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Above is a link to one of our last visits to Wolf Haven International. It was absolutely breathtaking being serenaded by the whole sanctuary.
I've been visiting Wolf Haven International for nearly 30 years, ever since I was allowed to go to a Howl-In with my brother's Cub Scout den. It was instant love. Through the years, the staff and volunteers have always been helpful and knowledgeable, the sanctuary has been beautiful, and - most importantly - the wolves have been happy and well cared for.
One of my favorite visits occurred shortly after one of the male wolves on tour healed from an injured paw. Our tour guide told us that while he was healing, the wolf realized he received more attention while he was limping, so when people were around he'd put on a show of limping around, even though he was perfectly fine. She told us if we watched him, we'd notice he'd accidentally limp on the wrong paw every now and then, which we did see to our joy.
We are truly blessed to have the people and residents of Wolf Haven International in our community.
Drove two hours with reservation only to be told I couldn't come in because my pet was in the car. So as a result I had to wait in the car while my family went inside. Was a cloudy day, parked under a tree with 58 degree temp. Never will visit again. Funny thing is I sat in the car and didn't have to turn the air conditioning on. I was wearing a coat. Got a refund, for just me. They should post some lame rules like this on the site, so you don't miss out on the beautiful experience it could have been. Will never come back. You've been warned. Wonder what other rules they come up with next that aren't posted. Avoid if you travel with pets that can't stay home for long periods of time.
With very humble beginnings--and on a shoestring--several years ago, Wolf Haven has given innumerable wolves great permanent homes in the intervening years. Just think of the fate of some of them had Wolf Haven not come forward to welcome them. Short of living free in the wilderness, Wolf Haven is the next best think for its residents, where they get the best in nutrition, healthcare and stimulation, all of which keep them as "happy" and "content" as I would think captive wolves can be. Wolf Haven has also opened its doors and is a vital partner in the Mexican wolf rehabilitation breeding program. I have been a member (and visitor) for years. We in Western Washington are honored to have such a facility in our area!

WolfHavenInternational 10/10/2014
Wow! Such kind and loving words. Thank you for being such an strong supporter of Wolf Haven, wolves and the Mexican wolf captive breeding program. We are humbled by our great supporters, volunteers and donors.
I was surprised when I visited Wolf Haven - it is a sanctuary first and foremost for wolves. I didn't view them as being exploited for human viewing. Also, Wolf Haven has been in the forefront of advocating for wolf recovery in WA state.

WolfHavenInternational 08/13/2014
We appreciate both your feedback and your visit to the sanctuary. Thank you for your support.
I had always wanted and wished to visit Wolf Haven...for years. In 2005, I got my opportunity to do so. It was a rainy Sunday and I mistakenly thought that meant the the haven would not be open....and supported, so I thought, by an empty parking lot. That was until the store lady told me this was a favorite weather day for the wolves...so i had a one-person tour...and was thoroughly thrilled to hear them howling. It took me a while to realize and remember they don't bark like dogs...don't eat dog food...no, they are wolves! I loved every minute of the tour, and wished I could see my Angel who was not on the tour route. One day I will return...and again love being there with my favotite wide animal. Wolf Haven and all the people who work for and with it, are wonderful for the job you do! Thank you a million times. Jan

WolfHavenInternational 08/13/2014
Thank you Jan. What a great story to read about your visit. We hope that you can come back too. It's wonderful that you got to experience 50+ animals howling in unison - now that's a rare treat!
I love Wolf Haven and traveled from Texas to visit twice. I have also introduced friends and family to Wolf Haven and many also support their work. The staff and wolves seem like good matches. The animals on view look comfortable, interested and in good health. Wolf Haven also does a great job of keeping supporters informed and excited about helping.

WolfHavenInternational 08/13/2014
Appreciate your visits (all the way from Texas!), your support and your recommendations to others.
