community Fund of Mr. and Mrs. Grenville G. Sutcliffe Brncic Engineering, Inc. Mrs. Jo Anna Dale Boeing Virgil and Sandra VanTrease Matthew and Rachel Broom Ms. Pamela K. Dauphin Ms. Jane E. Habbegger Wiley Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brown Jeremiah and Marjorie Dellas Hager Companies Winnick Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Bunge Drs. Vishva and Manjul Dixit Mr. and Mrs. Scott R. Dolan Mr. and Mrs. James R. Elsesser Jr. Fair Play Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Farr Ms. Nancie Fitzwater Four Legged Running Mr. and Mrs. Ted Graham Ms. Elizabeth L. Green Dr. and Mrs. Al Hammerman Harvest Plaza Animal Hospital Mrs. Patricia G. Hecker, Hecker Family Charitable Foundation of the St. Louis Community Foundation Dr. Barbra A. Horn and Dr. Peter D. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Venable Houts INFICON, Inc. Celebrating our volunteers, partners and leaders this spring during the Partners Appreciation Dinner with Regina Mossotti, Marjorie and Jeremiah Dellas, Dr. Jeffrey Bonner, Virginia Busch and Dr. Chris Kostman. Mr. Darrell Jackson 8 Ms. E. Ann Jackson SWIFT FOX PACKMATES Mr. Thad James and Ms. Kathy T. (CONTRIBUTIONS $500-$999) King A Storage Inn, Inc. John Henry Foster and Bernadine Mr. and Mrs. Alan W. Akerson Foster Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Albrecht Mr. and Mrs. John J. Javorek Mr. and Mrs. Todd M. Anderson The Joseph and Catherine Johnson Ms. Kathryn A. Aschenbrenner Family Foundation Ms. Mendi Baker Mr. Tim Kalhorn Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Behan, Sr. Wendy Knudsen-Farrell and George Ms. Joan Berkman Farrell Ms. Tierny Boyd Dr. Chris Kostman and Ms. Virginia Ms. Connie Broadhurst Busch Mr. and Mrs. Shane Broadway Mr. Donald Krause Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Brown Nicholas and Sally Kriegel Ms. Joan Brust Mrs. Alisa Lau-Sieckman Mr. Stephan K. Bryan Mr. and Mrs. James Lundsted Mrs. Carol Burtz Mr. Michael McClorey Ms. Denise Callahan Ms. Helen McIntyre Mr. John Carr Dr. Rhiannon C. McKnight Ms. Julie Catron Moneta Group Charitable Foundation Ms. Deborah Coleman Mr. Richard Navarre Mr. William H. Courtney Mr. and Mrs. Anil Dharna Mr. and Mrs. Devin Nebbia Animal Keeper Danielle holding N’gamba, an African painted dog puppy named Mr. Doug Peterson and Ms. Susan Ms. Shannon Dougherty by Jane Habbegger, during a health check exam. Chang Mr. R. E. Essen Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kettelkamp Mr. Ian A. Meggarrey and Ms. Mrs. Cynthia A. Pitsinger Ms. Stacey Evans Mrs. William Konneker Christina Lindberg Mr. and Mrs. Bill Raley Ms. Martha Feeback Ms. Janet Langley Mr. Tallan Melton St. Charles Animal Hospital and Ms. Cassidy Freedman and Ms. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford G. Leeker Ms. Nancy Morgan and Missie Dog Clinic, P.C. Sharon Freedman Lori Levy and Jason Wood Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Nettleton Mr. and Mrs. Michael St. Clair Mr. Brion Friedman and Ms. Deirdre Lavieri Ms. Melissa Lowe Dr. Alia Maria O’Meara and Mr. Mr. Gene Savransky Kevin O’Meara Mr. and Mrs. Dean A. Graves Mr. and Mrs. David A. Lukens Mr. and Mrs. Russell Schamburg Mrs. Virginia F. Orthwein Mr. Carl D. Hettick Mr. Auggie Lundeen Mr. and Mrs. Terrence T. Mr. and Mrs. Tim O’Shaughnessy Schoeninger, The Schoeninger Mr. Phillip D. Hinson and Ms. Kaye Mr. Cyrus H. Lyle Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Ossorio Family Fund of the St. Louis A. Campbell-Hinson David Ma Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Justin Hughes Mr. Daniel Macia Mrs. Doris Perry Ms. Sondra Schol and Mr. Eric John S. Swift Family Charitable Dr. Elaine M. Majerus Ms. Cheryl Pride Johnson Trust Ms. Maggie McCoy and Mr. Corey Mrs. Jeanie Ransom Mrs. Patricia S. Scott Mr. Jeffrey Keech and Dr. Rachel Wischmeyer Mr. and Mrs. David L. Reichert III Mr. and Mrs. William T. Skaggs Keech Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Renner Katherine and James Snowden Mr. Joe Robertson and Ms. Jen Mr. Robert Stamps and Ms. Loretta Phillips Satterthwaite Mr. and Mrs. William L. Rogers Kirk and Paola Stange Ms. Jann Roth Stange Law Firm Major James C. Runk (Ret) and Lt. Mrs. Ann Still Col. Kathy H. Runk (Ret) The Straube Family The Ryan Tradition - Coldwell Banker Gundaker Mrs. Linda Straubinger Mr. Joshua Santos Mrs. Mary Strauss Ms. Michelle A. Schaeffer Cdr. and Mrs. Mark Suycott USN (ret.) Schnucks eScrip Community Card Tapco, Inc. Ms. Martha J. Schoonover Mr. and Mrs. Tripp Transou Mr. and Mrs. Michael Scott The von Gontard Family Foundation Ms. Audrey Sczepanski Ms. Diane L. Weber and Mr. David Mrs. Kathleen Secks R. Nemerov Ms. Eileen Smith-Murphy Ms. Anissa Weed Ms. Michelle J. Steinmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Nick Weis Ms. JoAnn Stephan Mrs. Maja Wessels and Mr. Charles Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Wallis Covington Mr. and Mrs. Scott White Mr. and Mrs. Douglas G. Wiley Whittaker WS and BK Ross Charitable Mr. Paul Wike Foundation Trust William and Betty Halliday Miss Traci Young Foundation William E. Simon Foundation Joan Berkman, EWC Public Relations Consultant, welcoming the Center’s new Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Williams Executive Director, Mark Cross. 9 JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and Ms. Deborah Wodraska World Omni Financial Corp. Ms. Cheryl A. Wolf Mr. Burton C. Johnson Ms. Theresa Wood Ms. Gennifer Kagel Mrs. Camille Zagaroli Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kanter Ms. Sarah Kerr PUPPY PACKMATES Mr. Jarrod Koski (CONTRIBUTIONS $250-$499) Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Mehmet Altin Mrs. Jessica Listner AmazonSmile Foundation Live Wild Clothing Mr. Daniel R. Amsinger Ms. Rachel Loeb Dr. Will Armon Ms. Ila Lopez Mrs. Cornelia B. Aversa Mr. and Mrs. Brian Manetzke Dr. Kim Bates and Mr. Craig Bates Mr. and Mrs. Gary McCall Ms. Nancy Benson Ms. Christi McCalleen Mr. and Mrs. Don Berra Ms. Mary Kate McGinn Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bieger Ms. Barbara Meeks Ms. Wendy Birmingham Mrs. A. Jay Meier Mr. Giles A. Blair Ms. Rachel Meltzer Mrs. Sally B. Bliss and Mr. Jim Mr. Javier Mendoza Connett Ms. Carolyn Merkel and Ms. Mr. David M. Blue and Mrs. Melissa Cathleen D. Merkel A. Rung-Blue Grenville and Dianne Sutcliffe are longtime supporters who recently sponsored Mr. and Mrs. Gordon N. Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Boedefeld two Mexican wolf puppies in order to give them wild futures. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meyers Mr. Glen Boggs Ms. Victoria Egan Chris Gumper Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Michalski BRiC Partnership, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Doug English and Ms. Nicole Hammerschmidt Ms. Evelyn Michaud Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brinker Family Ms. Ann Hanke Mistwood Aviation Services Mr. Stephen D. Butler and Ms. Mr. and Mrs. Boris Feldmanis Mr. Michael Hardy Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Mitchell Barbara B. Cook Mrs. Toni Feldmann Mr. and Mrs. Oren K. Hargrove Jr. Mr. Michael Monson Ms. Kathleen Butteiger Mr. and Mrs. Stan Fetter Mr. Butch Hartmann Ms. Cheryl Morrow Ms. Kristina Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Dave Forquer Ms. Eleanor B. Hecht Mrs. Mary Lee Moser Mr. Keith Carter Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fossell Marc and Gail Helfer Regina and Travis Mossotti Ms. Christina Chamberlain Mrs. Ginger Freiberger Miss Hope Hewett Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Mottl Mrs. Connie Corbin Mr. Charles Gandy Ms. Ann C. Hogan Natelle Draws Stuff Mr. Brandon Costerison Ms. Marguerite Garrick Ms. Bridgett Holbrooks Mr. Luke Naumann Mr. David Dattilo Ms. Pamela Getman Ms. Candi Hughes Mrs. Sarah Casey Newman Mrs. and Mr. Rijuta Dey Bera Mr. and Mrs. Kent J. Glovanovitz Mr. Patrick Huskey Mr. Terry Nickolotsky Ms. Margaret Diestelhorst Ms. Ann Good Mrs. Carrie Hutton Mr. and Mrs. Mike Nickrent Nicholas DiMercurio Mr. John H. Graf Mr. and Mrs. David Illert Mark and Barb Doering Ms. Sharon Oppelt Mr. Leonard C. Ott Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Pashea Jr. Mr. Michael Patsaros Pierce Family