History and Purpose of the US Wolf Refuge
The U.S. Wolf Refuge first started doing wolf and wolf-dog rescue back in 1984. This was long before domestic wolves and wolf-dogs became so prevalent and controversial. We immediately became recognized all across the country as one of the premier sanctuaries for these animals. We obtained our non-profit status in 1992. We moved from the heat of Apache Junction, AZ to the cool of Prescott, AZ in 1993. Encroaching residential growth caused us to move to our present location in northern Nevada in 2000. We were granted a USDA license in 2009, which is only awarded to those facilities that are in compliance with the USDA Animal Welfare Act and that provide the highest level of animal care.
United States Wolf Refuge Goals and Purpose Includes the Following
- Provide extensive education and information services that inform present and prospective wolf and wolf-dog owners and the general public about wolf and wolf-dog behavior and the human behavior required when dealing with them. Information is also presented on these magnificent creatures’ history, present situation, and future prognosis. The UNITED STATES WOLF REFUGE uses seminars, demonstrations, videos, public media exposures, published articles, and other means to convey this information.
- Take in and provide refuge to as many homeless and unwanted wolves and wolf dogs as possible
- Assist in any activities necessary to ensure the successful enactment of the Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction Program, which is to establish a viable, self-sustaining population of Mexican gray wolves in the wild of the southwestern U.S.
- Study and research wolf and wolf-dog behavior to better understand their instincts and needs. This is vital in providing them with the quality of life they deserve.
- Be actively involved in the legislative, political, and legal processes concerning animal-related regulations.
- Assist in investigating any suspected illegal or inhumane keeping of wolves or wolf-dogs.
- Testify as an expert witness in cases that deal with any issues related to these animals.
The UNITED STATES WOLF REFUGE is committed to enhancing the welfare of not only those animals under our care but all animals. As the name implies, wolves are our area of expertise, and we are willing to assist in any way possible
The curator of the UNITED STATES WOLF REFUGE has over 39 years of experience with hundreds of wolves and wolf-dogs. For almost 27 years, he has been actively involved in the USFWS Mexican Wolf Recovery Program in the southwest. He has over 17 years of extensive certified professional training in dealing with various animals. He is certified in assessing the behavior of various animals for animal-assisted therapy and service dog programs. On numerous occasions, he has been asked to give expert testimony or submit expert depositions in cases involving an animal. He has spoken in front of several legislative bodies and helped several municipalities in drafting animal-related ordinances. He was instrumental in getting three of the very rare Mexican gray wolves released to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, a small but exceptional non-profit facility in Prescott, Arizona.