Our family has been supporting organizations that help wolf conservation and protection for over 30 years, and Wolf Haven is the best out there. We no longer donate to any others. This organization has the right stuff, the right staff, and the right direction. We have adopted many wolves over the years, and have had the pleasure of sharing adoptions with many family and friends. We are from Pennsylvania so have never visited, but if we ever get to the west coast, Wolf Haven will on our list of definite places to tour.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Please be sure and let us know if you & your family is in the area, because we definitely want to meet you! Thank you very much for your support of both Wolf Haven and wolves.
I lost my wolf, Spirit, after 14 wonderful years. And on my birthday, my loving brother gifted me with a new one, from Wolf Haven, Ukiah. I thought that was a great way to help out our wolves, so I sponsored one for my brother for his birthday. Thanks to Wolf Haven these wonderful creatures have a great forever home.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
At only seven years of age, Ukiah is one of the younger wolves here. May you and she celebrate many more years together.
I love Wolf Haven! I have visited, had a great tour seeing some of the wolves, and have "adopted" wolves and given "adoptions" as gifts to others who adore them. As an organization, Wolf Haven is made up of amazing leaders and volunteers who see to it that their wolves are cared for extremely well while advocating for the health of wolves everywhere. They seem to do it with a spirit of fun too with the wolves even getting special holiday treats such as pumpkins at Halloween, turkey at Thanksgiving, etc. They clearly give their time and their love to the cause of these wondrous creatures!

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you for the review and your ongoing adoptions. Your contributions are critical to helping us continue providing high quality care for our wolves (including enrichment items like the holiday treats you mentioned).
I toured Wolf Haven for the first time about three years ago, and it was one of the most educational experiences of wildlife I've ever had. Wolf Haven works closely with Dept.s of Fish and Wildlife in several states to protect several species of wolves and their habitat, and Wolf Haven has been instrumental in both protecting and reintroducing wolves into their natural territories. Wolf Haven also raises awareness around the issues of breeding wolves with domestic dogs. The tour of Wolf Haven is very respectful, educational, and so beautiful :) Their work is so valuable, and they have saved so many wolf lives!

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you so much for your support and positive feedback. It's really gratifying to hear from people about their experience visiting our sanctuary. It also is helpful to know how some of our outreach and educational messages are being received.
We have visited Wolf Haven a number of times and every time is a delight. My sons fell in love with the wolves (and coyotes) the first time they saw them -- but more importantly for me, they learned to respect the animals and to value them and their place in this world. Each year, we purchase an adoption certificate for one of the animals to try, in our small way, to help support the important work that Wolf Haven does. Wolf Haven serves so many important functions -- we are grateful and proud that it is here in Washington state where we have the opportunity to visit it and observe the work that they do.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you for your visits and adoptions. We're proud to be in Washington too, especially during these early days of wolf recovery in our state.
When we were kids, my grandmother gave us wolf adoption certificates from Wolf Haven for Christmas. When we visited Washington, since I lived in California, we were able to visit Wolf Haven, and it was one of the best experiences of the vacation. Years later, I was fortunate enough to visit Washington again, but this time bring my wife (girlfriend at the time) to Wolf Haven and experience the magical awe of the wolf howl.
Wolf Haven has been one of my top choices to donate too, even having donations to Wolf Haven as an option on our Wedding Registry. They seem to deeply care about wolves and fight for them at events all over the US. Their work spreads information about wolves and leads to the protection of one of the most majestic animals that exists.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
We love being included on your Wedding Registry - how thoughtful of you both. Honestly, Wolf Haven (and wolves) depends upon people like you & your wife in order to continue our education, outreach and advocacy work. Thank YOU.
My husband and I have been engaged with Wolf Haven since the mid-late 1980's. When each of our three Siberian Huskies passed, we donated funds to Wolf Haven to have stones with their names on them placed in a courtyard at the sanctuary. Our Sibe kids now run free with their wolf family. We have been adopting a wolf for each other for years; now my husband adopts for me only and we share that wolf. We have visited the sanctuary twice and are excited to be going to their annual Wine and Wolves fund raiser this Fall. This organization is one of the greatest friends the wolf population can possibly have.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you very much for your ongoing adoptions of wolves, and honoring your beloved Huskies with pavers in our wolf cemetery. We will see you soon at Wolves & Wine.