Advised Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Polahar Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Pratt Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Redhage Mr. Jack Rein Ms. Celeste M. Reisch Ms. Courtney Rice Mr. and Ms. Anson Rinesmith Mrs. Abigail Robey Mrs. Carolyn Robinson Mrs. Marcella Rolwes Mr. Devon C. Rosenfeld Rossman School Rotary Club of Washington St. Louis Car Museum & Sales Mr. Alan Schiller Mr. and Mrs. Roland J. Schiller Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schmidt Drs. Bill and Tana Settle Ms. Jennifer Sheffield Virginia Busch and Kathy Snowden introducing an African serval kitten to Kathy’s grandchildren igniting their hearts and creating future conservationists. Mr. William Shermer 10 Mrs. Ana Duarte Paul King’s Birthday Ms. Maria Duarte Mr. Matt King Cymri Elton Will Kostman Mr. Ryan Falkenrath Mrs. Elizabeth Zurlinden Angela Ewing Sophie Kraujalis Mrs. Jeaneane Steinmeyer Ms. Robin Kraujalis Ms. Margaret Rhodes Kaylee Ferrara Ms. Amanda Maag Ms. Heidi Schindler Mrs. Alison Sears Great-granddaughter Lucia Mr. and Mrs. John Osborn Shirley Franz Jeanie Ransom Luke and Fonz, our furry friends Mr. D Berkihiser Lindsey Grigg Mr. Randall Grigg Giovanni Marino Mr. Andy Babitz Nancy and Dean Graves Ms. Rebecca Pehle Julia Martin Ms. Barbara Martin Riley Giuliano Mr. John Saladino Valarie McIlvaine’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. James McIlvaine Sr. Jean Harris Mr. Adam Harris Diane E. Meyer Mr. Wayne Meyer Nora Hickey It was an exciting moment when Erin Connett introduced Chrys, a maned wolf puppy born last fall to his sponsors and namers, Dr. Peter Weiss and Dr. Barbara Mrs. Arica Bergeron Charlie Meyers’ 50th Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Brown Horn during his health exam. Gary Hirshberg Ms. Stephanie Goughnour Ms. Cynthia A. Simmons HONOR/MEMORIAL Mrs. Amanda Mullen CONTRIBUTIONS LIST Mrs. Kim Horn Ms. Kathy Skelton and Mr. Joel Cora Holden DONATIONS IN HONOR OF: Mr. Kevin Wills Anderson Mrs. Melissa Holden Mrs. Jennifer Wisdom Ms. Karen M. Smith My Children and Grandchildren Gerry Hufker and Celeste Ruwwe Mr. and Mrs. David Soldavini Mrs. Karen Anderson Charlie and Michelle Meyers Ms. Pamela K. Dauphin Ms. Barbara R. Steps Ms. Laura Lucas Harlee Andrews Ms. Rebecca Pehle Mr. Walter A. Suhre, Jr. Mrs. Lacey Corbett Team Smith Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Bob Tehan Arkansas State University Ms. Dixie Tenny Ms. Sherri Darby Mr. David Thayer Aunt Sue Thousand Faces Cosplay Mrs. Cheryl Chrysler Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Torosian Amalia Bastos Mr. Joe Touhill and Dr. Blanche Dr. Emily Boice Touhill Mr. and Mrs. Dino Tucci Gabriel Benigno Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Mrs. Karen Masley Joseph Underwood Ms. Shilpa Kapilavai Ms. Nancy L. Urness Shawn Boedefeld Ms. Michele Van Hyfte Ms. Joanna Morris Ms. Linda T. Virga Dr. Wayne Boillat Mr. and Mrs. Cory Walker Mr. and Mrs. Bob Barth Mr. Dennis K. Wansing Miss Barbara E. Watz Rachel Broom Mr. Christopher Webb Mr. & Mrs. William Broom III The Webb Family Ms. Susan Kirby Dr. Bill Armon recently retired and was honored this spring for serving 45+ years as the EWC’s staff veterinarian. Amanda Weiss & Michael Hanlon Buddy’s 80th Birthday Ms. Mary Wells Mrs. Julie Sward Kristin Huizinga Colin Morgan’s 8th Birthday Ms. Judy Van Elk Huizinga Mr. Michael P. Morgan and Mrs. Ms. Mary I. Wheeler Kaye Campbell-Hinson Mary Ann Morgan Ms. Debra K. Wicker Ms. Ann L. Bateman Elliott Jessee-Lantz Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Williams Mrs. Jennifer Nguyen Paul Orf The Crosby Family Ms. Teresa Wills Mr. and Mrs. Ray Emerson Ms. Alissa Crosby Steve Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson Ms. April Leach Alexander John Owen Pam Dauphin’s Birthday Ms. Diane Woepke Mr. Richard Owen Mr. and Mrs. M. Lanier Woodrum Ms. Geraldine Hufker and Ms. Peg Kaltenthaler Ms. Sharon A. Wyman Celeste A. Ruwwe Ms. Rebecca Pehle Ms. Elise Peterson-Trujillo Ms. Kay Peterson Cook Mr. and Mrs. David York Rebecca Deadman Daphne Kampinga’s Birthday Dr. Libby M. Yunger Ms. Connie Deadman Ms. Masja Kampinga Peggy Ratz Ms. Brandi Rammelkamp Sofia Duarte Christian Kane Mr. and Mrs. Eric Rammelkamp Mrs. Maria C. De Duarte Ms. Danielle Landon Mr. and Mrs. TC Rammelkamp III 11 Delores “Dodie” Maloney Mrs. Lisa Ortmann Sandra R. Malz Ms. Margaret Cavanaugh Ms. Leslie Malz Mr. Rudy Malz Mrs. Kathleen Williamson Paulette S. McLeod Mr. Leornard Frederick Lt. Billy Joe McNally USMC Mr. and Mrs. Michael McNally Joanna-Carole Morris Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Boedefeld Gus Nelson Ms. Lynnette Allen We provided a unique opportunity to our supporters that named our African painted dog puppies by inviting them to attend a health exam. EWC Board member Sally Kriegel, Keeper Danielle Rosenstein, and Terry and Sue Schoeninger came Mr. Glen Boggs to support Suelly during her exam. Mr. and Mrs. Don Broz Ms. Judith Ciegel Adam Rimmer Roberta and Arthur Wiener’s Mr. Bob Holt Mrs. Patricia L. Clarke Mrs. Amanda Zufall 50th Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Demos Ms. Gayle Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Thompson Caroline Rudnick Mrs. Bette Houska William Cappel Elementary Ms. Amy Rudnick Donald Hunt Mr. and Mrs. John F. Houska Mrs. Jeanie Ransom Celeste Ruwwe Mr. and Mrs. Andy Brinkmann Mr. Michael Lozano Ms. Pamela K. Dauphin Coralee Williams “Sherman” Jennings Ms. Judith Pfeiffer Ms. Barbara Meeks Mrs. Dessa Hellige Mr. Brian Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Craig Snavely Sam and his love for wolves Nancy Fraser Wilson Andrew “Jim” Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Dino Tucci Mrs. Elizabeth Macheca Mr. Benjamin Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bentzinger Mrs. Grace M. Wayant Ms. Nikki Buechler Brennan O’Meara Barbara Seese DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF: Ms. Amy Seese-Bieda Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Gossett Dr. Alia Maria O’Meara and Mr. Kimberly Cash-Ogle Ms. Terri Johnson Kevin O’Meara Amber “Bam” Sheffield Mrs. Ronda Foster Mr. Donald Kracht Gregory Pappas Mr. Dillard Pound Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gruszka Allen and Barb Schmutzler Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Redhage Hayden Smith’s Adoption Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kieffer The Schnurbusch Family Mary L. Peper Ms. Candi Hughes Ms. Carol Spindler Tony Csik Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wilber Veronica Tarnowski Ms. Iris Csik and Mr. Christopher Ms. Karen Brelsford Pieper Elisa Peterson Trujillo Gloria Doyle Ms. Kay Peterson Cook Ms. Cheryl Pride Avery and McKinley Wueste John Feldmann Mrs. Kendall Wueste Mrs. Toni Feldmann Virgil VanTrease Mildred Folks Ms. Joan Berkman Ms. Melinda Sanders Mrs. Sally B. Bliss and Mr. Jim Brian Jay Gardsbane Connett Mrs. Sandra Free Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brinker Shelley Gillard Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cook Mrs. Jerri Ballard Mr. and Mrs. John Kemper Mrs. Nancy Gerlach Mr. and Mrs. Paul G. Lorenzini Mr. Shawn Gillard Mr. and Mrs. Michael Malloy Mrs. Mary Hay Mr. Robert Merz Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hedrick Mr. and Mrs. Birch Mullins Ms. Cindy Lowe Keepers Rachel Crosby and Danielle Rosenstein posing with puppies Raina and Mrs. Marion Oertli Ms. Pamela Mann Rowdy along side their sponsors and namers Molly and Betty Beckmann. Mr. and Mrs. Gustave J. Saettele Ms. Sherry Sloan Mr. William Schicker Leni Kriger Jack Rein Mrs. Sharmin Hope Wilson Mr. and Mrs. David Sherman Ms. Deborah Wodraska Mrs. and Mr. Dona Bettale Mrs. Katherine Snowden Geoffrey Harris Harlan Kuddes BRiC Partnership, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Stupp Ms. Barbara Harris Ms. Tamara Kuddes Dr. and Mrs. Matthew A. Broom Ms. Judith Ciegel Mr. Joe Touhill and Dr. Blanche Gay M. Hirsch Raj Kumar and Lila Dixit Dr. Susan Cook Touhill Mr. and Mrs. John J. Javorek Drs. Vishva and Manjul Dixit Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ederle Mindi White Marjorie Suzanne Hunt “Fozzie” Ms. Bonnie Eime Mrs. Susan Greathouse Mr. and Mrs. Bry Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Broom Mr. and Mrs. Roger Eime Ms. Vicki Dean Mr. and Mrs. Barry Hauf

