Wolf Eyes

Pardon my venting

2012-01-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

We are a non profit corporation. We receive no government or corporate assistance or funding. The sanctuary has been open since 1980, and has cared for 100s of wolves and hybrids.

We have an information center at the Sanctuary. In the last 12 months we have been trying to upgrade the information center. We want to be as efficient as we can. It was suggested that I get a cash register for the center. SOOOOO I did. Okay it took me a year to get around to programming it, ONLY to find the Sharp ECR XE-A41S is not supported by the company that sells it. Nor do they have a fix for the soft ware. They simply decided to discontinue the model and sorry about your luck if you want to use it. You can not use your PC unless its and XP or Vista model and heaven forbid if your computer is 64 bit. That simply will not do. You must stay in the dark ages if you wish to use a Sharp cash register.

So I am stuck with this piece of scat, unless I want to spend another several hundred dollars of money I would rather use to feed my wolves!

I am staring at the ceiling while I write this so I don't emit words of profanity. OHHHHHHHHHH what should I do to SHARP corporation. I don't want anyone to EVER buy another Sharp instrument or product. If you even get an urge to do this send the money here instead.

The wolves will definitely be able to use it and they will not be out dated and antiquated when you come to visit them.

Gray Wolf

2012-01-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

The gray wolf was once found through most of North America. But by the time the Endangered Species Act became law in 1973, the wolf was gone from the Rocky Mountains, having been exterminated by shooting, tapping and poisoning. Over the past 30 years, the ESA has helped increase wolf numbers in the Northern Rockies. But, Congress just acted to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List in the Northern Rockies. This marks the first time in history that a species was delisted by legislators, threatening the future of the gray wolf and the Endangered Species Act itself.
Sierra Club founded 1982

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Smokey

2011-12-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

Elegant and serene her poise and stance shall carry through the time before and to come. Her quiet demeanor and level rein kept a family close and loyal for many moons. Through two unions and many births she stood tall. Calm understanding and unwavering respect from all that met her. Non challenged her rein and always bowed to her status as the mother as the alpha.

Our Smokey, our matriarch born March 1995 has left us on December 11, 2011. Now free from fences she clears the great river as she runs down a well worn path. To sing in another world. It is a good day ......

For those left in her wake, we will heal and move forward. Safe journey wise mother. We will follow your teachings and try to carry ourselves with dignity and grace.

Thank you for your Wolf Awareness Day

2011-10-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your Wolf Awareness Day event. My kids and I had a great time meeting and learning about your wolves (especially our favorites Thor, Solo, and Glacier), getting our faces painted, decorating pumpkins, and listening to the live music, among other things. Before this morning, we didn't even know the Wolf Sanctuary existed, but now we're excited to visit again for a public tour and I plan to come back for the Full Moon tour. My sister's ex-husband used to be curator at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA. While they were married, I had the opportunity to volunteer for a summer and the highlight of my time there besides hosing down the gibbons' area and feeding the bison was walking an injured wolf they had at the time. I couldn't believe and still to this day find it hard to believe that I had the opportunity to stand beside a wolf without a fence between us... and on a leash at that. Thank you for all you do; your work and care for the wolves is truly inspirational!

Gene and family

Charlie

2011-09-21T14:09:00.001-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news with you tonight. Our beloved Charlie, at twelve years of age has gone from our side. To say good bye seems somehow wrong, maybe until we meet again is more apropos. She moved on quietly in her sleep. She was the pride of the sanctuary. As a young wolf she was seriously injured and lost her front left leg. Her courageous recovery was nothing short of a miracle. A proud leader to the end. We will miss her.

I wonder does she stretch out all four legs now that she runs free of this plain?

Stay Golden Charlie Girl!

A Great Time!

2011-08-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

We visited on the 25th-weather broke and we had a great time!!

Emma and Fred

Absolutely Beautiful

2011-08-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, Just wanted to say thank you for giving us the tour today. You did an excellent job and answered everyones questions. My family and I really enjoyed our time there. Loved, loved, loved all the wolves. Especially Friday who is absolutely beautiful and of course Lincoln who was very cute today sticking his paw out to get some of your snacks. All of the employees did such a good job. We hope to see everyone again in the future.