I have felt deeply connected to wolves since I was a child. I actually believed I was part wolf and that one of my Ukrainian grandmothers had 'biblical knowledge' of a wolf in the Carpathian Mountains. As I grew older, I came to honor wolves as something distinct yet related to humans. It was with this history that I first was exposed to Wolf Haven during a group event that I attended at a nearby State Park. I was initially hesitant to visit the Haven, somehow certain that I would abhor seeing wolves in captivity. However, my experience was far different. I was so impressed at how well the wolves were cared for, with the respect that they were offered, and the great measures taken to continue their 'wolfness'. I made a commitment to support the wolves at Wolf Haven and expose as many other people to the sanctuary as possible. Wolves are our link to our own wild past and they are our bridge to civilization, culture, and family values. We learned much from the wolf in our early history and it behooves to continue to honor our debt.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
We wish you lived closer to us too Laura! What a great volunteer you would be; however, you sound like an ideal advocate for wolves and other wildlife.
I began adopting a wolf for my wife on an annual basis in the early 1980s after reading about Wolf Haven in our local paper. We have also made periodic donations to the organization at Christmas and other times. We strongly support the work that Wolf Haven does, have great admiration for its staff and volunteers, and will return after many years in September to attend Wine and Wolves. Through Wolf Haven we have become very interested in the campaigns to reintroduce wolves into what was once their natural habitat in the Western United States as well as throughout the Southwest and Mexico. We can think of no more worthy organization.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Wow - you have been adopting since the 1980s! That is remarkable. We look forward to seeing you at Wolves & Wine on September 27. It's really gratifying to hear you refer to reintroduction of wolves to their natural habitat and the Mexican wolf program.
My sister and I ahve supported WolfHaven for years after reading about it in the newspapers. We had the oportunity to visit the site several years ago and were very impressed with the care and condtions provided. It seems that every effort is made to give these beautiful creatures privacy and as much space as possible to make them comfortable and safe. I am also impressed about the sensitivity the staff and volunteers have to the feelings and needs of their residents. When one of the wolves loses a mate or partner they make every effort to console and find companionship for the grieving wolf. This organization is a wonderful source of protection, education, and refuge for a majestic animal that has been much maligned by man.
Dorothy Maurer Blue Bell, Pa.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you very much for your support Dorothy(please thank your sister too!) It's very hard on staff, volunteers and visitors when a wolf passes away, but the most difficult part is seeing the remaining wolf mourn the loss of his or her companion.
I became familiar with Wolf Haven after reading about their work on their Web site, and I took the time to visit their center while on a trip from California to Washington. Seeing some of the center's wolves, coyotes and wolf-dogs up close was a wonderful experience, and it was gratifying to see the volunteer guides' dedication to these animals. Wolf Haven's setting is lovely, with greenery all around, the perfect place for animals that need space and places to which they can retreat. I so appreciate the work that Wolf Haven does in providing sanctuary to animals that in many cases have not been treated well, and I am impressed by the work they do with red wolf and Mexican gray wolf recovery.

WolfHavenInternational 11/11/2013
Thank you very much for both your review and your visit to our sanctuary. We really appreciate the support.
In the past few years I have had the oportunity to experience the "behind the scenes" at some wildlife facilities and I am defenitely impressed by Wolf Haven. The husbandry practices they carry are of great quality and of profound awareness of the value of each individual animal's life.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Thank you very much for your kind words and support.
