CWC Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Biggs
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the California Wolf Center, as they are for so many nonprofit organizations. We could not fulfill our mission (and care for our beloved wolves) without their time, talents and support. If you’re interested in joining our volunteer “pack”, you can visit our website: https://www.californiawolfcenter.org/volunteer-interships-careers.
In this CWC Volunteer Spotlight, we would like to introduce you to one of our longest-serving volunteers, Karen Biggs – who has been with us for 13 years. She has made a tremendous impact on our organization through her hard work and dedication. Plus, she has now named two of our wolves, as a benefit of her generous donations through CWC’s Name A Wolf Program.
Here’s her story:
How did you first get involved with CWC? What drew you to the organization?
A little over 13 years ago, I was in a pretty dark place in life and had checked out a biography about Mother Theresa from the library. It suddenly clicked that I needed to volunteer. I looked high and low for a volunteer opportunity and wanted to connect with an organization that really needed help. Project Wildlife sent out a list of organizations looking for volunteers and CWC was one of them. After speaking with the director, who emphasized how much volunteers were in fact needed, I went to orientation, started volunteering and my life completely changed.
What kinds of activities have you helped with at CWC?
I originally helped out with husbandry, tour assistance, offsite events (such as earth fairs) and gift shop ordering. Now I am a wolf care lead every Saturday, and I also participate in captures and caretaking when needed.
What brings you the most joy/satisfaction in your work with CWC?
I feel like I'm doing something for the greater good by volunteering. These beautiful, endangered animals have to be in captivity as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and what an honor it is to help take care of them. Volunteering for CWC has brought fulfillment to my life and I am humbled and grateful to be part of the organization and the mission of trying to increase wolf numbers, so they don't become extinct. If I could do it all over again, I would have been a wildlife biologist. Volunteering with CWC gives me the opportunity to "pretend" on the weekends and get a tiny part of that experience. It's a nice balance to the office life I have during the week.
What made you decide to name wolves?
Unfortunately, one of my very dear friends, who volunteered at CWC with me, passed away. I wanted to honor him by donating to organizations that he would support. Obviously, the first place I thought of was the California Wolf Center. I had always wanted to name a wolf, so this gave me the opportunity to support an incredible nonprofit. He knew I would do the right thing with his gracious gift. It is an amazing thing to be able to do in his honor.
How did you come up with the names? Why did you choose these particular wolves?
I started calling one of the wolves “Owff” when he was a puppy. He was always following his mom Frida around (Owff = One Who Follows Frida) and he still follows her around! The name caught on with staff and other volunteers and it was so much fun for me to make his name official. With a new year arriving, I wanted to make another annual donation and name another wolf. Ciera (MacIsaac) helped me pick F2020 and I asked if she had any nicknames. She said that our previous intern, Riley, called her Luna and that name fits her perfectly. It's so nice giving them names instead of calling them by their studbook numbers.
What do you wish people knew about wolves?
I wish people knew how scared they are of humans so there is no reason to fear them! I also wish they knew how much they are like humans. They are very family-oriented and each one has its own personality and emotions. They can be silly and sweet and yes, they have arguments (just like us). But, I just wish people would take a deeper dive into seeing what they are really all about. I love that our educators teach that on the tours.
Why should people visit and/or get involved with CWC?
People should visit to see what these majestic creatures are like up-close. They are curious, yet nervous, which can be so eye-opening to guests. Sometimes people gasp when they hear that we go in to clean and feed while the wolves are milling about – on the other side of the habitat! It is so true that wolves are so misunderstood. By going on a tour, minds will be opened (and blown!) when they learn about their true nature. I have been a big cheerleader for guests to start volunteering. The best opportunity is when they joke about being able to feed the wolves. I say, "Yes, you can – by volunteering!" People are surprised to hear that you don't have to have any experience to volunteer. Also when someone starts volunteering, they will have an instant family. The staff is top-notch and some of my closest friends are other volunteers or former staff members.
Do you have any fun stories/memories about your work with CWC to share?
I have so many! A couple that stand out the most are:
Wintu's uncle Taku was a big, silly, blonde peacekeeper wolf in a pack of five siblings. He was a foodie too and especially loved chicken. When we would take the wheelbarrows of frozen chicken in to feed, he would get so excited, literally jumping up and down, zooming around and play “bowing” to the wheelbarrow. It was hilarious!
I have been fortunate to participate in many puppy captures and there was one set of vaccinations for a pack of puppies that was done on my birthday one year. I got to hold/scruff endangered Mexican wolf puppies to assist with vaccination processing and photo IDs. Really, it doesn't get any better than that.
Anything else you would like to share about volunteering with CWC?
I'm just grateful every time I volunteer, I can be part of wild wolf recovery, even if I'm just scooping poop or cleaning tubs. Every person that volunteers, visits or donates makes a difference. I think it's important that everyone keeps the big picture in mind, which is the ultimate goal of saving this sub-species. I hope more people will come visit and give wolves a chance.
Thank you, Karen, for all you do for CWC and our wolves! We are grateful to have you as part of our “pack.”
We are launching a new Sponsor A Wolf campaign in April. Now, sponsors can choose to donate annually or any amount a month they choose. New benefits to the sponsor include a digital biography and photographs of the wolf. We hope members and supporters of California Wolf Center will enjoy contributing to the care and wellness of our 29 resident wolves by helping us provide nutritious food, enrichment, and veterinary care.