Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Glacier


A day like any other day, no not really. The ice has taken over the trees. A winter wonder land has descended upon the sanctuary just in time for Santa Claus. Merry Christmas to all from the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. May all your wishes come true this season. Stay Warm, laugh ofter, and take care of our planet. Be as green as you can be. Glacier

Weather? 7 degrees with the wind chill, burrrrr


Whether there be rain, snow or zero degree weather, the tour must go on...

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wolf Awareness Day -- Year Two

We spent more than a week preparing for wolf awareness day and everything was ready and set by Friday night. I am so proud of my staff and volunteers, they are amazing! Then just as we were finished.....the rain and the wind started, came and went until 4 or so and then poured nonstop until every one left. It was a great day none the less!!!! We had cooks and stands and activities for the children and native Americans and wood carvers and tours and we entertained around 30 guests throughout the day.....not one of my people complained and everyone involved gave 1000 percent. If you didn't make it you missed an amazing day! Stay tuned for other large events we have throughout the year and as always we appreciate your support, this place works because good people like you love our animals.

Matt Swaner, manager/caretaker






Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Tioga of Speedwell



Hello!


My name is Tioga of Speedwell. My father is Merlin and my mother is Niksa. We are all part of the Speedwell Family of wolves now. I was born in April of 2006. At least I think that’s about right! You see I was two weeks old when my parents, my aunt and me were rescued. Thanks to the Wolf Sanctuary we now have a good home and lots of love and attention. Our rescue took place on May 5th 2006. What luck for us!


Since I was so young it was necessary for me to be separated from my father and mother and Kisha, my aunt. I think the rescue saved my life and Matthew; manager of the Sanctuary took me under his wing and gave me a really good start. He was so kind and gentle, even allowed me to sleep with him. You have to understand I was very small so it was easy for me to cuddle. To him I became family and we went for walks to visit my family through the fence of course. Matthew kept telling me that when I was released from the care of the vet I would go back to the territory where they were. Seemed like a good idea to me.


Seemed like a good idea to me because the attention I was receiving was great! As I was growing by leaps and bounds I met so many wonderful humans. They were volunteers at the Sanctuary and they treated me with much affection.


As I was growing up I kept getting stronger and bigger. After a time I slept on the floor right next to Matthew. I loved all of this but I longed to be near my father and mother. That had nothing to do with my love for my human family but after all I am a male wolf and wanted to run and play in a space that was provided where we would all be safe and free at the same time.


Let me tell you something about Matthew. He has a heart that is bigger than life itself. We became friends right from the beginning and I always felt safe and warm around him. He welcomed me into his world with friendship and training that agreed to the upbringing that my parents would accept when I returned to the pack. He will always be my special friend.


Finally, I am back with my parents and aunt. They took me in as though I had never been gone. Have to admit there were moments of fright when discipline by my dad was to me a bit strange but I learned very quickly to respond to his demands. Also, for the record he was gentle but firm and I have learned. Must admit: I am very frisky and when my human friends come into the pen with us I can get a bit rough. I like to climb up to their faces and nibble.


To explain: I am now fully grown and even bigger than my dad and he is quite the big wolf. I love my family and I enjoy barking at the tourists when they visit for tours. It’s so wonderful to be free and have so many friends. I even converse with the other wolves in different areas. Our boundaries are quite beautiful and sometimes I even hide so that Matthew has to search for me. It’s great fun. My heritage has been quite good to me and I really love attention both from my human friends and especially my family!


Actually I could go on and on about the territory and our freedom. It must have been very difficult for my parents being trapped in such a small living area before but I feel so lucky to have been given this fantastic chance for a really good life with my family and the humans who love me. We know we are safe and one other thing: I love chewing on large deer bones with meat. It’s the greatest.


Must go now, I am being playfully attacked by my aunt. Hope you will come to see me!

Friday, August 1, 2008

HOT HOT HOT


The days seem to go on, hot hot hot. Once in a while a cool breeze comes along, or it will rain suddenly and the temperature will drop. We take that as our cue to run out of the shadows and play in the tall grass. My brothers are so funny. They can't see me while I sneak along in the grass. I pop my head up and spy their location then pacha I am on them like wind through the trees. tehehehe

Anyway, I like mornings when it is still cool and I can play. My name is Lenape. I am told my name comes from the
native name for Delaware Indians, said to mean "original people." Can't beat that name! I'm original!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

What fun we had!
