Wolf Haven is a top-notch organization dedicated to the well-being of wolves and dedicated to its volunteers. The training, support, enthusiasm, and kindness shown to us volunteers keeps me inspired and committed. I especially appreciate the goodwill and comraderie among all the volunteers and staff. This is an organization that I am proud and fortunate to belong to.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
We count ourselves very lucky to have a volunteer like you, Jean, as well as the many others who make Wolf Haven a successful nonprofit organization.
Wolfhaven is totally dedicated to caring for displaced wolves, some of our animals had never seen or set foot on grass.
Wolfhaven teaches the importance of wolf conservation and the ecological damage that can occur without a keystone preditor in the mix.

WolfHavenInternational 08/06/2014
Your first statement is sad, but true. Each rescued wolf has his or her own history, and some are better than others - but far too often, a well-meaning person has purchased a pup and learns how challenging it is to keep a wild animal as a pet.
I have been volunteering as a tour guide at Wolfhaven each Wednesday for 10 years. I live in Renton Wa and the travel time for me is one and half hours in the morning and two plus hours in the late afternoon. If I did not think that this Sanctuary is on the top I certainly would not be doing that. The care that is taken by the staff for the wolves is impecable. Wolves come first! The amount of effort that is put in has been recognized. Wolfhaven is a certified national sanctuary, one of only two in our country. What I have learned about wolves and their place in our environment has enabled me to provide "facts" to the tour goers. My best response from our guests is "Gee, I didn't know that".

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Is that you, Wayne? We feel so incredibly fortunate that you found us and we found you. As a tour guide, you are the face of Wolf Haven, and you touch hundreds of lives. Thank YOU.
We learned so much about the wolves. How their numbers are decreasing in the general population and what Wolf Haven is doing to keep them alive and well in their reserve. We found the location beautiful and well cared for. The wolves appeared happy and comfortable being in the pen with their mate. The volunteers appear dedicated to make the environment a special place. We will go back often, although it's a 4 hour drive, but it is well worth it.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you for your positive review Sandie.
After driving past the signs in Tenino dozens of time myself, after having visiting family also comment on that same sign asking year after year, "Have you been there yet?" we finally went to a Howl In the summer of 2011. It changed our life perspective on wolves. It touched our hearts at such a deep level we retuned after a few days and became volunteers. Their dedication and compassion to provide sanctuary to their animals is obvious and shines through each member of their staff and every volunteer. Their straight forward, factual educational approach is helping educate people about wolves and their role in todays world. Their participation in the SSP (Species Survival Plan) is of vital importance in wildlife preservation and should be applauded. It is a small organization with such a huge heart!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you very much, Diane. Volunteers like you are the lifeblood of our sanctuary and our work.
WHI is the epitome of a non-profit organization which exists solely for the welfare of its wolves, most (if not all) of them rescued from abusive situations. The wolves are all housed with plenty of natural space in which to roam, play, hide, dig…to do what wolves do.
The entire staff is devoted to the care and well being of the wolves. The staff and the Board of Directors’ public outreach, education about the issues and plight of wolves, and their fundraising efforts are phenomenal (they found us in Virginia). And, I’m totally impressed with the volume of volunteers who are attracted from all over (the community, college kids and alumni, service groups, young people) to pursue and complete projects to enhance the WH sanctuary.
My husband and I “adopted” two wolves a year ago. This past August, we stopped to visit WHI on our way to an Alaskan cruise. We were delighted to see the wolves happy and well cared for, and meet some of the staff who care for the wolves as a passion, not just a job. Our visit to WH was the highlight of our Alaska trip!! If we lived in the area, we would both be full time volunteers!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Hello to you in the wonderful state of Virginia! Thank you very much for your personal message, your visit and "adopting" two wolves.We are so appreciative of your support!
Was first introduced to Wolf Haven in 1990 with a gift of an adoption. Incredible organization with dedicated and knowledgeable staff. It is Wolf Haven who keeps the public aware of the plight of the wolves.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you so much for your adoption, donation and message!