12 Ms. Richard Brown Ms. Richard Burchett Ms. Elizabeth Campbell Ms. Debra DeMoulin Ms. Ann Hogan Ms. Jacqueline Hutter Ms. Kathryn King Ms. Jamie Lee Ms. Jeralyn Madison Ms. Sonya Moe Ms. Lynn Mohr Ms. Nancy Moss Ms. Lisa Pendel Ms. Patricia Peters Ms. Gail Reissen Ms. Kathleen Scheiner Ms. William Skaggs Ms. James Speiser Ms. Madonna Walker Ms. Sarah Weller Glenn and Gail Kellow named two Mexican wolf puppies, Laura and Boomer before the two ventured to their new home in TEGNA Foundation the wild recovery area. Mr. Mark Mowrey Mr. and Mrs. Greg Hoffman Cassie Yeary Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Timken Co. Charitable and Mr. and Mrs. Jim King Ms. Lori Chinen Program Education Fund Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lindsey Anonymous Mr. Welcheck Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Lorenz MATCHING GIFTS RECEIVED Ms. Jamie Lee FROM: Ms. Patricia O’Donnell UnitedHealth Group United Ms. Christine Mazzocchio Giving Campaign AT&T Foundation Ms. Virginia Pasken Prudential Foundation Matching Ms. Gena Drake August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Robinson Gifts Program Ms. Erin O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Del Williams Bank of America Corporate Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams Ms. Amy Wathen Philanthropy Matching Gifts Lee J. Ross St. Louis Community Foundation Mr. Richard Renner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kettelkamp Ms. Melinda Brenkendorff The Boeing Company Gift “Sarra” Matching Program Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. John Javorek Ms. Valerie Colloton Elizabeth Schoonover Mr. and Mrs. Kent Glovanovitz Ms. Martha J. Schoonover Mr. Anthony Munie Janet Shelton Mr. and Mrs. Jay Smith Ms. Arlene Mallek Mr. Bob Tehan Mr. Mark Weber Robert “Bob” Smith Ms. Jennifer L. Lindquist Cee Kay Supply Ms. Karen M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Douglas English and Family Robert Smith Ms. Jennifer L. Lindquist Edgewell Matching Gifts Program Mr. and Mrs. Rusell Schamburgh Megan (Rayne Wolff) Traeger Mrs. Sharon Kufner ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Elliotte M. Harold Mrs. Jessica Listner Joyce and Doug Wiley attended the African painted dog puppies’ health exam in support of Lady and Duke, the two puppies they named and sponsored. SueEllen Turner Facebook Mr. Larry Turner Anonymous Two Socks, Shadow and Kumaj IBM Corporation Ms. Barbara A. Kucala Ms. Barbara Steps David Whitecotton MasterCard International Ms. Michele Van Hyfte Incorporated Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Leeker Patrick Williams, who loved wolves Medtronic Mrs. Lona Headrick Anonymous (2) Nelson A. Wolf MillaporeSigma Employee Ms. Cheryl A. Wolf Matching Gifts & Giving Ms. Kathy Skelton Mark Wood Ms. Patricia Wood Monsanto Fund Mr. James Jennings Generous supporter, Janet McGehee and General Curator, Erin Connett got to know a very special guest, a baby kangaroo, at Wolf Fest. 13 CONSERVATION NEWS