Take care,
From Jim Thorpe, PA

Truly a highlight

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Just took the 10 am tour. Truly a highlight in my life and I have a new passion. I will adopt a wolf. Denny was super and answered all of our questions. I love all of the wolves.

August 2011

Tripadvisor

2011-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

We are on tripadvisor! I just discovered this today. This is fantastic, and most appreciated. A BIG thank you to our reviewers.

Twitter!

2011-08-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

WolfSanctuaryPA look for us on twitter and follow!
Wolf Sanctuary of PA look for us on facebook and like our page!

Come stay at Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast and experience peace, a little quiet time and some pretty good food too. ;) Of course Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast could use some fans as well. :)

Thank you from Jonathan

2011-08-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say I loved your tour...I loved seeing the wolves......I wish there was somthing like this where I lived because I would be helping out there.I just wanted to say goodjob and I hope you guys get a break on trying to help save these wolves

Jonathan, Manahawkin NJ

Thank you

2011-07-27T17:08:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed our visit to your sanctuary! Our grandchildren were given the opportunity to see and learn more about these beautiful animals. Thank You for all your work that you do to help these wonderful animals.

Mary

extrodinary tour

2011-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

My wife and I took a tour of your wolf perserve on memorial day. We were the only ones on the tour that day. I would like you to know that my wife and I were amazed at how many wolves there were and how informitive the tour guide was. It was the most amazing thing the both of us have done in a long time. As we were leaving I heard the tour guide talking to someone on the phone about one of the wolves going to the veternarian due to a kidney disorder. I just wanted to find out if the wolf came back to the perserve and if he was ok.

I hope so because I know that these animals are the most amazing animals around.

If there is any way I could help by donating anything to help out the wolves please let me know. I will do anything for these special animals. thanks again for a wonderful day and a extrodinary tour of your wolf perserve.

Casper

2011-06-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

A hot day it was, May 31, 2011. Our dear friend Casper we bid you goodbye. He loved children, always ready to great them and if possible send a bit of mud in the direction of any passerby. He had a good nature about him. A wag and tilt to the head. Our little arctic curmudgeon. He has not been feeling well of late. Being almost 14, he had slowed down. I guess we all do. Now he runs in a far off wooded home with cool air and snowy peeks. His mate Bonnie at his side and his pack intact at last.

What stories he will share with Bonnie and she with him? Four years she has waited for him.

Take good care our kind and friendly Casper we will see you on the other side.

From Ruth Ann

2011-05-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday was wonderful Irish band awesome who are they ? wolf packs were charming everyone happy happy. Awesome!

I WOLF you Valentine!

2011-01-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Tired of the same old Valentine’s gestures… OH, WHAT TO DO?!?!?!…Flowers? Been there...Candy? Did that too … Maybe jewelry? Ahhh not that again… Skip the “regular” gestures and this year go for a unique gift... “Sweetheart Full Moon Tour at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.” Let Chipper, Tioga and Destiny be your guide as you join us on Saturday, February 19th for a romantic night starting at 7PM. Snuggle with your loved one by the roaring bon fire, bring marshmallows to toast, add chocolate and graham crackers for a decadent treat. Stroll hand in hand around the sanctuary as you meet our beautiful wolves. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be serenaded by their low howl at the full moon. Surprise your loved one by adopting a Wolf then walk around our sanctuary until you find the one that touches your heart. This unique gift is only $35! You will receive a certificate and picture of your adopted Wolf to display. Share the magic this Valentine’s weekend at the Sweetheart Full Moon Tour Saturday, February 19th.