Thank you Wolf Haven International for educating me and making me aware of the plight of the Wolves. Fight the good fight continue to educate the public and be a loud voice for Wolves.You are highly appreciated.You have a deep love for these animals.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
and thank YOU for joining us in the good fight to conserve wolves and their habitat!
This is an extremely valuable nonprofit organization -- valuable to the wolves and hybrid wolves, but also valuable to our local area (near Olympia , WA), to the entire nation as a resource for wolves and valuable to the world as a source of education and rescuer of this precious and endangered animal. I have visited the facility, experienced their educational tour of their grounds, and have made purchases from their gift shop. I shall definitely return and take visiting guests with me. I was extremely impressed by their work and deeply moved by their caring and love for the animals they serve.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Wolf Haven has been active for 31 years with the help and support of people like you Phyllis.
I have been with Wolf haven for over 17 years now and I am always amazed on everything they do. They helped get wolves into Yellowstone, help breed red wolves, and also contribute to building habitat at their facility for a myriad of other species. Keep up the great work!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
17 years! Wow - that's more than half of Wolf Haven's 31 year history! Thank you so very much for your ongoing support of our work.
Wolf Haven is a wonderful establishment with genuine love for these wolves that they have rescued or adopted. It is a great place for families and to learn about these wonderful creatures. They emphasize the importance of the wolf populations and have a helping hand in breeding the red wolf to keep the population alive. It is a remarkable place.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Isn't it amazing that the red wolf is only indigenous to the United States? Although nearly exterminated, through the Endangered Species Act and the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, wild red wolves now live in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in N. Carolina. Thank you, Melissa, for your support of our work.
Over the past 31 years, Wolf Haven International has rescued 170+ captive-born wolves and provided them with lifetime sanctuary. They are doing the work of angels, in a world that is so cruel and inhumane that wolves are being targeted for torture and slaughter to extermination-again.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you for your kind words.
Before our cruise to Alaska in August we visited Wolf Haven to see the two wolves we had adopted earlier this year. What an unbelievable place!! The grounds were very well kept and the wolf enclosures were done so that the wolves lived in as natural a setting as possible. The wolves are very well taken care of by the Wolf Haven staff, led by Wendy. Our visit could not have been more enjoyable. The gift shop had wonderful items to purchase ( which we did). 5 stars from Martha and I for a great adventure.give

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you so much, Wayne and Martha! Please visit again, whether you take a cruise or not!
Wolf Haven has been my favorite resource for captive wolves it is quite unique in itself as it serves as a wildlife refuge as well as educational center for all age groups and offers a wide variety of stimulating programs and work shops to learn about our fury brothers as well as a captive Mexican gray wolf population to release into the wilds without this Internationally famous leader in canius lupis studies we would all be lesser beings, I thank the creator for bringing this organization into my orbit of existence it has enrichened my life beyond mere words. I myself currently sponsor 3 wolves, Diablo, Riley, Lorenzo, and is the best money I have ever spent and will continue to do so for the remainder of my life

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Appreciate your ongoing support, Daniel. The wolves were all out there howling just a few minutes ago, and it was simply beautiful. BTW, Diablo, Riley and Lorenzo are all doing great.
First arriving to Wolf Haven was magical, a beautiful little set of enclosures and a main shop in a homely, welcoming and rustic scene in Washington's best example of a mid-forest prairie. I was young, probably around 13 in my first tour and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. Seeing the wolves in their sturdy enclosures and learning what it took to keep wolves was a lot to take in. The benefits of the sanctuary as opposed to keeping these wild animals as pets impressed itself upon my mind and to this day I feel I have a stronger connection with wolves than I every would have otherwise. At the end of the tour, our group began to mimic wolf howls and the entire 'pack' at wolf haven joined in. I've never heard anything so eerie and powerful, and it still brings tears to my eyes as I think of it. At the end of the tour I decided to browse the shop and was amazed at the array of wolf merchandise. Though I haven't been able to go back for a while, I still try to donate as much as I can through the sanctuary's 'Adopt a Wolf' program. They are always prompt with the delivery of the promised goods and I treasure the wolf photos and stories I have received over the years. I absolutely recommend visiting, and supporting Wolf Haven however you can. The staff are friendly, their work in education, conservation, and preserving the local prairie is of the utmost importance, and everything I have received from their stores both online and in person have excellent quality. A must-see, whether you are a wolf addict or simply curious.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
So many people are initially introduced to Wolf Haven when they are young, like you were at 13. It's so rewarding to have an impact on someone, who then becomes a powerful advocate for wolves.Thank you for your message and ongoing support!