Our tiniest new additions - Swift fox kits

he Endangered Wolf Center is happy more and watching them accomplish their T to announce the birth of a litter of developmental milestones. swift fox kits! One boy and three girls were born on May 2, 2019 to parents Swift foxes are charismatic with alert, Catherine and Havoc, the pair’s first litter. intelligent personalities and incredible physical abilities. The species earned Catherine came to us from the Great its name from early Western settlers Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD in July 2018. impressed by its speed and agility—the She is feisty and a little nervous around swift fox has been clocked at nearly 40 people. As a new mom, she was duly mph. Considered the smallest of North protective, alarm barking whenever America’s wild canids at just four to the Animal Care staff walked by their six pounds, the swift fox (Vulpes velox) habitat. It is rare to hear vocalizations is smaller than the average housecat. from swift foxes, but she warned her kits They are primarily nocturnal predators, of our approach every time for the first hunting almost continuously from dusk few weeks. to dawn, feeding on small mammals such as rats, mice, squirrels, and rabbits, Havoc, born here in 2012 to Peggy and as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, One boy and three female swift fox kits were born Ernie, is a favorite among staff and insects, and vegetation. on May 2, 2019 to parents Catherine and Havoc, the visitors. As one of the first swift foxes pair’s first litter. to be involved in our training program, Swift foxes’ habitat is mixed grass prairies, he is a star, demonstrating confidence, and they are native to 10 U.S. states and well-trained behaviors and even two Canadian provinces. Recent studies creating artwork. suggest that swift fox habitat is changing in some areas – unusually high precipitation, The Animal Care team began building leading to an increase in vegetation height relationships with the kits by offering and density, may lead to a decrease in them meat chunks at about four weeks swift foxes in these areas. Other challenges of age. They were shy at first and would include diseases that affect the food hide when Catherine alarm-barked. sources for swift foxes, resulting in swift Havoc would carry food to the den boxes fox population decline. Researchers are and call the kits to let them know it was studying these factors to understand why time to eat. As the kits have grown, their some populations are doing well while differing personalities have started to others are not and are working to find ideal show – all three girls are confident and habitat for future releases. one is extremely bold. The boy is shy, hanging out in a den box and getting meat The kits born this year at the EWC offer chunks from dad. Mom no longer alarm- hope for the continued efforts to help keep barks, seeming content to allow the kits the swift fox population healthy, helping to One of the swift fox kits exploring its habitat on a beautiful sunny day at the Endangered Wolf Center. to retrieve their own treats from keepers. create awareness and conservation action We look forward to working with the kits for this small, fragile and vital species.