January's Full Moon Tour

2011-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

This month's full moon tour was warmed courtesy of the roaring bonfire that took the chill out of the air and offered a hot source for roasting marshmellows. There was a debate on how to best roast a marshmellow- a slow turning roast or a quick burn? How do you roast your marshmellows? The only noises that could be heard were the howling of the wolves and the sweet simple melodies by J C Fetlock, who stayed late into the evening. It was an intimate gathering this month, which the wolves appreciated after a busy Saturday tour. Thank you to all who joined us around the fire, it was a delightful evening. January's full moon was appropriately named the 'Wolf Moon', and our tour was simply that - all about our lovely wolves. Please stay tuned to learn more about our February Full Moon Tour on Saturday 2/19.

Sandy's thoughts

2011-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

When my husband Steve and I started going to the Wolf Sanctuary, we didn’t know what to expect. From our very first visit we have fallen in love with this beautiful place.

I have loved wolves almost all of my life, so to see a real live wolf was such a treat for me.

People often talk about the howling of wolves and how they do not like it because it sounds “eerie”. I’ve never felt that way and to hear these wolves howl, it’s a beautiful symphony. Each time they “sing” it’s as if they have written a new song, they are never the same.

You will hear the “howl” as we all have heard it on tv. You will hear barks and yips, and then you will hear Merlin, the pure Eastern Timber Wolf who lives with his son Tioga, who is 4 years old and Tioga’s aunt Keesha. Merlin has a voice that has an absolutely beautiful range to it. He puts his head up a little bit and begins to howl, kinda high, then the howl comes down a bit and then back up, it is as if he is singing a beautiful piece of classical music. I stop and listen and watch Merlin, it is so gorgeous that I am almost moved to tears……….and then all of a sudden the howling stops and they go about their business of sniffing the ground or playing, I am left with a wanting of more howling, the singing is done………for now.

Yule by the Fire

2010-12-29T14:24:00.001-08:00

Full Moon tour was a hit! We had many visitors come out although it was a cool evening! The weather worked with us, it was a beautiful clear sky and although it was cold there was no wind. Many visitors brought cocoa or coffee to drink by the bon fire. We had chairs set out and through most of the night they were full. The carolers did a great job mixing holiday music with contemporary music as many visitors sang along. After the Carolers were done, we even had a visitor that brought her guitar and sang! The wolves were active enjoying the light of the moon and the cooler weather… If you have been a past visitor, now’s the time to stop back out and see your favorite Wolf as they are growing their winter coats. As they get full, they look a bit different! Can you spot the differences? Some have more red, and others a bit grayer… but all of them are getting very fluffy! So a great big thank you to everyone that came out to enjoy the full moon tour, remember the next one is coming up on January 15, hope to see you then!

Yule with the Wolves! 2010

2010-12-10T09:22:00.001-08:00

Falalalala lala la laaaaaa....Picture this... Joyous songs of the holidays, a roaring bonfire to toast your toes or marshmellows and the deep howl of wolves calling out to the full moon.... Sound like your kind of fun? Well then you won't want to miss our "Caroling by the fire" event, Saturday, December 18th at 7:30-10 PM!!! What could be more festive then listening to Christmas Carols in the cool of the night by a roaring bonfire? Come out, get in that holiday spirit while showing your support of our wolves. There will be cookies and cakes, hot chocolate and coffee for all to enjoy. Bring marshmellows and toast them over the fire. Join in with our Carolers as they fill the night with their voices. I bet it wont be long until the wolves will sing with them, a cheerful tone indeed. Dress warmly, bring friends, lawn chairs and festive attitude to this night you wont want to miss. Please remember children 16 and older please.

November 27th

2010-12-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

What a great turn out today for the Wolf tour! Every time we thought there couldn’t possibly be another car, sure enough there was! A lot of new visitors seem to find us every week, many from right near by Cornwall, Lititz and Lancaster and then from further away New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland…. Seems wolf fans are finding us from all over! We have visitors stopping by to do their holiday shopping: T-shirts, tote bags and wolf prints are among their favorites, well, along with the wolf adoption. That’s always a highlight! You go on the tour, choose your favorite wolf, then adopt them and receive a picture, information about your wolf and a certificate. Many visitors are giving the adoptions as a Christmas present…. I love to watch the children when they come back from the tour and they are so excited to share their knowledge about their favorite wolf. Thor and Chipper were favorites this weekend. Which one is your favorite?