I live in northern Idaho were the wolves are hunted down, stalked, slaughtered and it is heartbreaking and sad! Being native American I have always loved wolves and they are near and dear to my heart, as I do all wildlife. There are other wolf advocates and wolf organizations in this area and I am a member of two, but they do nothing to rescue, save or intervene if a wolf is in distress. It is for this reason I took such an interest in Wolf Haven. It is the one place that offers refuge to the wolves in addition to educating the public on the true nature of this wonderful creature. I wish there were more places like Wolf Haven. Then the wolf might stand a chance and not become extinct.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
What a somber but beautiful message! Thank you for your support, but more than that, for your compassion for wildlife.
For decades, Wolf Haven has served as an international educator to increase public knowledge of wolves. I have seen firsthand how this non-profit stretches ever dollar.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you for your message. Visitors are often surprised to find out that Wolf Haven International doesn't receive any federal or state funds for our work with wolves. As a nonprofit, we depend on donations, adoptions, memberships, visitors and gift shop purchases to raise the funds needed to provide quality care for our resident wolves - and continue advocating for wolves in the wild.
I first visited Wolf Haven in 1992 with my parents and my cousin. I do not remember much of that visit, but have always looked forward to returning. In 2011 that opportunity came when my family gathered in Olympia. Unfortunately, we visited Wolf Haven on the day they are closed to the public. Not to be deterred, we enjoyed our picnic lunch, and wandered around looking from afar to see what we could see. Well, nature called and one of my dad's cousins went to the office to see if we could use the facilities. As we wandered through one by one, the staff must have become curious, especially when we told them where we were from [some from Florida, some from Illinois, some from Montana] and that we had stopped by to visit the sanctuary. Lo and behold, we were given a tour by someone even though the facility was closed. That day is very memorable for my family, and it endears Wolf Haven to me even more because they made the time to take us around even though I am quite sure they had plenty to do. Next time I am out there I will make sure to check their schedule, though, so that we visit on a day that they are open!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Your message made us smile! Although we would love for everyone to have the Wolf Haven experience, with such a small staff, it's just not possible to make special accommodations when people drop in and we're closed. But it's wonderful that it just happened to work out for you & your family to get that special tour.
I first became aware of Wolf Haven sometime in the early 80's when they had a booth at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. At the time they had an ambassador wolf, I believe it was Little John, whom the public was able to meet. Having been a wolf lover for most of my life, it was something I'll never forget, the first time I had contact with a live wolf!! I visited Wolf Haven not long after that meeting, & was awed by the place & their dedication to these misunderstood beings!! They no longer have an ambassador wolf, but the knowledge & dedication has not waned. If anything, with the years, it's even better!!! I don't get to visit as often as I'd like, but I go when I can & I am NEVER disappointed in the place or the people!! The volunteers are all there because they care & are there to take care of these animals & to educate those that come to visit. If there has to be places like this for wolves to be safe, then Wolf Haven is one of the best.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Wolf Haven International was founded as a nonprofit in 1982, so you definitely encountered us during our early years. As we've matured as an organization over the last 31 years, our philosophy of a sanctuary has also evolved (hence discontinuing the ambassador wolf program). So glad that you continue to find visits here to see some of the resident wolves enriching!