14 EDUCATION New Junior Volunteer Program

Calling all Junior Volunteers! We’re looking for teens who are interested in conservation efforts, wolves and other canid species, or who want to give back to the community. Our Junior Volunteer program has flexible scheduling and includes volunteer opportunities that include: 99Creating enrichment for our animals 99Helping with our special events, such as Wolf Fest 99Assisting with education programs, including our PredaTours, scout programs, and birthday parties Junior Volunteers making enrichment out of papier mache for the 99Helping with evening programs such as Wolf Howls and animals at the Endangered Wolf overnights Center. Enrichment items provide the animals with activities that help preserve, encourage, and challenge their 99Assisting with summer camps natural instincts. Junior Volunteers are between 14 - 17 years old. If you’re interested, please contact Lauren Pickard at [email protected] for an application.

Erin Connett Volunteer & Staff General Curator

Following her lifelong Ron Suchara passion, Erin Connett Volunteer has always worked for and around animals Ron Suchara is a retired - from her first job as chemist who has recently a federal Park Ranger joined our volunteer at the Riverlands pack. An accomplished Area to serving at the musician, teacher and Missouri Department a member of St. Louis of Conservation Woodworker’s Guild, as a Naturalist Ron is passionate about at Rockwoods wolves. Feeling a lifelong Reservation and connection to wolves, he then a 15-year career at the Saint Louis Zoo in the Carnivore has a strong desire to try Department working with bears, big cats, hyenas, painted to help them survive and dogs, sea lions, red pandas and more. During her time with the flourish. Ron has already contributed immensely to the EWC; he Zoo, she won numerous awards, became the first Polar Bears built a cedar storage bench for guests to enjoy that also serves International (PBI) Arctic Ambassador and helped certify the as storage for our hose when it’s not in use; he has cut and Zoo as an official Arctic Ambassador Center through PBI. sanded hundreds of cedar cookies for us to use in kids’ crafts at events; and he built us a new corn-hole game. Most recently, Erin joined the EWC pack in 2018, and this past spring she was part Ron constructed a beautiful custom checkerboard with checker of the foster team that placed Mexican wolf pups into wild dens in pieces featuring wolves and moons. With Ron’s expertise Arizona and New Mexico. “This has been the most exhausting but leading classes and his skills as a musician and woodworker, we most amazing thing I have ever done in my life!” Erin says. “The are excited to have his help in our pack! Endangered Wolf Center has been the leader of canid conservation and I am so honored to be a part of this pack!”

15 15 EVENTS Fall Family Fun at Wolf Fest 2019

e don’t know who had a better time taught our visitors about their unique Presented by: W at Wolf Fest 2019 – the kids on the family dynamics. Emerson rock wall, the adults taking the day to unplug and connect with nature, or the Proceeds from Wolf Fest make a huge EVENT SPONSORS: Vikings cooking porridge – yes, you read impact in benefitting our work and August A. Busch III Charitable Trust that correctly! This year we added Viking supporting our critical conservation Beckmann Family Charitable Trust demonstrations into the mix at Wolf efforts. We are filled with gratitude Fest and it was a fun and educational after seeing all of the smiling faces at SPONSORS experience! this year’s event. It was truly a special A Storage Inn day for guests of all ages. Mary Ann Amsinger in memory Attendees enjoyed a beautiful fall day of of Stella up-close animal experiences, live music, Wolf Fest 2020 is already in the The Baker and Hunter Family food trucks, and shopping for local arts works and set for October The Broom Family Richard and Mary Beth Brown and crafts. 24th, so mark your calendars for our largest Beth Campbell Our canid tours were extra special this annual fall family Jo Anna Dale Grey Eagle Distributors, Inc. year because guests had a chance to see festival! Jane Habbegger some of our many pups born this spring. Harvest Plaza Animal Hospital Red wolf pups romped with mom and Ginny and Chris Kostman dad, while African painted dog pups were Krey Distributing given a special enrichment meal that The Kriegel Family Midsci - Express Service to the Biotech Community Richard and Verla Mitchell Mary Lee Moser Raising Cane’s Walter Reisinger Celeste Ruwwe and Geraldine Hufker St. Charles Animal Hospital and Clinic, P.C. Kathleen Secks Vet Stop Animal Clinic, P.C. Wiley Family Foundation

Authentic Viking demonstrations wowed audiences on the “battlefield”.

Kids and kids at heart enjoyed rock climbing and face-painting in our kid’s area. Jaw-dropping cuteness of an African serval kitten presented by David Jackson and Lisa Hugueley of Conservation Ambassadors. 16 EVENTS Polo 2019 An Exciting Garden Gala to Benefit Our Endangered Canids

he Endangered Wolf Center hosted decor by Cass Olson Designs created the EVENT SPONSORS: T the Polo Classic Garden Gala on perfect ambience to take in the action of Beckmann Family Charitable Trust September 14, 2019 at the McGehee Polo this “Sport of Kings.” August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Field in Chesterfield. The benefit was a SPONSORS: Whether a family outing or business huge success and for the first time we Andrew and Jennifer Baur occasion, guests of all ages couldn’t raised more than $100,000 to support Suzy and Beau Brauer our conservation mission. help but be caught up in the action and Steve and Kimmy Brauer prowess of the athletes and their horses. Buffalo Wild Wings Guests and sponsors were treated to The Commerce Trust Company a garden gala experience in cabanas Thank you to our generous supporters, Jeremiah and Marjorie Dellas overlooking the polo match. Decorated the St. Louis Polo Club, and our hosts Duggan Contracting Corporation with plants provided by Kirkwood Smith and Janet McGehee for joining us David and Lelia Farr Gardens, they were served a special meal in supporting endangered wolves, foxes, Grey Eagle Distributors, Inc. catered by Flavor 360 and desserts by and other canids in this unique way! Harvest Plaza Animal Hospital Nothing Bundt Cakes. Floral design and INFICON, Inc. Steve and Betsey Johnson - Foxbrook Farm Kirkwood Gardens Krey Distributing Sally and Nick Kriegel Lohr Distributing Company Nothing Bundt Cake Cassandra Olson Radio Comm. Jon and Andrea Seiter Jay and Sharlla Smith St. Charles Animal Hospital and Clinic, P.C. The Sutcliffe Family SymBowl Our generous Polo Classic Garden Gala Event Cynthia, Ven, Linda and Bill Houts reserved a private cabana Eugene Tichacek Sponsor, Kevin Beckmann with EWC Director including charcuterie, drinks and the perfect view of the of Development, Rachel Broom. polo match.

