Okay, so they’re not quite dogs, but without wolves, we wouldn’t have dogs, so we owe them a lot.
The history of wolves is fraught with misconception, persecution, near extinction, and embattled recovery efforts. With humans invading wolves’ natural habitats and bringing their prey-perfect livestock with them, the relationship between humans and wolves has always been contentious. While programs have been successful in saving wolves from extinction, more still needs to be done.
Grupo Lobo is a nonprofit group working to conserve the Iberian wolf in its natural habitat of Portugal. The Iberian Wolf Recovery Center, which houses wolves who cannot be reintroduced into the wild, faces closure if the 17-hectare site is not purchased in time.
Though Grupo Lobo has been operating out of the IWRC for the past 25 years, its doors may be shuttered if the nonprofit cannot raise the required $250,00 to purchase the land and give the wolves a permanent natural habitat.The center is a sanctuary for wolves who have been rescued from inappropriate captivity (read: folks thinking they can keep a wolf as a pet), and who are disabled or injured. The center also offers volunteer opportunities for people interested in wildlife conservation.
So join the pack and find out how you can help keep the Iberian wolf safe. Find out more on its Indiegogo website!
Photos via the Grupo Lobo Facebook page