Well we did it, and we had a fantastic turn out. A great big thank you to all the musicians, the artists, the volunteers and all you wonderful people that showed up to support the Wolves here at Speedwell Forge!










Wednesday, July 2, 2008

National Wolf Awareness Week


National Wolf Awareness Week is a time to dispel misconceptions about wolves and to teach about the important role these predators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It takes place the 3rd week of October every year.

The wolf is a striking symbol of wild nature, yet it has long been shrouded by myth and superstition. Earlier this century, wolves were methodically exterminated from nearly all of their historic range.

National Wolf Awareness Week encourages conservation efforts not only for wolves, but for all wild species. Defenders sponsors events nationwide to celebrate wolves.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Music and Art with the Wolves! June 21, 2008

Only a short time until Music and Art Day! This in, a short list of who will be here -- more to come so keep watching!!!


Food!

Rebecca Briody, Chef on the Go
Dinner Parties, Cocktail Receptions, Special Occasions
From Casual to Elegant she has it all!


Music!

The Reese Project 11:00am – 12:30pm

The Carmitchell Sisters 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Scott Galbraith 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Brian Spangler 5:00p.m. – 6:30p.m
From Mt. Gretna – Acoustic guitar and vocals – Classic Folk/Rock

J.C. and the nature boys" featuring J.C.Fetlock 7:00pm – 8:30pm



Artists!

1. Susan Afflerbach

2. Jeanne (Heshey) – Oil

3. Bob Hill (Hershey) – water color and acrylic

4. Helen Ritter (Hershey) Jewelry

5. Joe Doster (Lititz) Painting

6. Bernard Collins Jr.

7. Chris Bryan

8. Rebecca Snavely

9. Richard and Dee Tompkins-Wood working

10. Mike Southerland, Photographer

11. Darby Slaton, Artist

12. Dave Hacker, Artist

13. Lindsey Cortes, Artist

14. Cynthia Lee, Artist

15. Bob Redcay

16. Sharon Solie - Watercolor Artist; Chinese Brushing Painting Artist

17. Elizabeth Stutzman (aka Betsy)- Watercolor Artist

18. Eileen Horan

19. Gary and Patricia Greene - Watercolor Artist (Village Art Assc.)

20. Teri Edgeworth

21. Deb Clevenstine-sculpted acrylic

22. Greg Pencheff, Mountville, Wood Turner

23. Kevin Bennett, Photographer

24. Bruce Garrabrandt, Terre Hill, The Artists Inn and Gallery

Monday, May 5, 2008

Did you know these Wolf Facts?

Loss of habitat and persecution by Humans are leading factors in the Wolves "Endangered Species Status".
The weight of the North American Wolf can be as little as 40 pounds or as large as 175 pounds.
The length of the North American Wolf varies between 4'6" and 6'6" from muzzle to tip of tail.
The height of an average Wolf is between 26 and 32 inches at the shoulder.
Wolves have large feet, the average being 4 inches wide by 5 inches long.
Wolves can live up to 13 years in the wild but the average is only 6 to 8 years.
Wolves in captivity have been known to live up to 16 years.
Wolves have 42 teeth.
The wolf's jaw can exert 1500 pounds of pressure per square inch, twice the jaw pressure of a German Shepherd. Wolves can crush large bones in just a few bites.
What is the social structure of the pack? There is an alpha male and alpha female who are the leaders of the pack. They are also the most likely pair to breed. The beta wolves' are in second position and finally the omega wolf is in the lowest position within the pack.
Wolves breed once a year, December through March, depending on latitude, the gestation period is 63 days.
Wolf pups are born in northern climates as late as early June and in southern climates as early as late February
The average litter size is 4 to 6 cubs.
The cubs weigh approximately one pound at birth and cannot see or hear.
Fur color varies from gray, tan and brown to pure white or black.
Packs can have as little as 2 members or as many as 30 members. Average Pack size is 6 to 8.
Pack Territories vary with location. In the Alaskan or Canadian Wilderness the territory for one pack ranges from 300 to 1,000 square miles while in the continental U.S. the territory is between 25 and 150 square miles.
How do wolves communicate? They communicate is a variety of ways. Vocalizations include howling, growling, whimpering, whining, and barking. They also communicate by eye contact, facial expressions, and body movement and posture. Scent marking is also used.
A Wolf in a hurry can go as fast as 35 miles per hour for short distances.
The Wolves' diet of choice consists of deer, moose, caribou, elk, bison, musk-oxen and beaver. They have been know to survive on voles and mice if need be.