November 20th

2010-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

It was a great night to to come out for the full moon tour to see the Wolves. What a beautiful night it was… The weather was perfect and the crowd was plentiful. Many of the visitors brought lawn chairs and coffee to sit by the bon fire and share their favorite wolf stories. There was music playing softly and even the wolves were happy to sing along as they howled into the night. My favorite part of the night was walking out to see the big wolf pack as the moon was HUGE and lit up the sky. The full moon tours are a beautiful opportunity that you won’t want to miss. It’s a good thing the full moon comes around every month! Check out the next one on December 18^th!

Wolf Awarness Day 10/10/10

2010-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful turn out for our Wolf Awareness Day. Over 400 people! I can't thank everyone who participated and everyone that came to be a part of this special day. We must all remmeber that education is key to the future. Our children must know and learn! We at the sanctuary want to share. Come take a tour. Share with us what you know and we will do the same.

Music and Art with the wolves

2010-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day. We had music and art. We had wonderful people come to enjoy the day and really good food. The chicken man was here and people stood in line for his phanominal chicken. On little boy even said, "I don't like chiken, but this stuff is GREAT." Vegan and vegitarian cuisine was served. A fabulous treat! Thank you all for helping to care for the Wolves of Speedwell. We look forward to a bigger next year. We are building an email list, please let me know if you wish to be on it.

Willow, gone but not forgotten June 2010

2010-06-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

To our Willow, we shall miss you.. I have searched for just the right farewell, and this is what I have found. Until we meet again....

In the midst of an enchanted, crystal forest lies my soul, beneath a weeping willow tree. On the shadowed side of this mystical haven, heart beats as thunder warns of a raging storm! Yesterday went well in deeds, but silence fell upon me... words could not express these lonesome thoughts. I closed my eyes to shut the doors of reality. Must you always need to understand me; shan't I keep a bit of mystery for my sake? These eyes plead, as I look up to you for such moments of peace and tranquility. Tears have fallen to the earth-- drops that glisten on blades of grass, even in the dark of night; stars shine brighter in my sight! Today, I remember sharing my life with you; Vows of love and friendship, forever spoken; and now, I lie alone beneath a weeping willow tree. Tommorrow, I shall walk alongside a never-ending creek.

c.2003 by Monika Arnett

Count Down!!!

2010-06-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Count down to Music Art and Wolves! Fun for everyone Saturday June 12, 2010 10am to 5pm, Wolf Sanctuary of PA 465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz PA 17543

Our musical line up is ...

10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. - Scott Galbraith
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Barbi
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - J.C. Fetlock
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Eric Keeper
4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m. Boy's from Innisfree

Polaris plea

2010-05-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have run the numbers and it looks as though we have collected $9,339.00. Not too shabby! We spent $12,144.46. We are still collecting!

With summer here and the heat upon us, we have not only ordered the new Polaris, it has ARRIVED! Yes we still need your help. We can't thank you all enough for this gift of love and out pouring of donations to help our Wolf nation.

With this 4x4 we can carry more water and food at one time. It's a quieter machine so we can move about in the wolves' territories with less disruption.

The Wolves thank you! The Staff thanks you! We have asked for your help and you have cared and shared and I don't know what else to say. Thank you. Thank you.

You are the oxygen without you we would cease to be.

Dawn

From Whisper Q

2010-04-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

We loved our tour & fell in love with the wolves! I got some wonderful photos and have been telling everyone about our visit. We will be coming back. Thank Chuck for giving us a great tour!

Whisper Q
April 2010

Spring a renewal

2010-03-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

It is spring. A time of renewal and regeneration. Our team of volunteers is changing as the seasons come and go. Our landscape is also changing. Finally we will build our new enclosures. The new enclosure was to start this past Wednesday, but the fence material was not delivered until Friday, March 19, 2010. Sigh, so we wait another week. What is one week in the five years we have been talking about it and the three years we have been saving for it.

