CRY WOLF 

By Frances Gavin & A. Gallagher

The UK Wolf Conservation Trust based in Beenham, Berkshire keeps wolves in captivity and organises walks with the wolves for members and their friends.

HANDLING A WOLF IS LIKE HANDLING A DOG?

Wolves would make such perfect family members that according to Roger Palmer (founder of UK WCT) “One snap of their jaws will leave your arm in two pieces. You never quite know what they are going to do next.”  He said this to Ooze Online when our reporter asked if she could become a helper and wolf walker.  When she told Palmer that she had four large dogs at home, he told her she would be ideal as a wolf handler. Can you handle a wolf like a dog? No authoritative wolf expert we have consulted thinks this is a safe thing to do.

WHAT EXACTLY IS WOLF WALKING?

Wolves are put on lengths of chain and walked with up to 25 people.  They pull and strain on their chains and have to submit to being stroked as if they were pet dogs as shown here below. 

Yet seconds later the wolf doesn't appear so friendly. Look at the body language. Remember according to Roger Palmer "You never quite know what they are going to do next."

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WOLF ATTACKS
There have been numerous well documented attacks, mainly on children, in places as far apart as Canada, India, Iran and Alaska.

IS THIS SAFE?
Is it safe to walk the wolves where there are public footpaths as there are at Butlers Farm and on the adjoining land with one footpath even going within 10 metres of the wolves’ enclosure.

Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for a Trust that purports to be about conservation, to support projects that help improve the habitat of wolves in the wild, rather than perpetuating the agony of captive animals?  Isn’t the idea of animals on chains as redundant as dancing bears? Just because these wolves are born and live in captivity does that mean that they have to be prostituted to sell their charms? 

If you want to see wolves in the UK contact:
Highland Wildlife Park
 www.kincraig.com/wildlife

Wolf education and conservation organisations in the UK:

www.wolfsociety.org.uk

Wolf Watch UK
www.wwuk.org

USA organisations:
International Wolf Center
 www.wolf.org

Wolf Park
 www.wolfpark.org

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