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Annual Report
Wolf Related News Articles
Basic Wolf Facts
International Wolf Magazine
Our Ely Interpretive Center
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August 29, 2003
CONTACT: Gretchen Diessner, Associate Director, International Wolf Center - 218.365.4695 or asstdir@wolf.org
PHOTOS AVAILABLE AT: www.wolf.org/wolves/news/media_hi_res.asp
10 YEAR HISTORY: www.wolf.org/wolves/news/media_releases.asp
Starting ten years ago, whenever the fire siren sounded in Ely, MN, a unique call answered Š the ambassador pack at the International Wolf Center howled back.
With five wolves in residence and three puppies expected in 2004, the non-profit Center is raising its voice this year in celebration of serving 500,000 visitors and making a difference for populations of wolves since the Center opened in 1993.
"Were taking this opportunity to thank the Minnesota Legislature for funding, the Department of Natural Resources for support, our donors, members and the city of Ely for supporting the Center over the years," said Board Chair Nancy jo Tubbs. "
The $3 million Center opened as a 17,000-square-foot facility featuring the Wolves and Humans exhibit, four gray wolves, the blessings of Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, Senator Doug Johnson, Representative Dave Battaglia and more than 2,000 visitors in its first three days.
In 1996 a $750,000 grant from the Minnesota Legislature, funded the addition of a 3,000-square-foot, 125-seat wolf-viewing auditorium, a classroom and wolf enclosure improvements. A childrenÕs exhibit featuring a crawl-in wolf den opened in 2001.
The Center was the brain child of renowned wolf biologist Dr. L. David Mech, whose research on wolves in the Ely area brought him in touch with hundreds of people who wanted to learn more about an animal that provokes both fear and fascination. After nine years of planning, site selection, fundraising and committee work, the Center opened in Ely at the heart of the largest wolf population in the lower 48 states.
"Wolf populations have grown, always with the possibility of human-wolf conflicts," said Executive Director Walter Medwid. "Now we are aiming educational outreach toward the Twin Cities and to the Southern Rockies. We offer factual information to educators, students, media, legislators, policy makers and the public in hopes of promoting healthy dialogue and decision-making about wolves and the environment."
The Center also reaches out to about 1.9 million visitors each year through its Web site at www.wolf. org.
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