For Immediate Release:
Endangered Wolves Get a Second Chance During Give to the Max
Stacy, MN / November 9th, 2022 – For Give to the Max day on November 17th, the Wildlife Science Center (WSC) is highlighting our exciting and critical role in the captive breeding and reintroduction of both endangered Mexican gray wolves and endangered red wolves. The wild populations are currently suffering from lack of genetic diversity and continued animosity from humans, so are heavily dependent on captive wolves to continue to provide new animals for release. The Wildlife Science Center is proud to be the only facility in Minnesota that participates in both recovery programs by providing a safe, healthy place for red wolf and Mexican gray wolves to stay until the time comes for them to join their wild kin.
Both species suffered from human persecution, and were declared ecologically extinct in 1979. There were 11 red wolves and 7 Mexican gray wolves left in the wild. Those animals were gathered up by the federal government with the intent to increase the population for an eventual reintroduction. Both reintroductions finally happened, the red wolf in 1987 and the Mexican wolf in 1998.
This year, WSC was thrilled to welcome a sassy red wolf puppy we have named Wanda, after the character in the Marvel movies. She was the only puppy in her litter, born on May 17th, 2022. Wanda may be wild one day, and we all look forward to hearing of her adventures!
We are able to be a part of this national project because of support from our wonderful donors, who make it possible for puppies like Wanda to get a chance to once again run free in their homeland. Donors are invited to continue supporting our work through a donation that works for them. Give to the Max offers one way to donate, but supporters can also go to our website if they wish to donate directly. We thank all of our donors for being a part of our pack, and for supporting our endangered wolves!
For more information, please visit our website or contact:
Wildlife Science Center
22830 Sunrise Road NE
Stacy, MN 55079
651-464-3993
About Give to the Max Day
Give to the Max Day was created in 2009 to launch GiveMN, a collaborative venture led by Minnesota Community Foundation and many other organizations committed to helping make Minnesota a better place. That initial spark touched off an outpouring of generosity — $14 million in 24 hours. Since then, Give to the Max Day has become Minnesota’s annual giving holiday, raising more than $250 million in its first 13 years. Every year, thousands of organizations and individuals generate donations and excitement for Minnesota causes that are working to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans.
About the Wildlife Science Center:
The Wildlife Science Center, founded in 1991 as a non-profit, serves as an educational resource for all ages by providing exposure to a variety of wild animals, including the largest resident wolf population in the United States. WSC, located just north of the Twin Cities in Stacy, Minnesota, is home to wolves, mountain lions, lynx, fox, bears, raptors and many other wild animals that, due to a variety of individual circumstances, are unable to be returned to the wild. Our facilities provide a unique backdrop for learning for wildlife management professionals, conservation agencies, school and other educational programs, and the general public.
Learn more at www.wildlifesciencecenter.org