The History of Ambassador Wolves
Ambassadors come in all shapes, sizes and species. Ambassador wolves are often wolves raised in captivity that cannot survive in the wild, are imprinted by humans, are tolerant of leashes and accept travelling to meet human crowds. Many different Ambassador wolves have made public appearances across the United States starting in the 1950's with Lois Crisler. In the 1960's Jack and Sally Martin lead the way with a wolf named Kazan. In 1969 John Harris traveled with two wolves named Clem and Jethro. He worked with more than 15 wolves until his death in 1985. Today the Clem and Jethro Lecture is lead by Johns' companion Pamela Brown. In the late 1970's and early '80s Beth Duman worked with a wolf named Nahani.

At Mission:Wolf we meet many people who excitedly re-play their once in a lifetime experience of meeting an ambassador wolf years ago. Although both the wolf and handler may now be deceased, the individuals recall their memory as if it happened yesterday. No book, video, movie or picture has the same impact as a real experience.

Each year America loses more wild habitat due to human encroachment. At the same time we are finding more people that have never had a wild experience and have little understanding or respect for nature. It is this missing wild experience that now motivates people to seek nature. All of the National Geographic and Animal Planet Specials combined will not satisfy this drive Americans have to experience a personal connection with nature.

Today, It is this drive that fuels the Ambassador Wolf Program of Mission:Wolf. It is the connection the wolves provide that re-kindles and builds a greater respect for nature, and ultimately each other.

To Travel with a Wolf
The Ambassador wolf program of Mission:Wolf has successfully completed fourteen consecutive years providing people a personal experience with the piercing yellow eyes of a wolf. Although traveling with a wolf is not what I planned to do, I have found it to be the most worthwhile use of my time I can imagine. The challenges and sacrifices are overwhelming but so are the rewards.

When I started traveling with ambassador wolves there were less than 800 wild wolves in Minnesota and it was feared they would not survive. Today there are over 4000 wild wolves living in twelve states! To be an active part of wilderness enhancement and witness a nationwide change toward wildlife is truly a privilege.

Ironically the single motivator in the creation of M:W is to provide wolves a remote sanctuary in an isolated spot away from humans. The product of this has provided some of the calmest and social wolves that are often stimulated by human interaction more than they fear it. I have often stated that "as long as a wolf is willing to travel, A suitable vehicle is available, and the public is interested, I will continue the wolf program." I may live to regret that statement.

Today, program requests are more like demands, the ambassador wolves drag us to the bus in excitement of new adventures, and the vehicles, as clunky as they may be continue to do their job. With over a decade of wolf transportation experience we have learned what works and what hurts. A calm wolf comfortable with travelling inspires audiences as they display their curiosity and relaxed nature. Wolves stressed from traveling are often more reserved, shy or nervous in front of audiences and may cause the audience to feel uncomfortable.

With nearly a million miles logged traveling with wolves I have tried virtually every method of transportation imaginable, including a pickup with a shell, a custom built trailer, a full size van conversion, a modified motor home, a renovated school bus and more recently a customized coach bus. Sparing all the details of what works and what hurts we have found the space, quietness, smooth ride and security offered by a full size bus assures the arrival of relaxed wolves at each location.

From other views ( Driver and Mechanic) it is one of the more obnoxious, difficult and expensive responsibilities encountered in this wolf adventure. Although it may be a burden to a few people, from a wolf's perspective it is a by far the best way to travel.

We are in need of sponsors interested in supporting wildlife education that will help us replace our wolf bus.