Spring - Wolf Park

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On April 19-21 we celebrated Wolf Park’s 30 th anniversary. Where
did all the years go? It was not too long ago – in my mind – that Koko and
Cassie came to us from the Brookfield Zoological Park west of Chicago.
They were donated to us by Dr. George Rabb, then the director of research,
and now director of the zoo. It was gratifying to have him present during part
of our anniversary celebrations. We have come a long way from that first
small enclosure next to my house to the way the park appears now to our
visitors. We have a Seminar/Education Building, and due to the generosity of
board member Gladys Wright and her husband Al we have an Observation
Building and a new Visitors’ Center. We have new bleachers that can seat
400 people, and we have a large parking lot that can accommodate 200-300
cars. Even the road has been improved somewhat. We have completed the
Loop Trail, which enables visitors to begin at the bleachers, and walk around
the main pack enclosure and East Lake in a complete circle rather than
doubling back. The bridge was also donated by Gladys and Al Wright, as
was the new road leading from it to the Education Building.
The presentation of my appointment as Sagamore of the Wabash by State
Representative Sheila Klinker on behalf of Governor O’Bannon took place on
the new bridge. While I was given this honor, I see it as a sign of
appreciation for all of us at Wolf Park. While I had the original idea about
starting wolf research on our farm, which is now owned by Wolf Park, the
park would not exist were it not for the dedicated efforts of everyone
associated with it. I want to thank especially my former wife Suzanne, for all
her dedication taking care of legal matters, keeping the books and handling
the finances.
Throughout the three days of our celebration many people came to visit.
Friends from the Society of the Protection of Wolves in Germany, my
daughter Kirsten, board member Phil DePoy and my friend Nicola
Rubenstein all came. My cousin Pliny and his wife Joan came from Florida.
My friend and colleague Ray Coppinger and his wife Lorna came from
Massachusetts, and Nina Fascione, of Defenders of Wildlife, came from
Washington, DC. Gordon Burghardt, a fellow graduate with me at the
University of Chicago, came to the banquet. Several people who could not
come sent letters which were read aloud. Douglas Smith, who started his
wolf career at Wolf Park more than 20 years ago as a puppy mother, gave
the keynote address about his work in Yellowstone National Park where he is
now in charge of the wolf reintroduction project.
The food at the banquet, held at The Trails nearby, was excellent. Before
the dinner, our board gave me an award consisting of a wolf bust created by
our own resident artist Gale Motter. Amanda, our managing director,
presented me with a Festschrift (a book of letters many people who had been
associated with me and Wolf Park in previous years had written about their
memories), which I really appreciated. I thought our anniversary was a great
success.
I want to thank every one of our staff, interns and volunteers who made
this possible. Amanda Shaad was the originator and driving force behind this
event. (The bouquet of flowers I gave you, Amanda, is merely a small token
of appreciation for all you have done to make this celebration a howling
success.) I apologize to anyone whom I might have failed to mention. Thank
you all for coming, and many thanks to all of
you, our members, who have helped make 30
years of wolves possible.
WOLF PARK Battle Ground, IN 47920
(765) 567-2265 FAX: (765) 567-4299
Wolf Park News Summer 2002
Membership benefits include:
• Free admission to the Park
• Wolf Park News
• 10% off books from the Gift Shop
• Invitation to Members Only Events
• Visitation Privileges With A Wolf*
*Adopt-A-Wolf Sponsorship Only
Weather Permitting
!"
Closed Mondays
Open Tuesday to Sunday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
for Howl Night
# $% &' !"
Wolf Park is open every Saturday
at 7:30 p.m. for Howl Night only
(' &)*+
Listen to the intriguing sounds of our
wolves as they communicate through
their howls. After the lecture, join in
a chorus howl of your own.
, '- & # + +&
See wolves and bison interact as
wolves test bison for signs of
weakness. Our healthy bison have
nothing to fear from the wolves.
Sunday Only: Lecture 1:00 p.m.
followed by demonstration.
. & &
— Members Always Free —
Tuesday - Saturday & Howl Night:
Children 1 to 5 years - FREE
Children 6 to 13 years - $3.00
14 years and older - $5.00
Sunday:
Children 1 to 5 years - FREE
Children 6 to 13 years - $3.00
14 years and older - $6.00
Groups of more than 20 people are admitted at
$4.00 each Tues. - Sat. & Howl Nights. On Sun.,
groups of more than 20 are $5.00 per person.
The Institute of Ethology
supports research and education:
• Wolf Behavior Seminars
• Internships and Practica
• Year-round research opportunities