I have been going to wolfhaven and donor for well over ten years.. this is one of the very few places that I have come across that is really out for the best intrest of these amazing animals, always very friendly people that have a great knowlage of these animals,,

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
We are so proud to have loyal, long-term supporters like you. Thank you.
I admire Wolf Haven for giving the public a look at wolves thru education of the species. It is one of my favorite facebook pages.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you Sherry.
A couple of years ago, we took our then 8 year old son, who loves animals but especially wolves, to an August howl in and camped over night. It was a magical experience, one that we will never forget. There was a lightening and thunder storm which caused the wolves to howl all night long, my son loved it! Then we spent the day with a tour of the wolves. We can't wait to go back again!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you for your message and suggestion, Kendall. Wolf Haven also offers Wolf Photography Tours 3-4 times a year, during which a small group of people (12) spend an entire morning in the sanctuary with a professional photographer. It's a unique experience to spend more time near the wolves, regardless of your photography skills.
I have been a member of Wolf Haven for more than 20 years. In that time I have seen the sanctuary grow and prosper. The wolves they save have better lives and we all get a chance to see and interact with them.
The support staff does an excellent job and take great care to teach, answer questions and show us about wolf behavior. Most people don't realize that wolves are not "The big bad wolf" we were all raised with. Many of the staff and volunteers go over and above to help the wolves and give of their time. They also work with national and local wildlife groups to educate and help wolves in the wild.
I have been privileged to be a member and share Wolf Haven with other people who are now members as well.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Twenty years is an exceptionally long time to be a Member of Wolf Haven International! We feel lucky to have long-term supporters such as you, who help us fulfill our mission to conserve wolves and their habitat. Thank you Kaye!
Wolf Haven International 'walks the talk'. They not only rescue and care for wolves they are actively involved in preserving the genetics and promoting the preservation of wolves in the wild.
Wolf Haven International has been instrumental in the education of the public and legislature as to the benefits and importance wolves provide in our ecosystems and wilderness areas.
Wolf Haven is a well organized and documented charity organization whose volunteers and leadership share a passion for the animals they are working to save. They work hard to see that that the funds donated are utilized to the best advantage possible for both the wolves, education and preservation of these majestic animals.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Appreciate your support and message, Cindy. You obviously have made it a point to be well-informed about the many facets of our work for wolf conservation. Thank you.
I decided one day, out of the blue, to go camping i the Olympia area, and to take along a good friend of mine. I had always wanted to go to Wolf Haven, and had talked about it for many, many years but had never "found the time" and had always "put it off until later."
Well, "later" became "now."
I camped at the Olympia Campground, and was pleasantly surprised when the lady running the place gave me detailed directions on how to get to Wolf Haven. Following the directions, I was led right to the front gates, where I immediately began snapping picture after picture of the beautiful late summer flora as my friend and I waited for the tour to begin.
Once on the tour, I was fascinated by the amount of information given by the knowledgeable guides, as well as by the way they engaged the group when it came to trivia and random bits of knowledge about each wolf and coyote on the grounds.
While on the tour, we were treated to a moment where the wolves were given enrichment tools (turkey necks), and more tales of antics came forth (mostly featuring Caedus and Ladyhawke). As we neared the end, we were stopped in our tracks by the entire canine cadre (wolf, wolf-dog, and coyote alike) letting loose in a group sing, sending chills down my spine in a delightful manner. I had hoped to hear something like this when I was there, but I didn't think to be in the middle of it! As an added bonus, we were privy to another sing as we left the tour area! Two in one visit! Woot!
I love wolves, needless to say, so I made a side trip to the gift shop and picked up a beautiful t-shirt, while my friend bought me a small stuffed wolf to commemorate the adventure. With goodies purchased, we set off to explore the Cemetery/Memorial and the Prairie, which were amazing and moving, each in their own rights.
The entire place wiggled itself into a place in my heart that will always remain. I look forward to planning future trips to Wolf Haven with my family and friends.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Your story brought tears! Thank you for taking the time to share it in such moving detail. So glad that you took the time to walk along the mounded prairie and visit the wolf cemetery also.
