Irene Heaven, Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve, Ltd., Box 202, RR 1, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0, Canada

The Wolf Centre is a 5000 square foot indoor facility located in the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. This facility includes a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that illustrate wolf ecology, behaviour and historical representation through art and literature. In addition, there is a theatre which seats 50 people and a gallery that exhibits changing themes, for example 'Wolves in Movies'. One of the highlights for visitors is the dramatic viewing area that looks out into a 15-acre enclosure. This specially designed observation area allows visitors to view a captive wolf pack through one way glass, as well as, listen to pack interactions via a sensitive external microphone.

The Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre is a private operation receiving none of its funding through government or corporate sponsorship. All of its funding is derived from entrance and membership fees. The wolf centre focuses on providing people with ecological, social and historical perspectives on wolves allowing visitors to formulate educated opinions. In addition, the centre is involved with Hocking College (Ohio) in a cooperative research study regarding the population and diet of wild wolves whose territories include Haliburton Forest. The information gained from scat analysis and howling surveys is shared with visitors to aid in the understanding of the Eastern Grey Wolf that is found in the area.

Research is fundamental in understanding the ecology and behaviour of wolf populations and relaying this information, as well as cultural aspects, to the general public is instrumental in wolf conservation. The goal of the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre is not only to provide people with accurate facts about wolves, but also to allow them to experience wolves. Viewing and listening to unsocialized wolves in their natural environment allows visitors a unique opportunity to have a very personal experience. This enriched experience blooms an appreciation and respect that ultimately allows for people to coexist with wolves, which is key in wolf conservation.

The objective of my oral presentation is to acquaint the symposium audience with the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre, its goals and the important role it has in wolf conservation. The presentation will include the use of slides.