#LoboWeek – An International Movement To Celebrate a Milestone in Wolf Recovery
On March 29, 1998, 11 captive-reared Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) were released to the wild for the first time in the Blue Range Recovery Area of Arizona and New Mexico. Missing from the landscape for more than 30 years, the howl of the rarest and most unique subspecies of gray wolf, was once again greeted by the mountains of the southwest. This month, marks the 15th anniversary of this historic event, a significant milestone for the lobo and wildlife conservation. In recognition of the anniversary, the WCC is among the rapidly growing group of partners participating #LoboWeek, an international movement to educate people about the Mexican wolf or “lobo” and our efforts to successfully restore this critically endangered wolf to its ancestral home in the wild.
Become a Partner!
Starting today, we’re enlisting Wildlife Organizations, Zoos, Advocacy Groups, Businesses, and individuals like you to come together with one common purpose – to raise awareness for the most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the Mexican gray wolf. #LoboWeek is harnessing the power of social media to broaden our reach to and create a national moment. All week (March 23rd-30th) #LoboWeek partners are dedicating time to the lobo on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and other social media; offering information, fun facts, special events, contests and more. Visit the WCC #LoboWeek Toolkit page for logos and links to get you started.
Help the WCC Help Create a Powerful Voice for the Lobo!
With the mission to raise awareness, we’re turning our attention to “The Last Pack: A Return to the Wild” – a documentary in the making dedicated to restoring the Mexican gray wolf back to our wilderness. The film’s focus is educating the public on the important role that wolves play in nature and how to coexist with this critically endangered species. During #LoboWeek (today – March 30th) the WCC will donate 50% of all WCC “Adopt-a-Wolf” (adoptions not limited to Mexican wolves) revenue to the help this film become a reality.
The Lobo List – 15 Reasons Why the Lobo Should Remain Protected On March 20, 2013 the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to support a letter written by Senators Hatch (R-Utah) and Lummis (R-Wyo), a decision that could prove devastating for the recovery of the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). In a unanimous decision, the commission voted to back an effort by Western lawmakers to strip federal protections for gray wolves nationwide. It is feared this move would include the rarest and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the lobo. In honor of the lobo’s 15th anniversary, we’re asking supporters to list 15 reasons why the lobo should remain protected. We encourage participants to be creative! Lists can be as simple as a grocery list or even in video format! Please send your lists (with a photo too) to maggie@nywolf.org. We also encourage supporters to send their Lobo Lists to their U.S. representative. Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? Visit http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ to determine your congressional district and your member’s website and contact page.
Happy Howls and Gracias!