Gene Tichacek and Gail Bowman enjoyed the polo match from the sponsors’ party tent.

Lauren and Pat Duggan, Grant Sharp and Becky Claas from Duggan Construction attended the match to show their support.

17 CONSERVATION NEWS African Painted Dogs A Growth Study

his year was nicknamed “Year of the Dog Species Survival Plan (APDSSP); the T Puppies” by many of our staff and SSP helps manage the genetics and care of volunteers as the Endangered Wolf Center the population for this endangered species experienced a population boom that at over 25 facilities across the country. broke a record! Among our 54 pups born this past season, our largest addition was African painted dogs are unique in the our 23 African painted dog pups. Canidae family (canids, relatives in the dog family, like wolves, foxes, etc.) for their Mother Shaba gave birth to 13 pups and exceptionally large litter sizes of 10 pups. In spite of their close relationship, the her sister, Akili, gave birth to 11 pups. It is To put this in perspective, wolves have an sisters had to be separated during their incredibly unusual for two females in the average of four to five pups in a litter. labors. We had hoped that we would same pack to give birth at the same time be able to put the mothers and their and have pups from both litters survive. The EWC staff did an excellent job preparing their habitats and dens, pups back together but when this was “Even though it is incredibly rare, we making sure they were warm and attempted, they showed increased knew it was a possibility so we [EWC] safe, providing great nutrition for the protectiveness of their litters. We decided planned and prepared extensively for it, mothers, and conducting round the clock to keep the mothers separate to give their just in case… but we honestly didn’t think observations during labor and for weeks pups the best chance of survival. it would happen.” said Regina Mossotti, after the births to ensure the mothers Haka, the father of both litters, spent Director of Animal Care and Conservation and pups were thriving. time with each of them and was able to at the EWC. Mossotti also sits on the travel between the two habitats. He was management team for the African Painted The Pack Grows an amazing father, regurgitating to both mothers while they were nursing, and once Shaba went in to labor first on November the pups were old enough, he brought 16, 2018 and was calm and attentive to them food as well. He was patient, caring, the pups. She had 13 pups and kept them and playful with the pups, but disciplined all alive, clean and well fed. Four days them when they would get a little unruly. later, Akili went into labor and gave birth to her own litter of 11 pups, one of which was stillborn. The remaining 10 pups A Unique Research Opportunity were healthy and both first time parents with Global Impact quickly became remarkable mothers. With large litters of pups with similar The EWC was able to share this genetics, Mossotti saw a unique research experience with the public on our live opportunity. It has been observed that webcams, and we had hundreds of wild painted dogs may have certain thousands of views from people all over physical characteristics that differ from the world. This learning opportunity those in managed care. The EWC took showed the beautiful, nurturing side of this opportunity to study how diet could this endangered species. affect the leg length and growth of Akili displaying a large pregnant belly during her African painted dog pups. The separation pregnancy. 18 of the pack allowed the EWC to feed one understand a litter a typical, controlled zoo diet, while species, the the other litter could be free fed, as much better equipped food as they could eat until six months we are to save old to mimic wild pups’ diets. them, to make conservation and Mossotti reached out to Tammy Cloutier, a management Ph.D. candidate at Antioch University and decisions that painted dog researcher to collaborate on are thoughtful this research effort. Cloutier and Mossotti and effective. collected data and added it to Cloutier’s research to compare growth of painted A Lot of dogs raised under typical human care with nutritional conditions enforced versus Mouths to mimicking wild nutritional patterns. Feed Collecting body measurements at different ages and stages of growth provided valuable data for the nutritional growth study. EWC General Curator Erin Connett The EWC’s measured this puppy’s head at 14 weeks old. supporters Keeping Up with the Pups stepped up to help fund this vital research because feeding 26 painted Once the pups reached six months old, dogs is very expensive and required a lot Akili and her 10 pups moved to their of staff time. new home at Cincinnati Zoo, an APDSSP partner and home to African Painted Dog “It is like feeding 26 of your family SSP Coordinator, Christina Gorsuch, who members steak dinners three times a day,” will help manage and care for this pack. said Erin Connett, EWC General Curator. We could not have asked for a better Connett was instrumental in implementing home for our painted dog family. the logistical needs for this research, as well as managing the intern observations. You can follow Haka, Shaba and their 13 pups on the EWC’s live webcams, The pups at the EWC, regardless of and Akili and her 10 pups on Cincinnati species, receive health checks and Zoo’s Facebook page. You can also help vaccinations at around six, nine, 12 and painted dog conservation and the efforts 16 weeks of age. Just like domestic dog of the EWC by donating to the EWC, Dr. Rhiannon McKnight and EWC Lead Keeper Sarah pups, vaccinations at this age ensure they Holaday retrieving this African painted dog pup to symbolically adopting the African painted conduct its health exam. have the best chance at survival. During dog pack and sharing their story with these health checks, we collaborated with your friends and families. This research has important implications the Saint Louis Zoo veterinary team, Dr. both for in situ (wild) and ex situ (captive) Dan Frasier, Dr. Rhiannon McKnight, Dr. management and conservation of African Tammy Smith and Washington University painted dogs. In managed care, we researchers, as well as our staff, interns strive to provide the best welfare to our and volunteers to assist with the exams animals across the zoological community, to ensure that they went quickly and and we want to ensure that we use the smoothly. We took the last measurement species’ natural history to guide our of the pups at their six-month exam, the animal care protocols. To base these estimated time where major growth stops. protocols on sound science that takes in the needs of the wild and captive dogs is Cloutier is currently analyzing the data vital to the SSP’s success. and the research will be submitted for publication once data analysis is complete. This research can also help wildlife management decisions in the wilds of “This was an incredible moment added Africa. Learning what the nutritional and to the EWC’s rich history. I am proud caloric needs are of the wild pups can help of our staff for stepping up and seizing wildlife managers make more informed this opportunity to push the limits of decisions on how to protect and manage knowledge further,” said Busch, EWC Chief the dwindling wild populations of African Executive Officer. “The work that went painted dogs to ensure they have the into the research and the world class care resources to push conservation further. of our animals is what makes the EWC so special. The Center’s dedication, passion Research is a critical part of the EWC’s and expertise is how we continue to make EWC Lead Keeper Sarah Holaday is weighing one mission. The more we know about and of Akili’s puppies helping to determine its growth significant impacts in canid conservation.” progress. 19 CONSERVATION NEWS Meet our “Champion Pack” of American Red Wolves! his spring the EWC welcomed eight T American red wolf pups, born in two litters in April and May. There are six males and two female pups, and they are Raising a pack of champions is a full time OH SO CUTE. job for parents Oka and Artemis.