I can't thank all of you wonderful supporters of the Wolf Sanctuary and our wolf brothers and sisters at large. Without you and the generous donations you make each day, week, month....without you we could not continue. Thank you. Thank you all!

Please come when you can to see the changes to our visitors center and enclosures. We are adding space for our extended family, and making room for more homeless wolves.

Niksa

2010-03-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Proud, strong and full of grace. Niksa, mother to Tioga mate to Merlyn and sister to Kesha. I can't even form words for this loss. Unexpected? Yes. I can say that this was totally unexpected. On Friday March 5th, 2010, we took Niksa in for a check up, she had some spots on her legs, nothing that should cause her to be gone from our family. We came back, but she was not waking up as she should have been. Her sister took this opportunity to try and take over. No this was not good. We pulled her and placed her in a holding pen to wake up fully. We waited, she seemed to come out of it slower then most. Saturday morning we released her back into her pack. She reestablished her position but did not seem quite herself. We kept a weary eye on her, but did not expect to find her as we did. March 8th, she lay there but not asleep. Gone from us, she has joined her brethren free of fences. We bid her farewell, and shed tears of pain in her wake. Take care my sister, until we meet again.

Fencing en garde!

2010-03-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

No not the kind with parry and thrust. Eight foot with wood posts fencing! We have been collecting funds for the last few years and we now have enought to move forward. We will break ground soon! I'm talking weeks not months. Darin and I were over at the fence company to be named shortly. Stay tuned.

Murphy

2010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Murphy was the second male member of the trinity born to Kojak & Thunder. He was playful, aggressive and extremely competitive with his brother Winston and sister Charlie when they were pups. It was predicted that Murphy would become the Alpha male within his own pack, and that is indeed the case. Murphy stood tall and commanded a unique respect from the main pack. His personality was one of affection and expression.

Kojak educated Murphy with affection and strict discipline in helping to achieve the ultimate goal and the future heritage of the wolf, as well as the true meaning of learning to be motivated, stable and free.

On Thursday February 4, 2010, our largest pack lost their their leader. He would have been 11 this year.

Murphy, we shall miss you...

Full Moon Names and Their Meanings

2009-10-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. Here is the Farmers Almanac's list of the full Moon names.

• Full Wolf Moon - January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.

• Full Snow Moon - February Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.

• Full Worm Moon - March As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

• Full Pink Moon - April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month's celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.

• Full Flower Moon - May In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.

• Full Strawberry Moon - June This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!

• The Full Buck Moon - July July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.

• Full Sturgeon Moon - August The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

• Full Corn Moon - September This full moon's name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon.

• Full Harvest Moon - October This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

• Full Beaver Moon - November This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.

• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon - December During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

Harvest Moon

2009-09-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Moon Day 11

This day gives you an abundance of energy and favors moves and changes. It helps to get off the ground a business which was previously derailed. Make sure you put your excess energy into something useful, however, to avoid conflicts and bust-ups.
Next Full Moon Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009

Names Given to the Moon by Other Cultures:

* Colonial American: Hunter's Moon
* Chinese: Kindly Moon
* American Indian (Cherokee): Harvest Moon
* American Indian (Choctaw): Blackberry Moon
* American Indian (Dakotah Sioux): Moon When Quilling and Beading is Done
* Celtic: Harvest Moon
* English Medieval: Blood Moon
* Neo Pagan: Blood Moon

Full Harvest Moon (October)

The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.

This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

Halloween With the Wolves!

2009-09-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN WITH THE WOLVES!

A full moon celebration of Halloween, featuring tours of the sanctuary, costumes, a bonfire, snacks, hot drinks and live music! For ages 16 and over.

Please wear a costume, we will have a costume competition. The other guests will be the judges so dress to impress! There will be a first, second and third prize.

• Full Beaver Moon - This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.

