Making History for Wolves
Suzanne Asha Stone, Defenders of Wildlife
January 14, 1995 – the day we faced danger to make history for wolves.
The reintroduction of gray wolves to the Northern Rockies was a dream come true – but it could have easily turned into a nightmare.
So much has changed over the past two decades, but one thing hasn’t – wolf hatred is still a powerful force to reckon with.
The death threats had started long before the day of the first release. Given the winter storm conditions, we had to wait overnight to release the wolves that arrived on January 13th. I helped federal agents locate an airplane hangar where the four young wolves could be guarded in their shipping kennels until the weather broke.
By morning, the snowstorm was over. Led by a snow plow clearing the path, a convoy of 15-20 trucks set out to escort the wolves to their release point in Idaho’s wilderness.
But the weather wasn’t our only worry that day. The many threats of armed attacks from anti-wolf extremists were on the minds of our entourage as we traveled.
Yet as our convoy neared the release point, the sun came out for the first time.
As we set each wolf free into the wilderness that was about to become their new home, those four young gray wolves made history. It was a magical moment. For the first time in decades, there were wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone.
As I reflect on that incredible day, I’m appalled by the reckless killing happening today in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming – and now even Wisconsin. Our country’s shameful history of persecuting wolves is repeating itself. And it’s even harder to accept that the federal government is trying to turn its back again on the fate of gray wolves.
Nearly 20 years later, I’m still working for the wolves across Idaho, Yellowstone and much of the northern Rockies region. I take so much heart in knowing people like you are out there who share my passion and determination. It makes all the difference in the world.
We’re counting on your continued support.
Save America’s Wolves
Wolves are under attack nearly everywhere they roam.
Please donate today to support our efforts to recover and save wolves in their natural habitat.
For the wolves.
Sincerely,
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Suzanne Asha Stone Northern Rockies Representative Defenders of Wildlife |