As a lover of wolves, but one with a limited income, I'm very selective of the organizations I support. I've visited Wolf Haven several times and each time I'm pleased with the knowledge of the tour guides, the selection of the wolves they share with the public and the interaction the guides have with the public. The grounds are well kept and the gift shop has a wide variety of items that appeal to every taste. I love visiting Wolf Haven and encourage all my family and friends to visit as often as they can to help support this wonderful organization.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
We are honored that you choose to support Wolf Haven.
My family and I flew out to WA last year from NC and this was a must see on our list of things to do. We LOVED it!! We learned a lot of information about wolves that we had not known. Our most memorable thing about this place was at the very end of the tour, as we were getting ready to leave, all of the wolves started howling. We will be going back to Wolf Haven next time we go to WA!!

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Since you went on a sanctuary tour here, you already know that you are living in the only state in the U.S. with a population of wild red wolves. There are five of them here, and two can be seen (sometimes) on the sanctuary tour. Tala is definitely more visible than Ruby, who hangs in the back.
I have been an avid wolf advocate for many years & when some friends gifted me with a symbolic wolf adoption from Wolf Haven, I couldn't wait to visit! From the moment I stepped out of the car & heard the ravens, I knew this place was magical. The grounds are pain-stakingly cared for, the enclosures are well-built & maintained, & the wolves couldn't get better care anywhere else. After my first tour there, I knew I wanted to be a volunteer tour guide. I've had the privilege to do a number of tours there & have seen the work that goes on behind the scenes. This is a top-notch facility & they even do a lot of valuable work with outreach education & wolf conservation.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Oh yes, the sounds of birds here is amazing that sometimes it sounds like a nature C.D.! Ravens and wolves naturally go together, so there is no shortage of ravens around here. In fact, if you leave anything (edible or not) on a picnic table, it will soon be gone!
I remember going to Wolf Haven when I was younger. I really enjoyed the park. My daughter loves wolves so I decided we should take a trip to the park. Unfortunately, the volunteers did not seem to appreciate the children that were present in the gift shop or the tour while I was there. The guided tour had at least 15 kids in the group as it was a Saturday morning. Unfortunately the guide decided to spend the entire time interacting with three older adults and completely ignored all the children on the tour. Then to cap things off was annoyed when they got bored with her. If you don't want children to come to your park please say so on your website. As a parent I was really disappointed. Needless to say I won't return or donate again.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
I apologize for your negative experience with us. The 50-minute tour doesn't always hold the interest of younger visitors, and in fact, we are in the process of designing a shorter one for them. As soon as the shorter children's tour is available, we will post it on our website and Facebook page. Again, we are very sorry for what occurred.
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thanks for sharing your great tips on ways to enjoy a visit to Wolf Haven. We very much appreciate your support - and obvious caring for wolves.
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thanks very much for your message and all of the great feedback. We like to say that we have two of the most controversial animals in the area living here: wolves and Mazama pocket gophers!
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Appreciate you taking the time to give feedback! Favorite line: he "the smiles of children and adults after taking a tour of the wolves."
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Thank you for your support as a volunteer and supporting our work in education, sanctuary and conservation. Volunteers make it possible!!
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
That's what it's all about, isn't it - ecosystems and balance. Thank you for your comments.
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.

WolfHavenInternational 10/21/2013
Hope you have finally been able to achieve your dream of adopting a wolf,Maia! Thanks for spreading the word about wolves and Wolf Haven.
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.
WolfHavenInternational 06/13/2019
I understand the frustration you must have felt after driving two hours to visit our sanctuary. It is mentioned on our website (About your Visit/Sanctuary Etiquette) that pets are not allowed on the property. It may not have seemed hot enough that day to leave your pet in the car, but we will always err on the side of the animal's safety. Particularly as an animal sanctuary, we won't take any risks with animals - or our guests.