Full Moon Tour

2009-09-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

What is a full moon tour? Well....it's a tour we do once a month on the closest Saturday to the full moon. We say create your own experience. What we mean by that is -- instead of following a tour guide from pack to pack at a regulated pace that fits within a 45 minute to 60 minute time line, you get to go at your own pace from pack to pack talking to a tour guide who is stationed at each pack. You can listen to what they have to say about the wolves we have here. About the wolves at their station or you can ask questions. You move at your own pace. If you get tired and want to sit, you can go over and sit next to a roaring bond fire and just relax. When was the last time you did that? Just sit and relax, no worries. Plenty of time. The full moon tour starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.

Bring a blanket, a flashlight, a chair, maybe some hot dogs and marshmallows. We hope you will come. Sometimes we just sit around and talk, other times we have entertainment. We always have fun, and its always about the wolves.

It rained, so what...

2009-06-22T05:15:00.001-07:00

6:30a.m., the sun is coming out -- YIPPPY!!!! 6:45a.m., it starts to rain, I start to cry. 7:01 a.m. the phone rings, I stop crying and pick up the phone -- Hello??? ...we can't come its raining, I am not coming I don't want to sit their with nothing to do...I may come later...is the fund raiser going rain or shine? Sigh,

Our second annual music and art went off with a, "but yesterday it was BEAUTIFUL!" Oh well the wolves are always here, and so are we. Let me tell you, we had some troopers. I big THANK YOU to the 238 plus folks who came out in the uncertain weather. Every one of us, wolves and staff alike thank you all for your support.

It rained, it shined, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m. and we had fun.

A hardy thanks goes out to --

our musicians:

Boys from Innisfree, Eric Keepers, J.C. Fetlock

our Artists:(who greeted our guests with smiles)

Marlin Mann, Murals and fine art

Susan Afflerbach, Wildlife Painter

Chris Bryan of The North Star
www.thenorthstaroflititzstudioandgallery.com

Richard and Dee Tompkins, Scroll saw and wood work

Marlin Mann, Murals and fine art

Jeff Whimoyer, Nature and Abstract fine art and wildlife photographer

Katelin Smith, Artist - pen and ink or graphite

our Foodies:

The Chicken Man
My Amazing Chef - Bill Shuler
Rachel King, home made yummies!!!!!

Okay, I was at the gate for the most part and did not think this year to have my camera floating about -- sooooo -- if anyone happened to get pics of the event -- PLEASE send them to me and I will post them. You can send them too wolfsanctuary@gmail.com

See you next year under the big top, ya that's right, I figure if we get a tent it will not rain. NO, the wolves will not be under the tent...it won't be that big. :-)

Wolf Sanctuary Fund Raiser

2009-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

June 20th marks the date for the 2nd Annual Music and Art Event with the Wolves of Speedwell Forge. We have many a new face and some not so new to the event. We thought it was time to share!! In no particular order, ok the musicians are in a particular order, as follows:

Scott Galbraith 11:00 – 12:15
From Mr. Gretna featuring Acoustic Guitar and vocals, classic folk and rock

Brian Spangler 12:30 – 1:45
From Mr. Gretna featuring Acoustic Guitar and vocals, classic folk and rock

Boys from Innisfree 2:00 – 3:15
The Boys From Innisfree is an energetic Irish pub band who enjoy singing traditional songs of Ireland, Scotland, England & Newfoundland. They strongly encourage crowd participation. Remember, the better you sound, the better we sound. See you there!

Eric Keepers - 3:30 – 4:45
acoustic classics

J.C. Fetlock 5:00 – 6:30 or 7:00
See you there!

Our artists, gracious and talented, we hope you will thank them while touring the sanctuary....

