Wolf Awareness Week 2023
As the third week of October steadily approaches, get ready to howl with the wolves. It’s Wolf Awareness Week! A week dedicated to celebrating these amazing animals and learn more about their significance in the world we share. This blog serves as your guide to this fun-filled week.
This year’s theme spotlights the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This important piece of legislation has made it possible for programs like the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction® to succeed. In addition to learning about wolves and their conservation efforts, Wolf Awareness Week is full of festivities that guarantee a howlin’ good time!
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Overview
In 1973 the Endangered Species Act was passed to protect endangered and threatened species through conservation efforts of their habitats. The ESA has saved 99 percent of the species it protects. There are 1,662 species in the U.S. and 638 species abroad that are protected. This conservation law has been one of the most successful for over 50 years!
A huge element of the ESA is its collaborative structure that allows for federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and private citizens to work together for the survival of endangered species. These groups tackle continued threats of habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species within vulnerable ecosystems.
How the ESA has Helped Wolves (AZA SAFE Program)
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) began AZA SAFE in 2015. Shelly Grow, vice president of conservation and science at AZA said:
“SAFE has expanded to include 33 programs, with nearly 80% of AZA’s 253 accredited members working together to make a difference for this diverse range of species,”
With over $1.8 billion invested into field conservation efforts, SAFE has provided innovative solutions to endangered wildlife around the world. The collective experience and knowledge of each participating AZA member fosters one of the best workspaces to save species at the brink of extinction.
This past July, the California Wolf Center (CWC) joined the AZA SAFE Mexican Wolf program. The CWC is one of the largest breeding facilities out of the 60 participating institutions located throughout the United States and Mexico. Giving the Mexican Gray Wolf not only a chance to survive but to thrive.
Week of Celebration at the California Wolf Center
Wolf conservation is extremely important for the environment and preservation of the species. In honor of the world’s largest canid, the CWC will be hosting a variety of events throughout Wolf Awareness Week that takes place October 15 th - 21 st . If you are interested in supporting wolf conservation and learning more about these incredible animals, join us for one or more of the in-person or virtual events below.
Calendar of Events:
October 17, 12:00 noon Educational Webinar - Wolf Myths and Legends. Katie Sindewald, CWC volunteer and carnivore enthusiast, will dive into historic wolf legends and more contemporary wolf myths.
October 18, 10:30 am Julian Public Library - Children’s Book/Art Activity “Full Moon Pups”
October 22, 1:00 pm - CWC Visitor Center & Nature Store: Education Room Presentation: Second Showing of “Surviving Lies: Reintroducing the Mexican Gray Wolf” documentary created by Chapman University film student.
All Week Long:
Brew for Wolves - Local Julian breweries and Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ San Diego properties, will be partnering with CWC, to brew and name a unique beer in conjunction with Wolf Awareness Week. A percentage of proceeds from beer sales will support the work at CWC.
Round Up for Wolves - San Diego-based, wolf-themed restaurants, Wolf in the Woods and Kindred plan to ask their guests to Round Up for Wolves by adding a donation to their bill
Sponsor a Wolf - October is a great month to Sponsor a Wolf!
California Wolf Center Visitor Center & Nature Store - In-store gift with purchase.
Check out the entire line up of our weeklong celebration at the official California Wolf Center Wolf Awareness Week webpage today!
Written by Caitlin D