Red, White, and BLUES! The Champion Pack Oka and Artemis represents hope for their species. are wonderful, nurturing parents. We call this our “Champion Pack” because the litters were born right around the their smaller cousins, the coyote, and To raise awareness and educate a broader St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup victory. Our focus on a different prey source. audience about the critical situation wonderful supporters named two of the facing the American red wolf, the EWC pups Gloria and Stanley as an homage. The American red wolf is truly a collaborated with The Conservation national treasure as the only large Centers for Species Survival [C2S2] and They are certainly future “champions” carnivore species solely native to the National Geographic award-winning for their species, the most endangered United States. filmmakers from Running Wild Media to wolf species in the world with less than create an educational film:Resilience: 20 wolves left in the wild and around 250 Historically, red wolves were found the Story of the American Red Wolf. Our in the captive breeding program. These throughout the Southeastern United Champion Pack was six weeks old when new additions to our pack are small now, States, including Missouri, Arkansas, the film crew came to St. Louis to capture but they will have a BIG impact on their Texas and Illinois. The last red wolf seen footage of our vet exams, facility, and species’ survival. in the wilds of Missouri was in the 1950s. interview our expert Animal Care team. Stanley, named Red wolves were declared extinct in the in honor of the This film will be a free resource for schools, St. Louis’ Blues wild in 1980, due to predator control zoos, the public and the conservation Stanley Cup victory programs, poaching, coyotes migration, in 2019, is part of community to spread awareness and create our “Champion loss of habitat, and disease from action for the world’s most endangered wolf. Pack”. His sister, domestic dogs. More than 40 zoological Gloria, and the rest of their pack and conservation institutions have come They represent hope for their species represent hope together in an effort to save red wolves. for the most and an opportunity to balance endangered our natural ecosystems here in the wolf species in United States. the world, the Behind the Scenes of Saving an American red Endangered Species wolf. What You Can Do to Help

The EWC has played an integral role Small actions make a big difference. in saving the critically endangered red wolf; we have bred a total of 45 red wolf Sharing knowledge, volunteering with pups since their survival program began wildlife organizations such as the EWC, in the 1980s. Today, many of the red donating to fund conservation programs, wolves now roaming in North Carolina’s and doing your part to live sustainably wild territory can trace their roots back impacts our natural world. to the EWC. These adorable red wolf pups are also A strikingly beautiful animal, the red wolf available for adoption through our is a different species from its gray wolf Adopt-A-Wolf Program. cousins, and slightly smaller, weighing Wildlife Filmmaker Alex Goetz captures an EWC Your support makes you an advocate between 55-70 pounds. Red wolves fill team meeting before red wolf vet exams. for wolves and wild places whose a different niche in the ecosystem than ecosystems depend on them. 20 CONSERVATION NEWS

Best Birthday Surprise – Maned Wolf Pups!

ina, a female maned wolf arrived Near the end of September 2018, keepers N at the Endangered Wolf Center in at the EWC observed breeding behavior August 2010, less than a year old and between Nina and Nopal. Because maned full of energy! She immediately became wolves are notorious for not “showing” a favorite, with her bold and curious during their pregnancies, keepers personality. For the majority of her life couldn’t be sure – but they crossed their she lived with her sister, Freesia, but a fingers and readied the heated den box in big change came in 2015, when the EWC hopes of soon welcoming pups. (above) Chrys, a male maned wolf puppy named in welcomed a handsome new male named honor of its genus Chrysocyon. Maned wolves are Nopal (Spanish for “prickly pear cactus”) On November 27, 2018 Nina gave birth the only species in this genus. from the Smithsonian Conservation on her own 9th birthday! Could there be (above left) Francisca, a maned wolf puppy, Biology Institute to pair with her. Nopal’s a better gift? Nina and Nopal became exploring her habitat at nine weeks old. shy and calm personality is the perfect parents to two maned wolf pups, a complement to Nina’s outgoing and girl, Francisca, and a boy, Chrys - their are exploring their habitat and learning audacious character. They immediately first successful litter. Through close valuable skills. bonded and are often seen cuddling monitoring via den cameras, keepers Maned wolves are unique, unfamiliar to in their den, grooming each other, or observed Nina quickly became a dutiful many people due to the small number walking together exploring their habitat. mother, grooming and nursing her pups. in zoological facilities. They are native to They are a favorite sight on our tours, In the beginning, Nopal gave Nina space, South America, where its range extends and our guests walk away with an letting her focus on caring for the pups. He from the Amazon basin in Brazil to appreciation for their threatened species, was happy to see her when she came out the dry shrub forests of Paraguay and eager to help in their conservation. to stretch her legs, but seemed to know northern Argentina. not to disturb the little ones. The maned wolf is a canid, and therefore As the pups grew, Nopal related to the wolf, but despite its name, stepped in to help Nina with is not actually a wolf. Maned wolves caring for them. His patience are more closely related to an ancient was amazing, letting the pups ancestor of today’s modern canids. It is climb all over him, often the only species in its genus, however, playing tug-o-war with dad’s meaning that the maned wolf has no ears and tail. It was amazing to close relatives. Their foxlike appearance, watch both parents and their in conjunction with their remarkably long tiny pups snuggle together in legs, has earned them the nickname of the den. Francisca and Chrys “fox on stilts.” As the tallest canid in the are healthy and active, and world, they stand at nearly 3 ½ feet tall, at just about a year old, they Nina, a maned wolf, with her puppies at six months old. but weigh less than 50 lbs). 21 CONSERVATION NEWS EWC Awarded Prestigious National Award in Conservation he EWC is honored to have received T the prestigious Edward H. Bean Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, announced at the AZA’s recent national conference in New Orleans.