Susan Afflerbach, Wildlife Painter
www.elmersrainbow.com

Kevin Bennett, Wildlife Photographer
www.BennettsVignettes.com

Chris Bryan of The North Star
www.thenorthstaroflititzstudioandgallery.com

Richard and Dee Tompkins, Scroll saw and wood work

Marlin Mann, Murals and fine art
mysite.verizon.net/scubamann

Lynn Campbell
My name is Lynn Campbell and I live in a small town in western PA. called Ellwood City. I am married and have 1 daughter and son-in- law and 5 grandchildren.( God has truely blessed me). I am a retired hairdresser. I did hair for 30 years and retired to help with daycare for my 5 grandchildren.After I retired I tried many things,stained glass, flower arranging,sewing, but , I started painting about 13 years ago and have barely put my brushes down. I traded a hair brush for a paint brush and couldn't be happier. I am a certified onestroke instructor and I also teach decorative painting ( or tole painting if you prefer).I recieved my teaching certificate in November of 2005. I am a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and was lucky enough to have 2 ornaments that I painted decorate the White House Christmas tree in December of 2005, and I was invited to a reception at the White House with Laura Bush. That was an honor I will not forget. I hope you all will stop by my booth and talk awhile, I love to make new friends and share my love of painting.

Lillie Fernback, Artist
Lillie is a local artist who exhibits at Michelle's Gallery in Ephrata, at Photographers Corner in Lititz and at shows such as the Lititz Outdcoor Art Show. My subjects are flowers, landscapes, birds and some animals. Mediums are watercolors, oils and photography.

Amy Queen, Artist
www.AmyQueenFineArt.com

Marie Brazeil, Artist
www.messinastudio.com

Melissa R. Kulbitsky, Artist
My name is Melissa Kulbitsky. I have been painting or drawing most of my life. That talent combined with my love of animals has made them my favorite subject to put on canvas or paper. I am endlessly fascinated by the world we live in and saddened by the plight of our animal friends. I am also a mother of a 9 year old child and worry about the legacy that we willl leave to her generation. I hope to be able to use my art to bring awareness to the many dangers and issues that we all face.

Jeff Whimoyer, Nature and Abstract fine art and wildlife photographer

Dustin Horne, Mosaic artist

Debra Tritt-Kreiger, Artist
www.debkreiger.com

Thom Glace
www.thomglacewatercolors.com

Linda Brown, Folk Art
www.egalley.com

J. Scott Wolf, Fine Art, Lancaster landscapes
www.egalley.com

Michael McNelley
www.michaelmcnelly.com
Michael has accumulated an impressive collection of awards and ribbons, such as The Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science’s Award of excellence and purchase awards including University of Pennsylvania. His work is represented by numerous galleries nationwide and can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States and overseas.

Katelin Smith, Artist - pen and ink or graphite

There will be food and fun!
The food! The Chicken Man will be there with the best barbecued chicken AND My Amazing Chef - Bill Shuler, chef extraordinary.
The fun!! See the WOLVES! What else? No there will also be games for the kids and face painters.

I am sure there is more, but my brain has stopped working for now. I will be back to blather on some more, but for now -- catch me on facebook.

Thank you!

2009-02-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

This month brought Valentines, and many choose to spend their special day here at the sanctuary. We had a wonderful full moon tour with some lively guitar playing and a bit of singing. And a very nice warm fire. We even were blessed by a light blanket of lovely snow. A hearty THANK YOU!!! to all who attended, and all who volunteered. We look forward to what the new year will bring, as we blow into March. Stay warm and well.

Dog Food

2009-01-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

We have had many folks ask about dog food as a donation. We appreciate every bag we get, so don't be shy. If you want to bring a bag of dog food, we are happy to accept it. Thank you for asking, and Thank you for sharing. See you here at the Sanctuary!

Snow in Lancaster

2009-01-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

Snow!!!! Can you believe it! It actually snowed! The weather man keeps threatening it, and it finally happened. The wolves love this time of year, when we can hardly move about without freezing to the ground. This is the best time to visit the wolves. They thrive is the cold and they frolic in the now. Come share in their happiness.

"In Wildness Is The Preservation Of The World" Henry David Thoreau

Glacier

2008-12-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

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

Wolf Awareness Day -- Year Two

2008-10-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

Tioga of Speedwell

2008-09-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

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!

HOT HOT HOT

2008-08-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

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!

What fun we had!

2008-07-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

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!

National Wolf Awareness Week

2008-07-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Music and Art with the Wolves! June 21, 2008

2008-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

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

Did you know these Wolf Facts?

2008-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

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.