Wolf Haven International
The Pacific NW is a great place to observe wildlife in nature, but many of the most interesting are shy, endangered, or hang out in remote places. Wolves qualify on all counts, which makes visiting Wolf Haven, just south of Olympia (Washington's state capital), a fascinating experience. The volunteers and staff are knowledgeable and passionate about preserving wolves in the wild and helping the rescues who have ended up at this wooded sanctuary. The compound is large, but the enterprise has maximized the number of animals visitors can observe as they walk the loop trail with a guide who describes the creatures, their place in nature, and how they came to Wolf Haven. Don't miss the gift shop that helps support the mission, or the beautiful tiled walkway commemorating past inhabitants of the sanctuary. If you bring young kids, give them some background about wolves before you arrive: they need to keep pretty quiet and not run about if they want the best experience.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By touring the sanctuary, I've come to understand the plight of wolves in the wild better, and become more aware of the idiocy of people who try to keep these handsome creatures as pets.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them sufficient funding to expand their mission of education and rescue. They deserve to be better known, so I'd also suggest partnering with bigger outfits like Northwest Trek.
Wolf Haven is an awesome place not only to learn about the wolves but also conservation in general. They have a prarie with mima mounds endangered local plant life and endangered pocket gophers. The sanctuary tours allows you to see the wolves and learn more about them and their role in the eco-system. They have great summer events and education programs. They are active in writing legislature for a wolf management program in WA. They also have endangered Red and Mexican Grey Wolves (part of the Speices Survial Program) that are being bred to build the gene pool and they have also released Mexican Grey Wolves into the wild. There is no better place for learning and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific North West.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Educating the community on the importance of keystone predators. Restoring the natural praire, breeding and reintroduction of endangered wolves.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
yeild to the organization the way it is. I think they are doing a fabulous job.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Everyone is like a family, we all work together and volunteers always know that they are appreciated. Hearing the wolves howl is icing on the cake.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very real people. Down to earth and true belivers in conservation. They practice what they preach. All conservation down to the new Mom of the employees using cloth diapers.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
I could not even imagine. They need real bathrooms instead of potra-potties for the visitors. What they do now with what they have is incrediable. The mangement of making sure there is enough to properly take care of the wolves is paramount. I seriously could not even fathom what they could do for the wolves and the communtiy with that kind of money. But I'm sure the education they provide would grow immensely.
Ways to make it better...
I could interact with the wolves. The reality of the situation is they are wild animals and you can't. There are some excellent classes offered from other places (ie local colleges and other enviormental groups). The volunteers pay for these classes. Maybe with extra money some of the volunteers in appropiate positions may not have to pay for these classes
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
money. Peoples ingorance towards wolves and the proper way to take care of our evnviorment
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am very honored to be part of an organization that truley has the animals and the community at heart.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
The staff of Wolf Haven are as inspiring as the wolves they care for. Visiting wolf haven is an experience in seeing people acting responsibly in caring for the environment.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles of children and adults after taking a tour of the wolves.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
attempt to continue the legacy.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The focus on helping a wonderful specie.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Staff are dedicated humans.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand to provide greater area for the wolves; intesify the education program.
Ways to make it better...
it was not raining so much....
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
securing adequate funds to stay operational.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Keep up the inspiratinal work.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Wolf Haven International is a wonderful place! I have had the privilege to volunteer at Wolf Haven and have seen first hand how hard the staff works at their mission which is "working for wolf conservation". Wolf Haven is part of the Species Survival Program for the Mexican Grey Wolf and the Red Wolf. The educational aspect is fabulous. In addition to wolf conservation, this organization is very involved in other aspects of conservation. Wolf Haven is located in part woods and rare prairie with mima mounds. They are part of a conservation effort and home to the endangered pocket gopher and Mardon Skipper butterfly.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
extremely dedicated and knowledgeable.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
continue with re-introduction of the wolf back to its historic range in a big way!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Wolf Haven International has developed a environmentally friendly program that allows humans to work hand-in-hand in creating a sustainable future in the conservation of wolves and educating the general public on the value of not only wildlife, but nature's delicate ecosystem and balance as well. Being a volunteer at Wolf Haven has not only enriched my own personal understanding of the role between humans, wildlife and nature, but has allowed me the opportunity to help with their mission and attain additional support for research, outside participation and a path for their continued efforts.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the results Wolf Haven has attained in rescuing more than 100 captive-born wolves from roadside zoos, animal collectors, private owners, research and other facilities where they receive a lifetime of compassionate care and are treated with dignity and respect for their role in natures ecosystem.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
being a part of the wonderful and fantastic volunteers who help with the day-to-day operations and support of Wolf Haven.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very knowledgable, caring, understanding and very supportive of how important the survival of the species is.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
.. expand its mission role and achieve even greater goals.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I know I'm just a kid,but at school I have been reading a lot about wolfs. I start a long long time ago. I've heard stories about wolfs helping people so I started to read and learn about wolfs. Some of those stories were true.I don't have any money to adopt a wolf, but when I do I will adopt a wolf.Why I want to tell you this is because I thought you would like it. I will tell my children about this,but for now I will always look up to you.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
January 23, 2009
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I don't know I'm just a kid. Oh now I know talk to kids about telling their kids about you guys and so on
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
That you guys stood up for these poor wolfs
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
None
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Buy a ENORMOUS piece of land for the wolfs
Ways to make it better...
If I was able to adopt a wolf.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Getting the wolfs to obey
One thing I'd also say is that...
You guys mad a fantastic idea
Should this review be counted for a specific campaign?
My job is helping my family.How I got to know you guys is by reading a book
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Located just south of Tumwater WA. from Old Highway 99, Wolf Haven International is a goal oriented, working for wolf conservation organization, with hard working, dedicated staff and volunteers. Founded in 1982 as a non profit organization, Wolf Haven is supported entirley from private contributions, memberships, wolf adoptions and donations. Serving first and formost as a sanctuary for captive displaced wolves, Wolf haven also paricipates in the Red Wolf and Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery programs. We are one of only three pre release facilities in the US for the Mexican Gray Wolf. Essentially what this means is that these wolves come to us for conditioning before being released into the wild. Wolf haven also works to protect the remaining wild wolves and their habitats, as well as educate the public to the importance of all wildlife, including predetors. We offer age specific educational programs, walking guided tours in the sancuary, summer events and we also provide outreach programs thru out the Northwest.I would have to say that this organization is outstanding in the work they do and I encourage any one who has not seen our wolves to make the journey as it is an unforgettable adventure.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Training, good communication and organizational skills. The wolves are well cared for and it shows. Tours are educational and visitors respect their experience here
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Change nothing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting the Wolves, as well as the staff and volunteers. The education I recieve participating as a tour guide has been tremendous. The fine visitors we greet from around the world are always excited to see the wolves and share stories.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind and Motivated, dedicated and committed to their cause.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Continue working for wolf conservation. Expand the grounds and make improvements to the santaury, including running water and toilet facilities for our guests and the gift shop. Run a parimeter fence around the 80 acres called Wolf Haven International.
Ways to make it better...
N/A
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Recognition.
One thing I'd also say is that...
If you haven't been to Wolf Haven, you should include it in your list of places to visit.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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