The Edward H. Bean Award recognizes a significant captive propagation effort that clearly enhances the management of the The Endangered Wolf Center has not species. The Endangered Wolf Center was only been the most successful breeding recognized for our long-term work with the facility for Mexican wolves, but we critically endangered Mexican wolf that have also conducted and supported has produced multiple successful births vital research, prioritized sharing that have a quantifiable impact on the knowledge, and we work to create sustainability of the species or subspecies. innovative conservation techniques. We This is a tremendous honor and a understand the power of collaboration testament not only to our dedicated staff, and have forged partnerships across the but to the commitment and unyielding United States and Mexico that help grow support of our wonderful Board Mexican wolf conservation efforts. members, volunteers and supporters. The EWC continues to be a model Regina Mossotti, EWC Director of Animal Care and for other zoological, breeding and Conservation, received the Edward H. Bean Award The Endangered Wolf Center has been a at the AZA Conference by AZA President and CEO, part of Mexican wolf recovery since the research institutions by communicating Dan Ashe. critical conservation messages and for beginning of the program. We hold the to create a Center recognized for not only promoting greater conservation action. honor of having the most Mexican wolf our achievements, but our leadership pups born at one facility, with 231 pups Winning this national, significant role in the recovery of the endangered since 1980. Part of the EWC’s success can conservation award reinforces species in our care. YOU, our supporters, our standing as a world-renowned have been an important part of our conservation organization. Previous success. Your commitment to wildlife honorees include the Bronx Zoo, conservation, and your ongoing support Minnesota Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, of our work with all of our canid species, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the enables us to be a leader in this most Saint Louis Zoo — so we are indeed in essential cause. lofty company.

In announcing the award winners, AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe said, “We A Mexican wolf puppy that successfully made her are proud to honor the distinguished journey to the wild this year. leaders in our profession for their be attributed in part to the thoughtful outstanding accomplishments. Their husbandry protocols developed by our contributions have inspired all within the expert staff that take the requirements zoo and aquarium community to advance of the animals and their natural history AZA’s mission of creating a world where into account. The EWC has always put all people respect, value, and conserve the needs of the recovery species as our wildlife and wild places.” top priority, knowing the critical role each individual can play in ensuring the For almost five decades, our staff, Vera, a Mexican wolf mom at the EWC watching over success of the conservation program. volunteers and supporters have worked her pup born this spring. 22 PLEASE HELP US MEET OUR Join the $100,000 MATCHING GRANT Please help us meet our biggest matching grant offer ever! Pack The August A. Busch III Charitable Trust has offered to match dollar-for-dollar all donations up to $100,000 until Dec. 31, Today! 2019. Please consider a tax-deductible gift and help us reach this historic matching grant. You can make a donation via our website, endangeredwolfcenter. org. Please write “Matching Grant” in Contribute to the possibilities of tomorrow. Join a growing group of people the notes field at the bottom of the dedicated to wildlife preservation through your membership gift today. donation form. You can also donate by calling 636-938-9306. Be sure to tell your Yes, I want to support and save the wolves with my membership gift of: friends when you do and encourage them to match your gift. Thanks everyone, Basic Membership Level and a special thank you to our generous $50 Friend of EWC ($5/month) matching grant sponsor! Includes free PredaTour for 2, a member gift, discounts in gift shop and select programs and magazine subscription LEGACY GIFTS $95 Family Pack ($8.50/month) Includes all of the above and free PredaTour for 4 We are deeply grateful for the significant commitments our friends and supporters Adopt-a-Wolf Membership Levels make through their estate plans in the form of bequests or living trusts. For $135 Adopt-a-Wolf ($12/month) information on establishing a legacy Includes all of the above plus an adoption certificate, photo, bio, plush and updates from Animal Care that reflects your dedication to wildlife staff preservation, please call Rachel Broom at $250 Animal Keeper ($22/month) 636-938-9306. Includes all of the above plus an enrichment activity for 4 $500 Wolf Guardian ($42/month) RELOCATING YOUR DEN? KEEP THE Includes all of the above plus a beautiful photo book and an invitation to “Dine with the Keepers” PACK INFORMED! $1,000 Alpha Member ($84/month) You can help us save resources and keep Includes all of the above plus a free VIP Animal Interaction Tour for 4 (ages 14+) our records up-to-date by notifying us of new or incorrect mailing and email Payment Information: addresses. Together we will continue to keep you informed on wolf conservation Enclosed is a check or money order payable to the Endangered Wolf Center. issues. Please charge $______to my MasterCard VISA American Express Discover

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Signature (as it appears on the card) ______Do you work for a business or corporation that has a matching gift program? If so, Telephone Number ______Email ______your gift can be matched dollar-for-dollar or on a 2-to-1 or even 3-to-1 basis! Some My company, ______will match my contribution. companies also have a matching gift Send via enclosed envelope to: Endangered Wolf Center, PO Box 760, Eureka, Mo. 63025 program for your volunteer hours. To learn more, contact your HR department. Thank you for your support! Yes, I want to contribute to the possibilities of tomorrow by joining a growing group of people dedicated to wildlife preservation through my recurring gift! I authorize the Endangered Wolf Center to make the following automatic monthly transfer of $______from my (please check one option): Credit Card/Debit Account (simply fill out credit card form) I will set up a monthly bill payment at my bank Checking Account (simply fill out and enclose a check for your first payment) Automatic transfers will occur each month on the following day: Please check one: 3rd 18th This authorization will remain in effect until I notify the Endangered Wolf Center in writing that I wish to change or stop my contributions. Generous supporters, Virginia and August A. Busch III, have offered the largest year-end matching grant of Signature______Date______$100,000 to the EWC. 23 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P.O. Box 760 Eureka, MO 63025 PAID 636-938-5900 Eureka, MO www.endangeredwolfcenter.org Permit No. 4

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Oka, an American red wolf at the Center became a father of seven puppies this spring.